Malware soars in 2009
Panda Security has predicted a continuing increase in the amount of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, etc.) in circulation in 2009.
Between January and August 2008, Panda Security’s laboratory had detected as many malware strains as in the previous 17 years combined, and this trend is expected to continue or even grow in 2009.
According to Panda, Banker Trojans and fake antiviruses will be the most prevalent malware types in 2009. Banker Trojans are designed to steal login passwords for banking services, account numbers, etc, while fake antiviruses try to pass themselves off as real antivirus products to convince targeted users they have been infected by malicious codes. Victims are then prompted to buy the rogue antivirus to remove these bogus infections. Cyber-crooks are currently profiting substantially from this type of fraud.
As for methods of malware distribution, Panda has predicted an increased use of social networks, not only by worms trying to spread from one user to another, but by malicious code designed to carry out more dangerous actions like theft of confidential data.
Malware goes beyond Windows
Panda Security’s laboratory forecasts a significant proliferation of malware targeting new platforms such as Mac OS Leopard X, Linux or iPhone. However, these new codes will never be as numerous as those for Windows systems.
“The number of malware strains created for Mac or Linux platforms will grow in 2009, although they will still represent a very low percentage compared to the total number of threats. The reason for this is efficiency. If, for every sample emailed to a million people, 3% get infected, it is obviously much more productive to send it to a platform used by millions of users than to another, less popular platform, which will offer a lower number of potential victims,” says Matthews.
Computer threats and the financial crisis
Over the last few months of 2008, PandaLabs has conducted research showing a clear correlation between the financial crisis and malware strategies. The laboratory has discovered that every stock market drop is followed by a spike in the amount of malware in circulation. Similarly, the increase in the unemployment rate translates into a boom in false job offers aimed at recruiting money mules.
According to the PandaLabs forecasts, this will repeat in 2009. Fake job offers will continue to grow whenever the unemployment rate goes up. In financial crisis situations, cyber-crooks prey on unemployed people with attractive job offers that really aim at capturing money mules, that is, people to help them launder money generated from illegal activities.
“Malware in 2009 is expected to grow and become more sophisticated and more difficult to detect. There will also be an increase in Web-based attacks and attacks through social networks, which allow for more silent infections,” concludes Matthews. “The financial crisis will also bring an increase in malware and false job offers.”
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