Security

Small, medium, and large organizations in North America are increasing their spending on security products and services over the next few years to the extent that end-user expenditures will grow 78 per cent between 2003 and 2007, from US$4.5 billion to $8 billion, according to a study released last fall by San Jose-based Infonetics Research, Inc. Titled User Plans for Security Products and Services, North America 2003, the study covers security products, security services and PKI.

Noted computer hacker Kevin Mitnick is offering cash in exchange for tales of hacking escapades to fill a new book he is writing for publisher John Wiley & Sons Inc.

For computer security experts, 2003 started with the Slammer Internet worm and went downhill from there. The year, which included four major worm and virus outbreaks just in August, has been labelled the "year of the worm" and "the worst year ever" by more than one computer security expert.

Network equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc. is warning customers about security holes in its PIX firewall product and firewall software that runs on the Catalyst 6500 Series and 7600 Series switches.