Over 50% E-Mail Viruses Are Attributed to Phishing Attacks: Network Box

As per the analysis of malware by security company Network Box, in January 2010, 55.59% of all malware sent via e-mail is an attempted phishing assault.

Network Box disclosed that phishing attacks ascended before Christmas (to 57% of total malware), as cybercriminals tried to exploit the online shoppers, but the numbers have sticked at around similar level through the entire month of January 2010.

Internet security analyst at Network Box, Simon Heron, stated that they usually witness marginal drop in phishing attacks after Christmas, but 2010 has began with a high rate of phishing attacks, as per the news published by SCMagazine on January 28, 2010.

Besides this, Network Box also disclosed that Brazil still continues to be the leading source of viruses, although it is slightly less from December 2009, estimating for 15.7% of total viruses (against over 20% in December 2009). The number of viruses originating from the UK has risen marginally, at 3.3% (up from 2.6% in December 2009).

For the first time, Germany has made it to the list of top 10 sources of viruses and spam, currently estimating for 2.3% of all viruses and 2.4% of all spam. Further, volumes of viruses and spam coming from the US are high at 11.1% (up from 7.8%) and 10% (up from 8.7% in December 2009) respectively.

Simon Heron said constant economic troubles coupled with shoppers seeking online shopping bargains give rise to a perfect environment for hackers. What is really fascinating is the rise in attacks from two of the major economies of Western Europe - the UK and Germany - as well as from the 'conventional' centres of assault, as per the news published by HELP NET SECURITY on January 28, 2010.

As per the security researchers, this increase in phishing assaults is because of superior methods that hackers use nowadays and the fact that phishing attacks have become more stylish and targeted. Further, the hackers have reached advanced levels of automation for phishing attacks, employing special software tools and botnets to expand their reach.

Related article: Opera 9.1 Browser Introduces Phishing Alert

» SPAMfighter News - 2/4/2010