Microsoft to help firms improve computer security

COMPUTER giant Microsoft has launched a major programme to improve computer security and help protect Irish businesses from viruses that can bring their operations to a standstill.

The firm plans a nationwide series of free training seminars and a radio advertising campaign aimed at raising awareness of the need to safeguard computer systems.

Microsoft Ireland business and marketing officer Leon McCarthy said security had become Microsoft’s main priority and that recent alerts such as the MyDoom virus had increased the need for vigilance.

“Organisations and individuals need to view data as an asset and need to take responsibility for the protection of their data assets,” said Ms McCarthy.

The company hopes to reach over 1,200 information technology (IT) professionals with seminars in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Limerick and Galway over the next four months. The Cork seminar will take place at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel on March 25.

Microsoft will also visit third level colleges around the country.

Topics covered at the seminars will include the essential requirements to protect computers, guidance on setting up a security process within an organisation and applied security strategies that build on a company’s existing knowledge of computer hardware security.