Computer viruses: threats, costs, and prevention strategies

Leadership Strategies

Over the last several years, the issue of computer viruses has been increasingly brought to the forefront. This is because the technology and techniques of hackers are more sophisticated. According to Statistic Brain, this problem is wide spread with a total of 8.9 million active viruses. This affects 40% of users at some point in time. For businesses, these challenges can result in decreased productivity and increased costs. To fully understand what is happening requires focusing on the causes of the problem and possible solutions. Together, these elements will provide specific insights about how firms can avoid these kinds of issues. ("Computer Virus Statistics," 2012) (Nahhas, 2009) (Stamp, 2011)

Problem

This report is going to be focusing on the primary reasons why businesses are susceptible to computer viruses. In a study conducted by McAfee (a software solutions provider), they found that the total costs all corporations are dealing with is $6.3 million per day (from virus related attacks). Moreover, once the malicious software has been removed is when there is the possibility of a secondary attack. This is when a hacker could have captured some key passwords and is attempting to manually decode them through trial and error. These issues are problematic, as it could expose a firm's trade secrets and financial information to hackers. ("McKenzie," 2012) (Nahhas, 2009)

To avoid these issues requires understanding the problem and how it can be dealt with. This will ensure that costs are decreased and productivity remains stable by taking preventive measures to reduce the dangers. Those organizations that do not follow these guidelines will more than likely face more severe challenges in the future (as the overall scope of these attacks are becoming more severe). ("McKenzie," 2012) (Nahhas, 2009)

Solutions

The best solution for dealing with problem is to have a backup system in place. This can be used in the event of a disruption. At the same time, a series of firewalls should be integrated together to monitor and detect any kind of threats. The most logical way to address these challenges is for a firm to appoint an individual or outsource to an organization that can monitor these activities. Then, have these individuals working with the staff to identify and isolate threats. If this were to occur, the odds decrease dramatically of experiencing any kind of major disruptions. (Stailings, 2011) (Stamp, 2011) (Gilley, 2008) (Albers, 2009)

Audience

The readers will need to see how the problem is worse than expected, what tools they can use, the way this will assist them and continuing service after the sale. The problem is directed at corporate executives, managers, business owners and entrepreneurs. These are the primary readers. Our position is to provide them with timely information about how to deal with these kinds of challenges. (Walsh, 2012) (Braksick, 2012)

This will help to improve customer communication engagement. According to Walsh (2012), this is one of the keys for ensuring that any organization is meeting the needs of cliental. In the future, this provides the audience with more ideas. This is the point that they can use these concepts inside their own firms. (Walsh, 2012)

Experience

The credentials will be discussed by looking at the background of the authors from the research. They can provide specific insights and help to identify trends. This is related to the topic by improving the accuracy and validity of the study. My career plans are to use these ideas in offering solutions to help firms address these challenges. The insights that are learned will provide experience. This is what makes me qualified to work on the project. (Walsh, 2012) (Braksick, 2012) (Dewhurst, 2010)

Conclusion

If we are allowed to proceed, these strategies will lead to a positive transformation in organizational thinking. This will improve the accuracy and validity of the research. It will also assist executives in understanding these problems and how they can be addressed.