Symantec launches fraud consulting service

The programme is designed to help large and medium-sized businesses avoid common security threats such as phishing and pharming attacks.

Symantec is aiming the service particularly at sites that handle large numbers of financial transactions, such as banks and larger web retailers.

The service centres on a security consultant who can work on-site or off-site to examine the company's IT structure, and outline possible avenues for attack and other potential security risks.

The assessment is then compared to a blueprint from Symantec, and suggestions made for how to improve security.

Ted Donat, director of product management at Symantec Consulting, told vnunet.com that the programme followed demand from customers fearful of losing user trust.

"This is a major issue resonating in the boardroom," he said. "Our customers are very concerned about the erosion of their brand because of online fraud."

The Symantec service also offers sustained security support. Customers will be given access to Symantec's global intelligence network of researchers and user volunteers.

Donat cited this "network" as one of the strongest parts of the offering. " This is the experience we bring from many, many years on the security front," he said.

The service also includes PR support, providing letters and educational material that can be redistributed to customers, as well as customer service support and advice on how to deal with data breaches and other instances of cyber-crime.