Record Number of Virus Signatures, Steep Rise in Mobile Malware & Increased Attacks on Large Organizations Expected; Summer Olympics, U.S. Elections to Play a Factor
Durham, NC—Jan. 10 2012—G Data Software, the recognized world leader in antivirus and malware protection for home and business computing, today released its cybercrime forecasts for 2012: An all-time high of more than 2.5 million new virus signatures, a steep rise in mobile malware and more attacks on large organizations are expected. “One of the emerging issues from 2011, which will develop over the next 12 months, is malware for mobile platforms,” says Eddy Willems, G Data Security Evangelist. “Devices with the Android operating system will be increasingly under fire as cyber-criminals are constantly finding new ways to attack its vulnerabilities. 2011 saw a rise in social engineering, where users installed infected apps on their devices, causing many to lose money and personal data. 2012 will be the year of banking Trojans as more people migrate to mobile platforms for online banking facilities. The banking Trojan malware can be bought quite easily and created individually by the attackers, which makes it a widespread threat.”
The company also predicts further attacks against companies and organizations. The appearance of Duqu in 2011 has shown that not only high profile industrial facilities are targeted as it was thought when Stuxnet appeared. Duqu can be used in various ways to compromise data and infiltrate a network to prepare specialized targeted attacks. The possibilities to use the stolen data and critical information are vast – blackmailing, espionage, specialized targeted attacks, sophisticated phishing attacks and so on.
The major events of this year, including the Olympics, will provide a perfect environment for cybercriminals. “We expect to see a steep incline in fake online ticket shops, website de-facements, attacks at the venue sites and much more,” says Willems.
The full report “Trends 2012” is available for free by contacting pr-us(at)gdatasoftware(dot)com.
About G Data Software
G Data Software is the recognized world leader in antivirus and malware protection for home and business computing since 1985. With headquarters in Germany, G Data maintains offices and distribution across nearly 100 countries, including North American headquarters, established in 2010 in Research Triangle Park, NC. The company holds a world record for award-winning security software technology in Europe, offering the industry’s most powerful protection, while maintaining ease of use. Their products, recently ranked among the global top 10 by PCWorld, are available in the U.S. and Canada through leading retailers, as well as channel partners. The company’s enterprise and consumer product lines include antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing, firewall, and policy management solutions. Additionally, their world-class malware research lab, G Data SecurityLabs, monitors and analyzes computing threats in real time and on a global basis. www.gdata-software.com.
Press Contacts
BIG DOG Communications
Dayna Guzik
+1 781 9348332
pr-us@gdatasoftware.com
www.gdata-software.com
Tags: antivirus, malware, mobile, olympics, virus, virus signatures
