Social Networks Malware Topped Security Threats in H1-2010

A Virginia-based security company 'Norman' has released a report that describes the top Internet threat trends for H1-2010. The report states that malware or malicious software heavily increased during this time period due to the increasing popularity of social networking websites like Twitter and Facebook. Besides, cyber criminals are continuously exploiting these mediums to spread malware.

Norman highlights that W32/Koobface is an example of social media malware that gained huge momentum in H1 2010. The first variant of W32/Koobface family first appeared in 2008 and rapidly spread in 2009. It is a major threat to Facebook users in 2010.

According to the report, malware creators continued to exploit vulnerabilities in the operating systems and applications to propagate their malware. Some important applications like Adobe's applications, web browsers, Microsoft operating systems and office systems were all hit by this malware. In fact, Adobe's systems were quite popular among cyber criminals for exploitation in the first half of 2010.

Moreover, malware creators become more sophisticated in developing malware that abuse different vulnerabilities - both patched and non-patched - in the systems and applications. The development of malware becomes easier because malicious person could purchase exploits on the internet and then use them in the program.

Apart from the above findings, the Norman security experts state that fake antivirus software has affected PCs used at home and for business purposes in H1 2010. Fake antimalware programs have been quite popular for long time. However, they have become more poignant and widespread in recent some years which cause a major problem. These programs could not be eradicated easily and they usually consist of different malicious elements.

In addition, tried and tested malware such as Conficker is still circulating on the web and therefore should not be taken lightly. Conficker first came into the prominence at the end of 2008 and its family touched the peak level in 2009. Nevertheless, the malware has continued to a major problem for the security firms in the first half of 2010.

Related article: SoCal Computer Hack Traces to Watsonville

» SPAMfighter News - 16-07-2010

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