Constant Connectivity, Proliferation of Mobile Devices and Apps Will Create More Security Concerns in 2012

The widespread adoption of mobile devices, proliferation of applications and growth of cloud computing are helping accelerate business technology and social benefits.  Nevertheless, today's always-on world brings with it a new and ever-changing set of security challenges.

The Verizon 2011 Data Breach Investigations Report

According to the Verizon "2011 Data Breach Investigations Report," the number of data attacks has tripled in the past five years, making the need to balance security with risk an even greater priority for businesses and consumers.

With this trend in mind, Verizon's ICSA Labs division recommends that businesses and consumers guard against the following 13 security threats in 2012:

The proliferation of Internet connectivity

"The proliferation of Internet connectivity, mobile devices and Web applications are helping to enrich lives and advance global business possibility in new meaningful ways," said Roger Thompson , emerging threats researcher, ICSA Labs.  "Nevertheless in this new era of hyper-connectivity,  which is compounded by the blurring of lines between our professional and personal lives, it's everyone's responsibility -- whether as a business user or a consumer -- to safeguard our online activities and interact with innovation responsibly to protect our assets, identity and privacy."

About VerizonVerizon Communications Inc., headquartered in New York , is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale clients.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 107 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon as well provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to clients in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with $106.6 billion in 2010 earnings, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.