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Trojan-Type Malware On The Rise
Mike Sachoff
Staff Writer
2009-08-03
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During the first six months of 2009, malware writers have continued their efforts to infect computer users in order to receive direct financial gain and/or to seize control over their machines, according to a new report from BitDefender.
 | | Trojan-Type Malware On The Rise |  |
Trojan-type malware is increasing, accounting for 83 percent of the global malware detected.
While Trojans were the most active threats in the last six months, the Downadup worm caused the most damage to users. Downadup was able to compromise a record number of worldwide computers (about 11 million). Targeting systems with unpatched MS08-067 vulnerabilities, the worm can send itself to any clean computer it has already infected on the same network and looks to gain access to file shares.
"The Internet is one of the most important communications vehicles -- used for business, schooling and leisure. It has also become a channel for criminals to gain access to a vast number of computer systems, financial data and information," said Vlad Vlceanu, Head of BitDefender Antispam Research Lab.
"Cybercriminals are not going to stop looking for ways to enhance their e-threats, which is why it is essential for computer users to make sure they have a security solution in place that can provide them with advanced, proactive protection."
During the last six months, the most active countries in terms of spreading malware were China, France and the United States, followed by Romania, Spain and Australia.
BitDefender estimates that more than 55,000 users fall victim to phishing scams each month, totaling 330,000 victims from January through June 2009.
"Most importantly, unlike malware, phishing and spam are universal e-threats -- they work on any computer, regardless of their operating systems and security patches," Vlceanu commented.
"Extra caution and a highly-rated antimalware solution with antispam, antiphishing and antimalware modules are a must-have for anyone surfing the web."
View All Articles by Mike Sachoff
About the Author:
Mike is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest ebusiness news.
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