By Keri Algar

SYDNEY, NSW: Security risks for smaller internet platforms like IPTVs and smartphones, are not being catered to by security companies, leaving consumers vulnerable to attack.

People are connected daily to at least five internet capable devices, many on small platforms including smartphones, PCs, and IPTVs according to Systems Integration Specialists Company (SISCO). By 2013 this figure is expected to leap to 140 devices per person.

Whilst security companies advocate preventative measures, AVG security evangelist Lloyd Borrett, admits he is unaware of internet security and antivirus software available for the smaller platforms.

“It’s [IPTV] a very insignificant platform to target,” said Borrett to Current.com.au this morning.

“It’s got to make economic sense. For example, we’ve had a version of a solution for the Mac platform for quite some time but it’s not been economically viable to actually start marketing it.”

“At this stage I don’t think too many people are going to threaten IPTVs. Attacking the TV isn’t going to get [hackers] anything, maybe fun and notoriety, but they’re not going to make money from it.”

“Almost all threats are about identity theft or people making money, and there’s no money to be made. If there’s not a big enough platform to attack, the bad guys just don’t do it.”

Borrett said security software would probably be made available “when we see more threats actually targeting TVs.”

“Video is where the next big threats will probably happen because there’s a huge increase in the global flow of information. In 2007 we were seeing 1.4 billion DVDs crossing the internet. In 2010, 4.8 billion DVDs and in 2013 it is predicted to be 12.8 billion DVDs. In other words, 91 per cent of all consumer internet traffic will be video.”

“Security companies are always trying to stay ahead of the game and use foresight to predict where things are going.”

“There are quite a number of senior people in AVG that come from the mobile phone industry – who are very aware of what’s happening in the new and growing markets and what are the security demands.”