Malware Threat Reaching All Time High, Warns Top System Security Firms

August 11th, 2010 - 7:32 pm ICT by GD  

By Ranjan Bhaduri
pf-hacker_1242246cAug 11, (THAINDIAN NEWS) McAfee Inc which is now the second security software maker of the world has said that malware attacks have reached a record high in the first half of the present year. Malware is a tad different from typical computer virus since these codes are meant primarily for stealing personal information from the computer users. According to the data of the company nearly 10 million new malicious code was produced in this period which is truly alarming.

McAfee has also asked the users of Apple Macintosh computers that they should start using system security suites. The Macs were thought to be safe from hackers but they can also be subjected to malicious attacks by the hackers in near future. The myth that Macs are generally immune from viruses may soon bust says McAfee. The company also said that the cybercriminals were clever enough to utilize the recently held Fifa World cup to their advantage. Earlier the makers of malicious codes used email and spam mails to spread infection online. However, these methods have become older and present generation system security suites block such attempts. Therefore, they have resorted to newer means.

In April the company got hold of a Trojan made for the Mac. It was not much harmful but the discovery itself was startling. McAfee feels that it is high time the security software makers adopt a predictive defense mechanism instead of a reactive one. Similar reports have been published by other antivirus companies as well. The awareness level among computer users regarding the ways infection can spread online is still quite low and that adds to the gravity of the situation.

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Technology Industry News |

Subscribe