Main News Desk

F-Secure reports amount of malware grew by 100% during 2007

~ as much malware produced in 2007 as in previous 20 years ~

December 04, 2007

2007 saw a steep increase in the amount of new malware, according to F-Secure’s annual Data Security Wrap-up.

In fact the amount of cumulative malware detections doubled during the year, reaching the amount of half a million, indicating that network criminals are producing new malware variants in bulk.

F-Secure’s virus labs noticed the following in 2007:
•   New variants of existing malware
o   Storm Worm botnet was adapted for much greater effectiveness
•   High profile data leaks gave rise to ‘spear fishing’ attacks
•   Rise in number of phishing sites
o   Criminals developed sophisticated banking trojans that use methods such as injecting themselves directly into the browser application (Man-in-the-Browser attacks)
•   Increase in parasitic behaviour
o   Such as the Zlob DNSChanger and increasing security exploit activity for Apple products, including Mac’s, iTunes and the iPhone

•   Further evidence of mobile phone viruses
o   Spy tools developed for the Symbian S60 3rd edition and uploaded as ‘back-up’ software

The full 2007 data security wrap-up is available at http://www.f-secure.com/2007/

Executive quote

“We predict that the increase in malware volume will continue into 2008. The criminals are successfully creating a network-based underground ecosystem, trading both malware development tools, skills, capabilities and resources ever more effectively,” said Mikko Hyponnen, chief research officer at F-Secure. “At the same time the reach of the law enforcement agencies remain limited in the global network domain. 2008 will be a challenge of endurance.”

About the company

F-Secure Corporation is the fastest growing publicly listed company globally in the anti-virus and intrusion prevention industry with more than 50% revenue growth in 2004. F-Secure is the fastest to protect individuals and businesses against computer viruses and other threats coming through the Internet or mobile networks. Its award-winning solutions include anti-virus and desktop firewall with intrusion prevention, anti-spam and anti-spyware solutions.

Founded in 1988, F-Secure has been listed on the Helsinki Exchanges since 1999. It is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, with offices in USA, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Japan and the UK. Customers in the UK include Barclays Bank Plc, Tescos, Shell and various educational and public sector organisations.

The latest real-time virus threat scenario news are available at the F-Secure Anti-virus Research Team weblog at http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/.  

Contact details

For more information, please contact Sarah Crawford at LEWIS,
the PR agency, at:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7802 2626 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7802 2627
Email: sarahc@lewispr.com Web: http://www.lewispr.com

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F-Secure reports amount of malware grew by 100% during 2007

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