A leading Irish security company is investing €2 million setting up a cyber-security operation.

Top Security's announcement yesterday comes as companies worry about the impact on business of the latest computer virus, MyDoom, and a growing problem of unsolicited spam email.

Topsec Technology will offer around-the-clock monitoring of critical network devices and servers.

It will also keep tabs on the content of emails and internet usage by staff.

Mr Emmet O'Rafferty, managing director of Top Security, said the move into IT security was a "natural progression".

"We adapt constantly to the changing threats posed to our clients," he said.

"Many companies are only too well aware of the need to protect their physical premises but, as yet, do not realise that the same level of protection is required for their IT infrastructure."

He said Topsec Technology would brief clients on problems identified at an early stage so that they could be addressed before they impact on a business.

Mr Brian Honan, the general manager of Topsec, said that while there were a number of companies providing different elements of security and network management services in Ireland, it would integrate these in a 24-hour monitoring of security breaches and system failures.

Apart from blocking attacks of the sort that have crippled MyDoom target Sco this weekend and detecting infected emails, the company will also limit access to websites "to reduce non-business activity and bandwidth consumption".

Top Security has recently filed accounts for the year to the end of February 2003. These show turnover of €9.2 million, up 3.5 per cent. Pre-tax profits fell 6.3 per cent though they were slightly ahead after tax.