Spyware infection rates return to peak 2004 levels.Spyware Software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to its Web site. Often quickly installed in your computer in combination with a free download you selected from the Web, spyware transmits information in the background as you move around the Web. infection rates have risen to the highest levels since 2004 when the Internet security ''This article or section is being rewritten at Internet security is the process of protecting data and privacy of devices connected to internet from information robbery, hacking, malware infection and unwanted software. scourge was at its supposed peak, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. latest State of Spyware report issued today by Webroot Software Webroot Software is a company that creates computer security software. Webroot's corporate headquarters is located in Boulder, Colorado, and the company was founded in 1997. They currently employ about 300 people worldwide. . During the second quarter of 2006, Webroot researchers found that 89 percent of consumer PCs were infected in·fect tr.v. in·fect·ed, in·fect·ing, in·fects 1. To contaminate with a pathogenic microorganism or agent. 2. To communicate a pathogen or disease to. 3. To invade and produce infection in. with an average of 30 pieces of spyware--a slight increase from the first quarter of 2006 when infection rates returned to alarmingly high levels after a supposed lull in spyware infections during the second half of 2005. According to the report, new distribution channels, advanced spyware technologies and a reliance on free anti-spyware programs are all contributing factors to the startling star·tle v. star·tled, star·tling, star·tles v.tr. 1. To cause to make a quick involuntary movement or start. 2. To alarm, frighten, or surprise suddenly. See Synonyms at frighten. increase. Spyware purveyors are capitalizing on the popularity of social networking sites A Web site that provides a virtual community for people interested in a particular subject or just to "hang out" together. Members create their own online "profile" with biographical data, pictures, likes, dislikes and any other information they choose to post. like MySpace to reach new victims while spammers have recognized the extra profitability offered by adding spyware programs to their email scams. Using Phileas V, Webroot's automated spyware research system 527,136 malicious websites have been identified. This number marks a substantial increase during the last quarter as the number of identified websites at the close of the first quarter of 2006 was 427,000. At the same time, spyware criminals continue to rely on the most advanced spyware technologies to reel in new victims. With many PC users still relying on free anti-spyware programs, spyware purveyors are able to easily avoid detection using advanced spyware programs like rootkits, Trojan downloaders, keyloggers and driver-level installers. During the last quarter alone, Webroot saw the infection rate of Trojans among consumer PCs rise to 31 percent--up from 29 percent during the first quarter of 2006 and 24 percent during the last quarter of 2005. Additionally, Webroot found more than 1 million traces of the most prevalent Trojan, Trojan-Downloader-Zlob during the second quarter. Enterprises were not immune from spyware attacks either as evidenced by the more than 40 security breeches reported by enterprises during the last quarter. With industry experts estimating that 70 percent of corporations use an anti-spyware solution, the steady infection rates among enterprises suggest that these deployed anti-spyware solutions may be inadequate. www.webroot.com |
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