It is becoming increasingly evident that research on network security is crucial for the protection of critical telecommunications and computing systems. This is especially true considering the popularity of more powerful mobile computing devices and new technologies such as cloud computing and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP).
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan ( http://www.networksecurity.frost.com ), World Vulnerability Research Tracker CY-2009 , finds that the market reported 308 vulnerabilities in 2009 - a slight decline from the 422 vulnerabilities reported in 2008. Despite this drop, the number of reported vulnerabilities increased each quarter and is expected to increase steadily in the future.
If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Jake Wengroff, Corporate Communications, at jake.wengroff@frost.com , with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.
In 2009, companies invested considerably in vulnerability research despite the challenges faced during the economic downturn. This trend will continue as established researchers become more proficient, and as both customers and software vendors realize the value of vulnerability intelligence services.
"New software and technology empowers users and improves productivity," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Chris Rodriguez. "Unfortunately, it can also expose users to cyber attacks."
Organizations with contributor compensation programs are attracting a large number of researchers with offers of financial rewards. As demonstrated by the sudden rise of new entrants, contributor compensation programs can lower entry barriers and encourage individual researchers to make a more valuable impact on the state of security.
"The vendors that have supplemented their research abilities through bug bounty programs have been the top reporters of original vulnerability data in recent years," observes Rodriguez. "Improper reporting processes can provide hackers with an advantage, and researchers may not get due credit if they wait too long."
For now, this industry will deal with several polarized points of debate and will not completely tap into its growth potential.