Warezov Worms Still Leads Top Twenty

There has been no significant change in the classification of viruses floating through e-mails in December, 2006. Kaspersky Lab says it will perform an analysis of the results for the whole year later, but for now it has found Warezov worms to take a clear-cut lead in the autumn and winter months.

Waezov.fb, Warezov.dn and Warezov.hb of the family of Warezov worms were in the top most successive positions of the virus list. They accounted for more than 39% of all the viruses in December 2006. In a statement Kaspersky stated that while Warezov variants occupy the three top positions in December rankings, the Warezov.fb replaced Warezov.gj, making the traditional change in leader, a family affair this time. Kaspersky had predicted this change, which reflected in the sharp decline of the former leader giving way to its newer version, in the virus ratings.

A less widespread worm was Nyxem.e. It returned to the 'Top Twenty' in November but afterwards came down to the sixteenth spot in December. Mytob.c, its old rival that was strong in the sixth position in November dropped slightly to seventh position. However, while both the worms tussled hard for the top places in the later months of 2006, the scenario will diminish in 2007 when they will be forced to leave the 'Top Twenty'.

The same is said for Zafi.b. This worm was one of the top ten malware in December 2006. But it has circulated several times, coming and going from the 'Top Twenty' and is well likely to leave, never to make a comeback.

Kaspersky's figures show that Netsky was also a prevalent threat like before, occupying fourth and fifth positions and accounting for 14.2% of all malware.

Bagle.gt is a new worm being the first member of its family and also leading in the virus race during the previous several months. Bagle and Warezov are therefore strong competitors, indicating another cyber-war among criminal gangs trying to capture computers.

There were other malicious programs accounting for 11.96% of total malware circulating in e-mail traffic. This indicates the presence of large numbers of other active worms and Trojans.

Related article: Warezov Worm Continues To Spread Malware

» SPAMfighter News - 1/9/2007