"Netbook security is not there yet"

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Published: 4 March 2009 14:12 GMT by Reuters

Tags: netbook

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Netbooks have made headlines since their 2007 launch but their cheap cost could also carry a steep price tag due to lax security that makes them easier prey for viruses and hackers.

Since their introduction less than two years ago by Taiwan's Asus, nearly all major PC makers, including Acer, Dell, HP and Lenovo, have jumped on the netbook bandwagon.

Security from A to Z

Click on the links below to find out more...

A is for Antivirus
B is for Botnets
C is for CMA
D is for DDoS
E is for Extradition
F is for Federated identity
G is for Google
H is for Hackers
I is for IM
J is for Jaschan (Sven)
K is for Kids
L is for Love Bug
M is for Microsoft
N is for Neologisms
O is for Orange
P is for Passwords
Q is for Questions
R is for Rootkits
S is for Spyware
T is for Two-factor authentication
U is for USB sticks/devices
V is for Virus variants
W is for Wi-fi
X is for OS X
Y is for You
Z is for Zero-day

But their no frills nature, combined with low computing power could combine to create the perfect storm for hackers and virus creators looking for easy targets, analysts say.

Sam Yen, China marketing manager at antivirus software maker Symantec, said: "The internet is full of dangers, regardless of what computer you are using.

"But keeping in mind that the netbook is primarily used to surf the internet, those dangers are possibly multiplied many-fold, especially if there is no antivirus software installed in the machine."

Price tags as low as $300 mean that netbooks often lack such standard gear as firewalls and other antivirus software typically found in other computers, leaving them highly vulnerable to attacks.

Pranab Sarmah, an analyst at the Daiwa Institute of Research, said: "Frankly, netbook security is not there yet.

"The positioning of the netbook means PC brands are going to do whatever it takes to make the price point attractive to consumers, which means keeping costs low."

Netbooks were a glimmer of light in the tech sector last year, and IDC research firm says they could dramatically outperform the overall PC market in 2009. It forecasts netbook shipments will more than double to nearly 21 million units this year, compared with about four per cent growth to 305 million units for all PCs.

Netbook pioneer Asus believes its models already include built-in security features and other options that are sufficient for the typical user, said Samson Hu, who runs the company's netbook operations.

"We've got a tie-up with Symantec where users who want to can pay a little more for that additional security," he said.

"We've received lots of good feedback from users, but of course, everyone should be aware of internet security issues when they are connected to any network."

Some experts say netbooks' inability to run effective security could crimp future growth, scaring away lucrative corporate users who regularly deal with sensitive data. Corporate buyers now account for more than half of all PC sales.

Eric Ashdown, senior director for security strategy and risk management at Accenture, said: "For most companies, they'll still choose conventional laptops that allow them to run software that protects the information hidden inside it."

"If I'm somebody doing corporate IT work, I wouldn't be looking at netbooks as a viable option. I would need more security, which they can't offer right now."