PCWorld Releases 2009 Online Security Developments Update

PCWorld has issued its 2009 Internet Security Trends Update that highlights the most dangerous threats on the Web. The threats that appear to be dominating are social media attack codes, 'scareware' or fake antivirus programs, financial crisis frauds, malware, phishing, etc. Apparently, cyber criminals tend to do everything to survive.

PCWorld has stated that the effects of cyber crimes seem to be widespread and there is hardly anyone who hasn't felt the impact of malevolent online activity, or someone who doesn't know of a person whom cyber criminals have adversely affected.

As Internet technology along with its services becomes advanced, innumerable opportunities keep opening up for networking, learning as well as raising productivity. Nevertheless, spammers, phishers and malware writers are also quick in adopting various types of new attack vectors. For the Internet to function safely, it is essential that users should understand the ongoing developments and trends of the online threat landscape and maintain best practices of Internet security.

The global economic downturn has been a highly noticeable exploit platform to launch attacks during 2009. Consequently, the impact has been widespread, with computers everywhere far from remaining unaffected.

There's also hardly any doubt that due to social networking, phishing scammers are equipped with lures that are far greater in number than previously available. Thus, users on social-networking websites can face threats from any avenue. Games, notifications and links serve as easily available baits for phishers with which they can potentially direct users to dangerous territories.

In December 2008, security researchers at Symantec predicted numerous security trends for 2009. The experts said that since it was the second part of 2009, a high time for examining those predictions and finding out not only about their manner of distribution but also various associated developments that might have happened.

The experts further said that the fight to counter cyber criminals' security threats would keep on inflicting users. With the passage of time, both parties' tactics have been becoming increasingly advanced. While the future is uncertain, it would be smart for end-users to follow protection guidelines, they added.

» SPAMfighter News - 9/15/2009