Originally published February 26 2006
Malware attack numbers decline, sophistication rises
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
According to IBM's latest Global Business Security Index, the number of global malware threats and email-borne viruses declined last year, but more targeted malware attacks with more sophisticated capabilities, as well as more phishing attacks on consumers, are on the rise.
Global malware outbreaks decreased last year only to be replaced by smaller scale, stealthier attacks targeted at specific organisations or individuals, and designed to extract sensitive information.
Financial gain has become the number one motive for hackers, according to IBM's latest Global Business Security Index.
One in every 36.15 emails (2.8 percent) contained a virus or Trojan compared to 6.1 per cent, or one in every 16.39 emails in 2004.
For example the Mytob worm, based on the earlier MyDoom worm, featured capabilities that allowed hackers to remotely control compromised (zombie) machines.
One type of spam, fraudulent emails that seek to dupe users into handing over sensitive account details to bogus websites (a practice known as phishing), grew markedly last year.
Customised malware attacks have the potential to defraud businesses, steal identities and intellectual property and extort money, while damaging the brand and eroding customer trust.
Cybercrooks are targeting an organisation's workers in order to infiltrate systems, IBM warns, adding that traditional reactive approaches to security are no longer adequate.
"The decrease in pervasive attacks in 2005 is counter-intuitive to what society at large believes is a major threat to their personal data," said Cal Slemp, vice president of IBM's security and privacy services.
IBM's Global Business Security Index report 2005 also gazes into the crystal ball in an attempt to predict security trends for 2006.
It predicts an increase in attacks aimed at computer users as computer networks become better defended.
Networks of compromised machines (botnets) are commonly controlled using IRC networks, but newer botnets will likely move to instant messaging and other peer-to-peer networks for command and control of infected systems, IBM predicts.
Last year, IBM predicted the malware affecting mobile phones, PDAs and other wireless devices would increase substantially.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml