Malware threat doubles in September

The number of new malware threats doubled in September, new figures show.

Statistics released by security company Sophos show 4,080 new threats compared to just 1,998 in October. 

The overall level of infected email, however, dropped to an all time low of just one in 300.

Sophos explained that this shows cyber-criminals moving away from mass-mailed attacks in favour of more subtle and menacing attacks targeted at a small group of users.

The report, compiled from Sophos' global network of monitoring stations, revealed that Netsky-P continues its domination at the top of the charts, with the top five most prevalent pieces of malware retaining their position from last month.

There were no new entries in September's chart and just one re-entry: MyDoom-AJ.
"Internet criminals have had a busy September, producing twice as many new threats as they did in the previous month," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

"The new malware we are detecting can be much more sinister than the old timers that dominate the chart. It often aims to steal sensitive data and information which can be extremely damaging to a company's reputation and bottom line.

"We recommend that all organisations put in place a consolidated security solution that protects against known and unknown malware threats."

The top 10 list of malware in September 2006

1. Netsky-P (18.4 per cent)
2. Mytob-AS (14.1)
3. Bagle-Zip (6.3)
4. Nyxem-D (5.4)
5. Netsky-D (5.3)
6. Mytob-E (3.0)
7. Mytob-C (2.9)
=8. Zafi-B (2.8)
=8. MyDoom-O (2.8)
10. MyDoom-AJ (2.7)

The top 10 hoaxes and chain letters in September 2006

1. Olympic torch (8.5 per cent)
2. Hotmail hoax (8.2)
3. WTC Survivor (7.9)
4. Bonsai kitten (4.5)
5. MSN is closing down (4.1)
6. Bill Gates fortune (3.2)
7. Meninas da Playboy (3.0)
8. Justice for Jamie (2.6)
9. A virtual card for you (2.5)
10. Budweiser frogs screensaver (2.0)

See also:

Golf sites fall into malware sand trap

Spyware, adware and Trojan authors tap Ryder Cup zeitgeist  25 Sep 2006

Malware authors hungry for profit

Hackers creating increasing numbers of Trojans and bots for financial gain  06 Sep 2006

Social networks riddled with malware

One in 600 profiles host infection  10 Aug 2006

Hackers crack secret Google malware search codes

Be afraid, be very afraid  24 Jul 2006

StopBadware.org names and shames malware

Badware Watch List identifies malicious programs  25 May 2006

Macs 'open target' for malware

McAfee expands security coverage to Macs  07 May 2006

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