03/20/10
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Seattle and Boston top list of most malware-infected cities
Seattle and Boston finished first and second, respectively, on Symantec's recent study that ranked the U.S. cities with largest malware infection rates. Both cities are at such high risk because of their high rate of cyber attacks and the frequeny with which residents make purchases and pay bills online.
San Francisco ranks fourth on the list due to its other ranking atop the list: Cities with the most wireless hot spots. Cities that have a lot of internet cafes are also at great risk because of the availability of easily accessible private networks. Web security professionals advise users never to conduct personal business when using a wireless connection at a coffee shop or restaurant.
“With more people than ever relying on the internet to stay in touch, shop and pay their bills, feeling confident and secure in our information-driven world is vital,” Marian Merritt of Norton said. “This study highlights the cities most at risk of cybercrime and reminds individuals, families and businesses across the country of the hazards they face each time they go online. We're here to educate consumers about how to protect themselves and ideally never fall victim to cybercrime.”
Among Canadian cities, Burlington, Ontario and Port Coquit, British Columbia ranked as the top two cities with the highest malware threat, accoriding to the Toronto Sun.
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