Huge rise in data-stealing Trojans
The economic downturn is fuelling a massive surge in online crime, according to Scansafe.
In its annual Global Threat Report, the security company revealed an explosive growth in malware throughout 2008 and in particular Trojans designed to steal data, which were up by 1,559 per cent from 2007. October and November 2008 showed the highest levels of web malware but they also showed a heavy saturation of data-theft Trojans.
"Cybercriminals in 2008 have shown a change of intent and are now focused on the ongoing targeting and harvesting of sensitive data. Most of the malware delivered through the web provides remote customization and configurability, enabling criminal attackers to target specific data and to remotely manage how that data is obtained. For home users, gaming credentials or credit card numbers could be at risk," the report said.
