Tech Shout!

F-Secure, solution for viruses and other threats from the Internet and mobile networks providing company, has released its 2007 data security summary, which shows a steep increase in the amount of new malwares detected during the year.

“We’ve never seen as many samples arrive to our labs”, said Mikko Hypponen, Chief Research Officer at F-Secure Corporation. “We would be unable to handle such huge samples loads if we would not have built a high degree of automation into our malware analysis systems over the past years,” he continued.

Malware are usually built with social engineering, which remains a key method for propagating malware.

Storm Worm botnet would be a strong example of refined technology used for malware. The technical setup of the Storm Worm botnet is unique. It uses not only a novel peer-to-peer setup to avoid one vulnerable central point of control, the botnet also has a capability of using DDoS-attacks to retaliate against anti-virus researchers investigating the botnet.

Undoubtedly financial transactions are main targets for network crime. As more and more people are aware of such threats, more sophisticated techniques have been used for the crime. For example some banking trojans directly inject themselves into the browser application.

Parasitic behavior such as the Zlob DNSCharger along with the rising security exploit activity for Apple goods which includes Mac’s iTunes and the latest iPhone are the growing data security phenomena during the year 2007.

In addition, another issue prevalent that has been reported is the vulnerability of large databases comprising of personal data, which contains significant leaks. This includes the passing on of tens of millions of e.g. credit card numbers or bank account information. Such kinds of leaks make possible “spear phishing” attacks with extremely well targeted data. Similar risks are attached to the rising popularity of the modern-day social networking services.

Talking about mobile security, the Symbian S60 platform has turned out to be the best one for curbing malware with its 3rd edition software. However, spy-tools for the Symbian S60 3rd edition platform are found. Spy-tools are strong enough to get through tightly controlled Symbian signing process. Hence, unlocking the security controls of both iPhone and Symbian phones could invite spy attacks on a device.

In the end F-Secure expects continuous increase in malware volume in 2008 as well.