omputer virus attacks cost global businesses an estimated $55 billion in damages in 2003, a sum that would rise this year, said Trend Micro Inc., the world's third-largest antivirus software maker. Companies lost roughly $20 billion to $30 billion in 2002 from the virus attacks, up from about $13 billion in 2001, according to various industry estimates. "The economic and financial impact of virus attacks will continue to climb in 2004," Lionel Phang, Trend Micro's Managing Director told Reuters in an interview. He did not have a forecast for the year. . . .
JANUARY 16, 2004 ( REUTERS ) - Computer virus attacks cost global businesses an estimated $55 billion in damages in 2003, a sum that would rise this year, said Trend Micro Inc., the world's third-largest antivirus software maker.

Companies lost roughly $20 billion to $30 billion in 2002 from the virus attacks, up from about $13 billion in 2001, according to various industry estimates.

"The economic and financial impact of virus attacks will continue to climb in 2004," Lionel Phang, Trend Micro's Managing Director told Reuters in an interview. He did not have a forecast for the year.

Spam threats and network viruses will likely become more prevalent in 2004, he said. "The spam threat will increase exponentially, and will become the hideouts for viruses and hacking programs trying to gain an entry into the network," he added.

One attack every month

Last year, there was almost one major virus attack every month, including the well-known Slammer worm, which shut down Internet service providers in South Korea, disrupted plane schedules and knocked out automatic teller machines in January.

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