Explore the latest news and trends  

Sign up for our weekly security newsletter


Be the first to receive important updates on security





Send

ESET Publishes Ten Most Widespread Malware of 2011

ESET the anti-malware firm has just issued its "ThreatSense Report for December 2011" that outlines the 10 most-widespread e-threats of 2011.

Thus, placed on No.1, is INF/Autorun with 5.84% detections, according to ESET. This detection, describes various malicious programs that utilize the autorun.inf malware file like a means to hijack computers, with the file carrying details about programs that'll run of their own whilst Windows PCs access USB flash drives. ESET identifies malicious software, which alters or loads autorun.inf malware in the form of INF/Autorun except if it's recognized to be one variant of any specified group of malware.

Meanwhile, ranked No.2 within the Top Ten List is Win32/Conficker at 3.69%. This malware largely hits networks that initially spread via the exploitation of a new Windows operating system (OS) security flaw. This flaw, which exists within RPC subsystem, is capable of remote exploitation devoid of the attacker requiring authentic operating credentials. The different versions of Conficker determine its dissemination through un-protected shared folders or detachable media, while utilizing the default-enabled Autorun utility within any Windows OS except Windows 7.

Moreover, after Win32/Conficker is Win32/Sality at 1.88%. This malicious program is one polymorphic file contaminator of an EPO (entry-point obscuring) type. It reportedly, contaminates .exe file loaded onto remote shared, detachable and local drives. Further, it builds P2P (peer-to-peer) botnets as also accepts URLs for downloading more software. Subsequently, it deactivates security software.

Next on No.4 is Win32/PSW.OnLineGames, a lethal worm, which makes its own copies, and similar to standard worms, proliferates from PC-to-PC dropping destructive payload. Like this, PSW.OnLineGames contaminates many computer systems in just minutes. Nonetheless, it targets gamers mostly, worldwide, while filching their financial or other secret credentials and acquiring admission into their accounts.

Occupying the 5th place among ESET's Top Ten threats is, however, HTML/Iframe at 1.23%. This malware is a general infection of malevolent Iframe labels implanted on HTML web-pages that divert users onto one particularly maliciously-crafted URL.

Additionally, other malicious programs, which ESET highlights, are HTML/ScrInject (1.22%), Win32/Autoit (1.17%), Win32/Bflient (0.92%), Win32/Tifau (0.77%) and Win32/Spy.Ursnif. (0.74%), separately occupying the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th positions on the list.

Related article: ESET Discusses malware Writers’ Trend

» SPAMfighter News - 1/17/2012

3 simple steps to update drivers on your Windows PCSlow PC? Optimize your Slow PC with SLOW-PCfighter!Email Cluttered with Spam? Free Spam Filter!

Dear Reader

We are happy to see you are reading our IT Security News.

We do believe, that the foundation for a good work environment starts with fast, secure and high performing computers. If you agree, then you should take a look at our Business Solutions to Spam Filter & Antivirus for even the latest version of Exchange Servers - your colleagues will appreciate it!

Go back to previous page
Next