THE chair of the Myanmar Computer Professionals Association has warned internet users to ensure that their computers are protected by security systems.

U Thaung Tin said he was issuing the warning following the release of figures showing a record number of internet crimes throughout the world last year.

“Because of the increase in cyber crimes it is vital to have efficient computer security systems in a country such as Myanmar that is heading towards establishing an e-society,” he said.

More than 100,000 types of viruses affected the global internet network last year, of which more than 50 per cent had not been detected previously, U Thaung Tin said.

He said the damage wrought by viruses had changed from wiping information from computers to obtaining personal data by deception.

“We cannot avoid cyber crimes when we are working to build an e-society but we can take steps to protect ourselves from them,” he said.

Security measures based on international standards were also necessary for the businesses which make software for the international market, U Thaung Tin said, adding that such businesses should also have certificates to show they had taken precautions against cyber crimes.

U Thaung Tin said about 70 per cent of the viruses could be thwarted by preparing respective cyber security guidelines for individual business and organisations in addition to using technical protection such as firewalls and anti-virus software.

Myanmar established the Myanmar Computer Emergency Response Team (mmCERT) last July to assist in tackling cyber crimes, said U Thaung Tin, who is a coordinator with the team.

The 13-member team cooperates with other national CERTs to combat cyber crimes and it also assists those who are victims of viruses.