Malware Threats Skyrocketed in 2007

Symantec mulling new security approach
By Laila Weir,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 8, 2008 2:51 PM CDT
Malware Threats Skyrocketed in 2007
SonicWALL statistics show ongoing growth in the volume of spam, virus and phishing attacks, increased use of PDF spam and continual evolution of new ways to circumvent anti-spam solutions.   (AP Photo)

Last year saw an explosion in malware threats that has Symantec considering a new approach to Internet security—“whitelisting” legitimate computer code rather than blacklisting known threats. Of 1.1 million threats the company has discovered in over 25 years, it uncovered almost two-thirds of them in 2007, Computerworld reports. Symantec blames the escalation on the emergence of efficient malware-creating organizations.

The company says these organizations hire programmers to create lucrative phishing schemes, developing a sophisticated industry complete with specialization and outsourcing. "A group of specialized programmers can create a larger number of new threats than can a single malicious code author, bringing about economies of scale and therefore an increased return on investment," declares the Symantec report. (More malware stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X