Globally infected PCs at 35.51% – research
The average number of infected PCs across the globe stands at 35.51%, down more than three points compared to 2011, according to new data published by Panda Security.
Panda Security’s anti-malware laboratory, PandaLabs published its Quarterly Report for Q1, analyzing the IT security events and incidents from January through March 2012.
In the first quarter of 2012 alone, six million new malware samples were created, in line with the overwhelming figures of previous years, the group said.
Malware Statistics
Trojans set a new record for becoming the preferred category for cybercriminals to carry out their information theft, representing 80% of all new malware. In 2011, Trojans ‘only’ accounted for 73% of all malware. Worms took second place, comprising 9.30% of samples, followed by viruses at 6.43%.
Percent of infections by Malwaye type
Panda noted that the two malware categories swapped positions when compared to its 2011 Annual Report, where viruses stood at 14.25% and worms were third with 8% of all circulating malware.
New types of Malware
Trojans, worms and viruses again occupied the top three spots, with worms causing a mere 8% of all infections despite accounting for more than 9% of all new malware. “This is quite noteworthy as worms usually caused many more infections due to their ability to propagate in an automated fashion. In any event, the figures simply corroborate what is well known: Massive worm epidemics have become a thing of the past, and have been replaced by an increasing avalanche of silent Trojans, cyber-criminals’ weapon of choice for their attacks,” PandaLabs said.
China tops infections list
China once again led this ranking (54.25% of infected PCs), followed by Taiwan and Turkey. The list of least infected countries is dominated by European countries -nine out of the first ten places are occupied by them.
PandaLabs noted that Japan is the only non-European country among the top ten nations with under thirty percent of computers infected. The top three places are occupied by Sweden, Switzerland and Norway. Countries with the most malware infections:
Percent of infected PCs by country
PandaLabs highlights several top security incidents during Q1 in the report. “There was a marked increased in ‘ransomware’ attacks over the past quarter especially due to the so-called ‘Police Virus’. This virus displays messages containing the 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). However, those messages don’t come from the police, but from the Trojan itself,” the group said.
According to Luis Corrons, technical director of PandaLabs, “Although it’s still early in the year, so far what we have seen in 2012 is a continuation of past trends. Cyber-criminals are still trying to steal users’ information and money by any means possible”.
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