Malware

Fortinet October ’09 Threatscape Report Shows Highest Malware Levels Detected all Year

According to the latest Threatscape report (October 2009) released by Fortinet, the total amount of malware detected is more than a year, with levels four times greater than in the previous month (September 2009).

The two main Bredolab variants detected this month were W32/Bredo.G and W32/Bredolab.X, most notably included in fake DHL invoice spam campaigns.

Derek Manky, project manager, cyber security and threat research, Fortinet commented: “We’re seeing record levels of scareware building off volume from September, and the danger in these threats is only becoming more serious as the methods for delivery evolve and the blending of attacks bring more complexity.
“As we’ve seen in the consistency of repeated threats, the old schemes are still proving to be good methods. Enterprises and consumers must take equal responsibility in understanding the disguises of these threats and implementing a multi-pronged security solution that addresses the different and changing characteristics of tried and true tactics,” he added

During the month of October 2009 Scareware tactics have reached all time high, with worst ever attacks reported. Seven of the top ten malware variants detected linked back to scareware, with scareware tactics diverging to include botnets, corrupted advertisements and SEO attacks.

The most notable development in October 2009 was the preponderance of AntiVirus Pro 2010 rogue security software, which when installed will contact a remote server in order to obtain malicious payload and receive updated copies; a trojan downloader named Bredolab which is now downloading AntiVirus Pro 2010 installers and the ZBot keylogger; and the ongoing development of affiliate programs that tempt participants with a handsome pay-out on each software download purchased. Tools and kits are readily available to participating affiliates, accelerating the distribution of scareware and other malicious components.

Read the full October Threatscape report, which includes the top threat rankings in each category.

Free Security Software from MICROSOFT! “Microsoft Security Essentials”

Microsoft just rolled out their new Security Software as free download available in nineteen countries, as per Microsoft Middle East spokesperson the localized version for Middle East will be only available at later part of 2009.

The latest offering from Microsoft “Microsoft Security Essentials” protects the consumers from viruses, malwares and spywares. The “Microsoft Security Essentials” is released freely without any registration or renewal demands.

As we know the real-time security software’s are available but at a price, this effort from Microsoft can at least assure some of its loyal customers to get a high-quality protection which is easy to get and easy to use.

Microsoft’s latest offering - “Microsoft Security Essentials” - protects consumers from viruses, spyware and malware, and will be released freely without any registration and renewal demands in an effort to “encourage broader adoption of anti-virus protection.”

Initially Microsoft codenamed “Microsoft Security Essentials”as “Morro” will be released in 8 languages. It will be available for Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista and Windows Live and can be downloaded from Microsoft’s web site http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Lest see how MacAfee and Symantec face the challenge.

Cisco brings security to life with animated characters -Watch Second Eposide

Dear friends in my post on March 9^th I was talking about the ‘The Realm.”, now the second episode is available you can watch this and just relax watching the latest security threats in the animated format.

Cisco brings security to life with animated characters

Cisco has appointed a select group of Cisco Engineers to develop a state-of-the-art security force. ‘The Realm.” growing beyond the systems in which they were created into a group of powerful defenders. Forming a unified league of security, the defenders battle Botnets, Malware, Spam and Intruders in the Realm, assuring the safety and security of every citizen on the human network.

‘The Realm.”is an online comic that animates the pane flow and adds voice narration. Creatively it’s an engaging experience, not as complete as a full scale animation but more alive that just a flat 2D image.

Visit http://www.cisco.com/go/realm to learn more.