Modern Attacks Beating Browsers & Antivirus Solutions

Researchers at Cyveillance, specialist in messaging security, have released the findings of its report on cyber intelligence which indicate that most of the current cutting-edge malicious software and phishing attacks are capable of bypassing popular browser filtering and antivirus technologies.

According to them, the rates of malware detection are getting worse, suggesting that attackers are succeeding in controlling their potential targets. The report further says that over 50% of active phishing and malware attacks on the Net remain unidentified, with malware and phishing accounting for an average identification rate of 37% and 42% respectively.

Panos Anastassiadis, CEO and Chairman of Cyveillance, states that since majority of damage happens within 24 hours of a strike, it is crucial that the attacks are detected early, as reported by PRWeb on February 2, 2009.

Security experts explained that since antivirus software basically spot previously recognized malware threats, perpetrators fast replace recently found malware threats with new versions as well as take advantage of the time lag in findings to elude detection to infect systems.

Moreover, during the last six months of 2008, the countries that were the largest distributors of malicious software included the United States (30%) and China (28%), with the next biggest distributors are United Kingdom (6%), Korea (4%) and Germany (4%), according to the report. All these nations complement the list of top 5 malware-distributors.

The report further states that phishing attacks continue to escalate across new industries worldwide. During the last six months of 2008, Cyveillance observed a rise in fresh phishing attacks on the social networking and media industries, and in those countries that had not been phished earlier.

Moreover, 159 distinct new brands became targets of phishers in the last six months of 2008, representing a minor decline in comparison to the new brands phished in the same period its previous year.

Meanwhile, as July-December 2008 witnessed continuous growth in online scams, the security specialists advise Internet users to be more careful. Also, according to Panos, a combination of modern protective technologies and real-time intelligence can help organizations to mitigate the dangers of modern dynamic cyber threats.

Related article: MetroNet Customers Warned Against Phishing E-mails

» SPAMfighter News - 2/19/2009