In the new world of online security threats, much needs to be done to protect the infrastructure, the information and the interactions of those that use the Internet for work and play. This was the message of Symantec Chairman and CEO John W. Thompson, speaking as a guest in the IDA Distinguished Infocomm Speaker Series on 31 October 2006.

"Confidence is the essential component in today's digital world," said Mr Thompson. "Consumers and enterprises alike need to feel confident that their information is safe and their interactions are secure. Otherwise, the digital lifestyle will not be as exciting or dynamic, and we will not realise the full potential that new technologies bring to the connected world."

Mr Thompson noted the great strides made by Singapore's Infocomm industry in the past quarter century: growing from S$69 million to S$37.89 billion; from 850 infocomm professionals to more than 111,000 today. Over the past decade, Internet adoption has also gone from 8.6% of all households to 66%.

Security must be more than merely protecting the data on a machine

He also made reference to Singapore's Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) Masterplan, which he said was an ambitious plan that would make Singapore more competitive. "Technology alone isn't the answer. People are just as important as technology and policies," said Mr Thompson. "I am pleased to see the emphasis that iN2015 places on human capital – both in training more IT security professionals and educating end-users here in Singapore about the risks they face online and what they can do to mitigate them."

The ability to collaborate online, work remotely and engage in more multiparty transactions is leading to more online activity. Email and email attachments can contain up to 75% of a company's intellectual property and must be guarded closely. Organisations need to keep confidential information inside the company and filter messages on their way out of the network. At the same time there are internal risks ranging from the malicious user to the threat of non-compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

Unfortunately, the network perimeter can no longer be locked down. According Mr Thompson, it is no longer defined by physical assets in the data center or desktop in the office. "People are the new network perimeter," he said. "Wherever they are and through whichever device they are accessing the network is where the line of defence must be drawn."

According to Mr Thompson, the battleground for security is no longer just the computer, or even the network. Protecting customers' information and interactions require more sophisticated security processes and technologies. "From 2002 to 2004, there were almost 100 medium-to-high risk attacks from viruses or worms," said Mr Thompson. "Last year there were only six. What is being targeted has changed. Phishing, identity theft and malicious users are the new threats."

Mr Thompson called for the business community to help consumers build their confidence in online transactions by helping them develop an "online sixth sense" about whether a site is safe to do business with. He advocates doing this through extending the blanket of security to the consumer through security solutions designed to protect the integrity of the transaction. "Moving forward, I believe that secure interactions will become a key differentiator for e-tailers. Consumers will seek out those vendors who they feel they can trust," said Mr Thompson. "Secure transactions will become essential to the growth of the Infocomm industry as it builds customer and consumer confidence in the online experience."