Virus writing on the increase
Sophos has revealed the results of its comprehensive research into the last six months of virus activity. In 2005 so far, Sophos has detected and protected against 7,944 new viruses - up 59% from the first six months of last year. In line with this substantial increase in virus writing, is the rapidly decreasing average time to infection. There is now a 50% chance of being infected by an internet worm within just 12 minutes of being online using an unprotected, unpatched Windows PC.
Sophos also reports that computer security threats are rapidly consolidating, blurring the lines between spam, spyware, phishing and viruses.
Commenting on the report, Sean Richmond, senior technical consultant at Sophos Australia and New Zealand, said the threat landscape for business and home computer users was now more dangerous than ever.
