The number one IT threat in 2009 will be the infection of computers via removable storage media such as USB flash drives, CDs and DVDs, says Kaspersky Lab. Other threats include malicious codes on Web sites and cybercrimes such as fraud.
A statement from the security specialists says recent mass infections of PCs have been caused by malicious programs that automatically launch from media such as DVDs and USB drives. This is due to the fact users are unaware of the risks attached to them.
Kaspersky Lab experts are adamant the second biggest IT threat is surfing the Internet. They have noted a large increase in the number of sites carrying malicious codes, while a number of financial sites are expected to be targeted by cyber-criminals.
“Between one in every 50 to one in every 300 sites are currently infected by malicious codes,” the statement says.
Change of tact
Virus writers are now changing tactics and designing by incorporating technologies that combat detection and deletion, as opposed to creating viruses targeted at computers without security software. Kaspersky believes the number of these viruses will increase in the coming year.
The security specialist says there has been an increase in hacker and virus attacks utilising hi-tech malicious programs, which detection and deletion requires technology that can match them. In addition, Kaspersky predicts the proliferation of fake anti-virus programs that detect false threats and extort money from users to treat them.
Kaspersky believes anti-virus vendors will make greater use of the latest protection techniques, based on proactive techniques, to combat the new threats. The techniques include reputation services such as online requests to centralised databases, restricted access rights and lists of trusted applications.
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