Anti-Malware Lab Report Says Four out of Five Malware Samples are Trojans

Six million new malware samples were created in the first quarter of 2012 alone, according to an anti-malware laboratory's quarterly report.

PandaLabs, Panda Security's anti-malware laboratory, today published its quarterly report analyzing IT security events and incidents from January through March 2012. The full report is available at http://press.pandasecurity.com/press-room/reports/.

Malware Statistics

According to the report, trojans now represent 80 percent of all new malware, up from 73 percent in 2011. Worms comprise 9.30 percent of malware, followed by viruses at 6.43 percent. In the 2011 report, however, there were more viruses (14.25 percent) than worms (8 percent). 

When it comes to the number of infections caused by each malware category, the ranking supports the view that trojans, worms and viruses are the three most popular types of malware. Interestingly, worms caused only 8 percent of all infections despite accounting for more than 9 percent of all new malware. In the past, however, worms typically caused many more infections due to their ability to multiply.

The report findings support the view that massive worm epidemics have become a thing of the past and have been replaced by an increasing avalanche of silent trojans, cyber-criminals' weapon of choice for their attacks.

China Tops List of Infections per Country

The average number of infected PCs across the globe stands at 35.51 percent, down more than 3 percent from 2011, according to Panda Security's collective intelligence data.

China again this year led had the highest number of infections in the world (54.24 percent of infected PCs), followed by Taiwan and Turkey. In comparison, European countries tend to have the least amount of infected computers. Nine out of ten of countries with least amount of infected computers are European. The top three least infected are Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway. Japan is the only non-European country among the top ten nations with fewer than 30 percent of computers infected. 

What’s in the Report

In the report, PandaLabs highlights several top security incidents that occurred during Q1. There was a marked increase in 'ransomware' attacks over the past quarter due in large part to the so-called 'Police Virus.' The virus displays messages with logos of international law enforcement agencies to trick users into believing that their computers have been locked by the police for visiting inappropriate websites or making illegal downloads. To unlock it, users have to pay a fine, usually in the range of one hundred euros, dollars or British pounds (depending on the target of the attack). These messages are coming from the Trojans themselves. 

The report also covers the latest attacks on Android cell phones, distribution of malware via Facebook, the Megaupload case, cyber-war and the latest activities of the Anonymous and LulzSec hacktivist groups. "Although it's still early in the year, so far what we have seen in 2012 is a continuation of past trends,” said Luis Corrons, technical director of PandaLabs. “Cyber-criminals are still trying to steal users' information and money by any means possible."

Featured

  • The Need for a Comprehensive Strategy Addressing Cybersecurity and Quantum Technology

    The Need for a Comprehensive Strategy Addressing Cybersecurity and Quantum Technology

    Over the past two years, the Biden Administration has taken a series of steps centered on quantum and cybersecurity. Read Now

  • IoT Saves the Day

    IoT Saves the Day

    Today, creating a safe environment across schools, hotels, office buildings, housing complexes and other facilities has become a necessity. There are so many dangers lurking in buildings of all sizes and shapes from fire hazards, vaping issues, chemical/air quality issues, intruders and so much more. Read Now

  • One Pane, Less Pain

    One Pane, Less Pain

    Just because a solution is built on an open-standards platform doesn’t ensure that all the vendors’ systems will work together as promised. Some features may not be supported, or not supported to their fullest potential. Read Now

  • Revamping Wrigley Field

    Revamping Wrigley Field

    When talking about baseball in the United States, it’s hard not to think of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field. With a history spanning more than 100 years, the Chicago Cubs are one of the most recognized teams in professional sports. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • ALTO Neoxx Electronic Padlock

    ALTO Neoxx Electronic Padlock

    Built to withstand all access control needs, the tough new SALTO Neoxx electronic padlock takes security beyond your expectations. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • FlexPower® Global™ Series (FPG) from LifeSafety Power

    FlexPower® Global™ Series (FPG) from LifeSafety Power

    The FlexPower® Global™ Series (FPG) from LifeSafety Power—designed to provide DC power for access control systems in international applications—is now PSE listed for Japan and compatible with the country’s 100VAC applications. 3