OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (Map) - OVERLAND PARK, Kan., May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Most businesses probably feel far removed from Odysseus' sneak attack against his competition with the Trojan horse, but cybercriminals are using their own modern-day Trojans to sneak into businesses' networks and computers and attack them by stealing information, sabotaging data, disrupting service and laundering money.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Computer Crime Survey, based on the responses of more than 2,000 public and private organizations, found that nearly 90 percent had experienced security attacks within a year's time, and most of these attacks resulted in financial losses. Viruses and worms were the most costly, accounting for $12 million of the $32 million in total losses.

While viruses and spyware were cited as the most common types of attacks in the survey, cybercriminals have an arsenal of tools from which to choose -- the aforementioned Trojans, bots and zombies to name a few -- and they can come from anywhere in the world. Survey results showed 36 different countries were sources of attacks against respondents.

The best way for businesses to defend themselves against cyber attacks is to invest in the appropriate level of security needed to manage their risks, but picking the right security solution can be an overwhelming process because there are many options in the marketplace. It can be especially difficult for small businesses that don't employ IT professionals.

To simplify the process, businesses should consider working with a provider that offers a full portfolio of security options. EMBARQ, for example, has created EMBARQ(TM) Business Security Solutions, a complete security suite that combats multiple risks with a portfolio of options including software, hardware and network-based solutions.

"Our research has shown that at least half of all businesses believe that data security is one of the most pressing issues they face," said Susan Sarna, vice president of marketing and product management for EMBARQ. "No one security measure can protect them from all threats, so we worked with security industry leaders to develop a one-stop security toolbox. Our portfolio lets businesses pick the appropriate level of security to manage risk according to their unique needs."

The EMBARQ(TM) Business Security Solutions portfolio includes desktop, network and e-mail security as well as continuity services such as back-up, recovery and re-routing. Each of the security services can by purchased individually or together using monthly payments, which is another bonus for small businesses because paying for security products up front can often time be a financial hurdle.

Cybercriminals develop new weapons for their arsenal every day, and their armies continue to grow in size. Combating them in the most effective ways possible helps reduce the likelihood that your business will be their next victim. Technology will only become more integral in business, so having appropriate security measures in place to protect information, resources and even the businesses themselves has never been more vital. For more information, visit Embarq.com/security.

About EMBARQ

Embarq Corporation (NYSE: EQ), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a complete suite of communications services. The company has approximately 18,000 employees and operates in 18 states. EMBARQ is included in the S&P 500. For consumers, EMBARQ offers an innovative portfolio of services that includes reliable local and long distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network(R) -- all on one monthly bill. EMBARQ(TM) High-Speed Internet customers also have access to the myembarq.com portal featuring premium services including EMBARQ(TM) Unlimited Music and broadband video on demand. For businesses, EMBARQ has a comprehensive range of flexible and integrated services designed to help businesses of all sizes be more productive and communicate with their customers. This service portfolio includes local voice and data services, long distance, Business Class High Speed Internet, wireless, satellite TV from DIRECTV(R), enhanced data network services, voice and data communication equipment and managed network services. EMBARQ received the highest numerical score among providers of local telephone voice services in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Voice Services Study(SM). Study based on responses from 2,048 business customers measuring 4 providers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in January-February 2007. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. For more information, visit embarq.com