Bach Khao Warns of More Virus Attacks in 2009

The Bach Khao Internetwork Security Center (BKIS) warned that computer viruses would continue to be a major threat for PC users.

Statistics given by BKIS revealed that around 33,137 computer viruses were discovered during 2008 in Vietnam. Out of these, 33,101 hailed from foreign countries and 36 were written by Vietnamese.

BKIS also stated that the number of computer viruses targeting Vietnamese users has multiplied. For instance, around 6,752 viruses were detected in Vietnam during 2007, of which 14 were locally created. All the viruses targeting Vietnam came from Ukraine, Russia and China, leading to the total loss of US$ 150 Million to all computer users.

Further, during 2008, viruses attacked systems in Vietnam were 59,450,000 Million times more than previous year. The virus which targeted the maximum number of PCs (around 420,000) was W32.SecretW.Worm.

Security experts said that this increase in computer viruses is accredited to below average level of security measures in the country. Systems are more vulnerable to hacking and various other forms of threats because of user's ignorance. BKIS also cautioned that this would lead to more attacks by computer viruses in 2009.

Director of the BKIS, Nguyen Tu Quang, said that computer viruses, which are software programs made to circulate among systems and intervene with their works, will come up in large amount, as reported by VIETNAM BUSINESS FINANCE on January 16, 2009.

Quang explained the latest trend of computer viruses. He said that viruses with overwriting tactics will overwrite standard files of the Windows operating system, making the infected systems out of order or dysfunctional.

BKIS also revealed that Ministries of Justice and Public Security have amended some clauses in the Criminal Law to deal with techno-savvy criminals. It is claimed that the clauses define the detail measures to be taken against cyber crimes and online attacks and will be approved by the National Assembly by early 2010. The punishment for these crimes include up to 12 years in prison.

Quang also said that the law is a legal paradigm to cyber criminals in Vietnam.

Related article: Bugs Swell In Browsers in 2006

» SPAMfighter News - 2/2/2009