Criminals Hacking into Websites Keep Malware Active Longer

According to the Global Threat Report of ScanSafe, a Web security company, remotely controlled Websites are remaining contaminated longer. The annual report has been prepared on the basis of an analysis of 80 Billion Web requests and more than 800 Million Web threats that the company blocked during 2007.

The report says that Web threats like Trojans, viruses and other types of malware are spreading in large numbers. Also, malware is being increasingly hosted on a large number genuine Websites while the infected sites are staying compromised for longer time periods, over two months in some instances.

ScanSafe's annual report also says that the most common malware captures passwords and various other sensitive details relating to bank accounts and online games. With this, company and private financial information are put at high risks while enterprises are challenged with compliance risks and legal liability.

ScanSafe further indicates that in addition to finding a variety of malicious items, it has discovered that the span of time a site is hosting malicious software remained online increased in the last six months of 2007. According to the report, malicious code on contaminated sites stayed active for a mean 29 days in the latter half of 2007 recording a high of 62% from the earlier half of 2007.

As per ScanSafe's report statistics, there has not only been a considerable increase in familiar malware but 'new' or zero day threats also accounted on average, 21% of total malware that ScanSafe blocked.

Giving a comment on the report, Mary Landesman, Senior Security Researcher, ScanSafe, said that the growth in the number and longevity of malicious code is exposing users to online threats so that cyber criminals take advantage of huge opportunity, as reported by techradar on March 31, 2008.

Besides, ScanSafe's yearly report also predicted that 'Web 2.0' would go on allowing sophisticated malware attacks in the wake of its users increasingly becoming rich targets.

ScanSafe's report also predicts that roaming and remote security would grow to become an escalated problem because of its distinct security challenges. Also, an underground market would develop where stolen database would be stored and traded.

Related article: Criminals Hack With More Evil Tactics

» SPAMfighter News - 4/8/2008