Sophos Security Threat Management Report Reveals Trojan Domination and Marked Decrease in Mass Emails7 July 2006
Sophos, a world leader in integrated threat management solutions, has announced the availability of its mid-year security report, The Sophos Security Threat Management Report Update. The report reveals a significant decline in the number of new viruses and worms as cyber criminals focused on stealing information and financial gain by relying on spyware, phishing and malware threats such as Trojans and ransomware. To view the Sophos Security Threat Management Report Update in its entirety, visit: http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/whitepapers/sophos-security-report-jun06-srus
Findings show that the most widespread threat from January to date is the Sober-Z worm, which at its peak, accounted for one in every 13 emails, even though it was programmed to stop spreading on January 6, 2006. New Trojans now outweigh viruses and worms by 4:1, compared to 2:1 in the first half of 2005, yet worms continue to dominate the mass email charts. Further reinforcing this, only one email in every 91 was viral to date, compared with one in every 35 for the same period in 2005.
"It's clear that cyber criminals are screaming 'Show me the money!'" said Ron O'Brien, senior security analyst for Lynnfield, Mass.-based Sophos. "As financially-motivated cyber criminals resort to stealth attacks and continue to refine their tactics, it's more vital than ever for organizations to employ an integrated security solution to protect against intrusion, as well as blocking known and unknown malware."
The top ten malware threats of the first half of 2006 are as follows:
Position Name Percentage First seen
1 Sober-Z 22.4% November 2005
2 Netsky-P 12.2% March 2004
3 Zafi-B 8.9% June 2004
4 Nyxem-D 5.8% January 2006
5 Mytob-FO 3.3% November 2005
6 Netsky-D 2.4% March 2004
7 Mytob-BE 2.3% June 2005
8 Mytob-EX 2.2% October 2005
9 Mytob-AS 2.2% June 2005
10 Bagle-Zip 1.9% March 2004
Other 36.3%
Since June 2005, the number of malware variations protected against by Sophos has increased 29% from 140,118 to 180,292. The vast majority of malware continues to be written for Windows -- including all the top ten threats -- even as the first malware for Mac OS X was seen in February 2006. Mac malware has not become widespread, despite predictions around the expected increase of malicious code aimed at Macs.
"The storm of iViruses targeting Macs never materialized, and for the time being it seems Mac can still safely say it's a safe alternative for computer users," continued O'Brien. "However, with the expected launch of Microsoft Vista slated for 2007, it is unclear what lies ahead for Microsoft. One thing rings true for both Mac and Microsoft users however -- systems, targets and methods may change, but cyber criminals will evolve with them and follow the scent of profit that they crave."
Fast facts:
* Viral emails down to one in 91
* New Trojans outweigh viruses and worms 4:1, accounting for 82% of all
new threats in the first six months of 2006
* One in every two Trojans in the first half of 2006 has contained spyware
components
* Old-timers dominate the charts; Nyxem-D worm (Karma Sutra) only new
threat on top ten list
* Rootkits and ransomware are top new threats
* Most severe cyber crime sentence dealt out in May 2006 to Jeanson James
Ancheta
* More than 180,000 malware threats now detected by Sophos
The report offers focused predictions on key industry challenges including: mobile, Windows Vista and Mac. The report also identifies which countries have been responsible for relaying the most spam during the first half of 2006, citing Asia as the top spamming continent and the United States as the top individual country. In addition, the increased focus on stock scams is detailed, including the recent attack targeting Southern Cosmetics.
For more information about safe computing, please visit: http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/bestpractice/
About Sophos
Sophos is a world leader in integrated threat management solutions, protecting against known and unknown malware, spyware, intrusions, unwanted applications, spam and policy abuse for business, education and government. Sophos's reliably-engineered, easy-to-operate products protect more than 35 million users in more than 150 countries. Through 20 years' experience and a global network of threat analysis centers, the company responds rapidly to emerging threats -- no matter how complex -- and achieves the highest levels of customer satisfaction in the industry. On the web at: http://www.sophos.com.
Jennifer Torode
Sophos
781-973-1101
jennifer.torodesophos.com
Erica Camilo
Horn Group
781-356-7161
ecamilohorngroup.com
For further information: Jennifer Torode of Sophos, +1-781-973-1101, jennifer.torode@sophos.com; or Erica Camilo of Horn Group for Sophos, +1-781-356-7161, ecamilo@horngroup.com /Web Site: http://www.sophos.com
Source: newswire
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