Malware grew by 100% in 2007
(04/12/2007)

According to F-Secure’s annual Data Security Wrap-up, 2007 saw a steep increase in the amount of new malware. 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 and Storm Worm botnet was adapted for much greater effectiveness
* High profile data leaks gave rise to ‘spear phishing’ attacks
* Rise in number of phishing sites: 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, 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: Spy tools developed for the Symbian S60 3rd edition and uploaded as ‘back-up’ software

“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.”