Cybercriminals are increasingly crafting attacks in multiple languages and are exploiting popular local applications to maximise their profits, according to a new McAfee, Inc. (NYSE: MFE) report released today.
“This isn’t malware for the masses anymore,” said said Patrick Hayati, Regional Director McAfee Middle East. “Cybercrooks have become extremely clever at learning the nuances of the local regions and creating malware specific to each country. They’re not skilled just at computer programming—they’re skilled at psychology and linguistics, too.”
McAfee Avert Labs examined global malware trends in its third Global Threat Report, titled “One Internet, Many Worlds.” The report is based on data compiled by McAfee’s international security experts and examines the globalisation of threats and the unique threats in different countries and regions. In the report, McAfee details the following trends and conclusions:
• Sophisticated malware authors have increased country-, language-, company-, and software-specific attacks
• Cyber-attackers are increasingly attuned to cultural differences and tailor social engineering attacks accordingly
• Cybercrime rings recruit malware writers in countries with high unemployment and high levels of education
• Cybercriminals take advantage of countries where law enforcement is lax
• Around the world, malware authors are exploiting the viral nature of Web 2.0 and peer-to-peer networks
• More exploits than ever before are targeted at locally popular software and applications
“Malware has become more regional in nature during the past couple of years,” said Hayati. “This trend is further evidence that today’s cyber-attacks are targeted and driven by a financial motive, instead of the glory and notoriety of yesteryear’s cybergraffiti and fast-spreading worms. We’re in a constant chess match with malware authors, and we’re prepared to counter them in any language they’re learning to speak.”
Global View of Threats—By the Numbers:
• 371,002--Total threats identified by McAfee Avert Labs as of Feb. 1, 2008
• 131,800--Threats identified by Avert Labs solely in 2007
• 53,567--Unique pieces of malware in 2006
• 246%--Growth of malware from 2006 to 2007
• 527 – New malware identified daily by Avert Labs at the start of 2008
• 750 – Expected number of new malware identified daily by Avert Labs at the end of 2008
“It’s mind-boggling how sophisticated and savvy some of these attacks are,” said Hayati. “Cybercriminals are learning to exploit the cultural uniqueness of computer users around the world. But our global team of experts is prepared to fight against them and protect users.”
The Global Threat Report is available for download through the McAfee Threat Centre: http://www.mcafee.com/us/threat_center/default.asp.
About McAfee Avert Labs
McAfee Avert Labs maintains one of the top-ranked security threat and research organizations in the world, employing researchers in sixteen countries around the globe. The Labs combine world-class malicious code and anti-virus research with intrusion prevention and vulnerability research expertise.
About McAfee, Inc.
McAfee, Inc. is the leading dedicated security technology company. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, McAfee delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that secure systems and networks around the world. With its unmatched security expertise and commitment to innovation, McAfee empowers home users, businesses, the public sector, and service providers with the ability to block attacks, prevent disruptions, and continuously track and improve their security. http://www.mcafee.com.
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