Malware Targeting More Local Markets

McAfee has released a report on malware in which it said that the global malware era, known for threats such as MyDoom and Blaster, is heading towards its end. It is gradually replaced by the malware attacks targeting local markets.

Dave Marcus, Security Research and Communication Manager, McAfee Avert Labs, said that the company has not discussed the global malware ear for last two or three years, as reported by InformationWeek on February 21, 2008.

Marcus further said that malware writers are now customizing malicious codes according to the habits and behaviors of local people. Marcus also highlighted the reason for this transition and said that different countries require different applications for writing malicious content.

McAfee has also given another explanation for why malware authors are becoming more localized. It says that malware authors want to stay away from worldwide attention and legal actions. Earlier, legal actions taken against outbreaks of Netsky and Sasser have cautioned authors.

Marcus also said that McAfee clarifies that regional attacks are designed to cater to regional tastes. For instance, online banking attacks are prevalent in Brazil to pilfer the banking details of customers. In China, attackers are excessively targeting gaming sites. Password stealers of Chinese World of Warcraft have emerged as the second largest malware senders, identified by McAfee, as reported by Washingtonpost on February 21, 2008.

Malicious messages created in local languages, like messages in German language, are becoming focus of authors. According to the company's report, earlier messages were created in disintegrated German languages and they seemed as if translated from English and Russian by an inexperienced translator, as reported by InformationWeek on February 21, 2008.

The report also highlights that there are many other advantages of composing malicious messages in local languages, like easy dealing with country's infrastructure. For example, Trojan, Spy-Agent ba, is created to steal users' credentials and to hack home banking connection. Later on, hackers optimize its functions to target various corporate in Germany.

McAfee also noticed 246% increase in malware from 2006 to 2007, comprised of malicious programs and designed to target specific group of people.

Related article: Malware Authors Turn More Insidious

» SPAMfighter News - 3/1/2008