Deloitte has predicted that a massive growth in the number of connected devices – from PCs and mobile phones to digital music players  and gaming consoles – will cause a corresponding leap in electronic devices and other malicious attacks. The mobile phone virus reported over the weekend marks the beginning of this new era.

Tony Cooper, telecoms partner at Deloitte comments: “A growing dependence on electronic devices means that both consumers and businesses are increasingly vulnerable to attack. The proliferation of mobile devices provides a number of new entry points for hackers to gain access to private, corporate and even government networks.

“Continued growth of remote working, mobile phone usage and WiFi deployment will expand this risk. There are already more mobile phones than PCs in the world, suggesting that a widespread attack on mobile devices could have major consequences. Factor in the rapid spread of WiFi – which hackers consider an open network – and the risks become all too evident.

“Businesses face the greatest risk of attack, and could collectively lose millions of pounds a year to hacking, viruses and other malicious intrusions. Companies of all sizes should continually assess the growing risks and actively work to protect themselves – and their customers. As the latest mobile phone virus attack proves – it’s no longer a question of if, but when.

“These threats create a vast market opportunity for companies that sell IT security. The security business will be booming in 2005, with entirely new lines of business springing up from mobile operators, handset makers, services providers and systems integrators,” concludes Cooper.

Ends

Notes to editors

About Deloitte’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Group
The TMT Group is composed of service professionals who have a wealth of experience serving technology, media and telecommunications companies throughout the world in areas including cable, communications providers, computers and peripherals, entertainment, media and publishing, networking, semiconductors, software, wireless, and related industries. These specialists understand the challenges that these companies face throughout all stages of their business growth cycle and are committed to helping them succeed. Deloitte is a leader in providing strategic, financial and operational assistance to its technology, media and telecommunications clients.

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is the UK's fastest growing major professional services firm based in 21 UK locations, with over 10,000 staff nationwide and fee income of £1,246 million in 2003/2004. It is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a leading professional services organisation, delivering world class audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance services, with around 120,000 people in over 140 countries. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.