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March 8, 2010

Win32/Agent stealing personal data on the rise; Conficker still No. 1 Threat

<a target="_blank" href=24962</buxus-link>>Win32/Conficker is the most widespread computer threat in the world with a share of 9,62% of all detected forms of malware. The data si based on ThreatSense.Net®, ESET’s in-the-cloud malware detection system collecting data from users of <a target="_blank" href=17852,""</buxus-link>>ESET Smart Security 4 a <a target="_blank" href=12227,""</buxus-link>>ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4.

Among the top three infiltrations, globally were <a target="_blank" href=26071,""</buxus-link>>INF/Autorun with 7,24% of all infiltrations and <a target="_blank" href=26615,""</buxus-link>>Win32/PSW.OnLineGames with 6,20%. Both mentioned classifications of malware encompass mostlyTrojans exploiting the Windows OS autorun function (autorun.inf) or malware designed for stealing sensitive information form PC online games.

The fourth most widespread threat worldwide is <a target="_blank" href=33812,""</buxus-link>>Win32/Agent with a share of 3,57%, and still growing month by month, approaching the levels it has reached during the summer of 2009. ESET classifies this threat as a generic form of malware in the cattegory of PC data stealer. Win32/Agent covers a broad range of infiltrations utilizing a multitude of vectors. In Europe, it has even placed among top three infiltrations with a share of 4%. ESET advises computer users to ensure that they stay protected using an effective antivirus software, administer operating system patches as they are issued as well as other security updates of potentially vulnerable programs.

<a target="_blank" href=26073,""</buxus-link>>INF/Conficker is the next most prevalent form of malware, placing fifth in ESET’s ranking. This threat has accounted for 1,71% of the total of global infiltrations.

Global Threats in February 2010 according to ESET ThreatSense.Net®

<img align="middle" width="543" src=Pictures/ThreatSense_02_2010.JPG</buxus-image> height="296" /> 

 

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA (EMEA)

Similarly as is the case with the rest of the world, Win32/Conficker represents the most frequently encountered type of malware in the EMEA region. It afflicts all corners of the EMEA region -  Russia (15,31%) Ukraine (23,06%), Hungary (6,50%), the Czech Republic (4,34%), Slovenia (4%), Germany (6,84%), Great Britain (8,17%), Finland (7,60%), Egypt (11,65%) and South Africa (11,91%).

Trojans INF/Autorun have been the dominant form of malware with high occurance in Israel (6,11%), Lithuania (4,66%), Spain (9,55%), Portugal (5,3%), but also in France (7,85%) and Norway (4,37%).

Win32/PSW.OnLineGames is among the most frequently detected malware on users' computers in Slovakia (8,90%), Poland (15,39%) and Turkey (10,66%) . Win32/Agent is the number one threat in Austria (4,54%); also registering high rate of occurrence in other countries, such as Hungary (3,70%), Poland (2,84%) , Sweden (2,39%), and Denmark (4,16%).

About ESET

Founded in 1992, ESET is a global provider of security solutions for enterprises and consumers. ESET is a market leader in proactive detection of malware. Thanks to its ThreatSense.Net® technology, it is able to collect data on a volunteer basis from users all around the world, allowing it to react flexibly to emerging threats. It‘s ESET NOD32 Antivirus has been ranked by the independent AV-Comparatives testing lab as the best antivirus product worldwide (2006, 2007). ESET has offices in Bratislava, SK; Buenos Aires, AR; San Diego, USA; and has an extensive partner network in 160 countries. In 2008, ESET has opened a new research center in Krakow, Poland. ESET was named to Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the region of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

ThreatSense.Net® collects anonymous statistical information packets about the types of infiltrations detected on the users' workstations. Thanks to this information, the ESET Virus Lab has access to real-time accurate and relevant information about the most wide-spread infiltrations. The infiltrations detected by the heuristic analysis are then tabulated, with the update against malware issued before it can spread or mutate into a different variant.