Cybercrime Economy Grows as More Sophisticated Threats Target Personal
Data, Online Services and Social Networking Applications
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- McAfee, Inc.
(NYSE: MFE) today announced findings from its annual cyber security study
in which experts warned that the rise in international cyber spying will
pose the single biggest security threat in 2008. Other major trends include
an increasing threat to online services such as banking, and the emergence
of a complex and sophisticated market for malware.
The annual McAfee(R) Virtual Criminology Report examines emerging
global cyber security trends, with input from NATO, the FBI, SOCA and
experts from leading groups and universities. The report finds the
following conclusions:
-- Governments and allied groups are using the Internet for cyber spying
and cyber attacks
-- Targets include critical national infrastructure network systems such
as electricity, air traffic control, financial markets and government
computer networks
-- 120 countries are now using the Internet for Web espionage operations
-- Many cyber attacks originate from China, and the Chinese government has
publicly stated that it is pursuing activities in cyber espionage
-- Cyber assaults have become more sophisticated in their nature, designed
to specifically slip under the radar of government cyber defenses
-- Attacks have progressed from initial curiosity probes to well-funded
and well-organized operations for political, military, economic and
technical espionage
"Cybercrime is now a global issue," said Jeff Green, senior vice
president of McAfee Avert Labs and product development. "It has evolved
significantly and is no longer just a threat to industry and individuals
but increasingly to national security. We're seeing emerging threats from
increasingly sophisticated groups attacking organizations around the world.
Technology is only part of the solution, and over the next five years we
will start to see international governments take action."
Increasingly sophisticated threats to personal data and online services
-- Genetically modified 'super' threats: There is a new level of
complexity in malware not seen before. These 'super-strength' threats
are more resilient, are modified over and over again like recombinant
DNA, and contain highly sophisticated functionality such as encryption
draw. Nuwar ('Storm Worm') was the first example, and experts say there
will be more examples in 2008.
-- New technology, new threats -- vishing and phreaking: A new target for
cybercriminals is Voice over IP (Internet Protocol) software. There
have been several high-profile 'vishing' (phishing via VoIP) attacks
and 'phreaking' (hacking into telephone networks to make long distance
phone calls). In Japan, 50 percent of all data breaches have been via
peer-to-peer software. Cybercriminals will look for ways to exploit the
popularity of applications on social networking sites such as MySpace
and Facebook.
-- A run on banks: Experts believe a sustained cyber attack on banks could
severely damage public trust in online banking and put the brakes on
e-commerce. Critics believe the efforts to address online banking
security will not be effective enough or fast enough.
A complex and sophisticated market for the tools of cybercrime
-- Cybercriminals offer customer service: This underground economy already
includes specialized auction sites, product advertising and even
support services, but now competition is so fierce that 'customer
service' has become a specific selling point.
-- Laws of supply and demand apply: The cost of renting a platform for
spamming has dropped, and criminals can now buy custom-written Trojans
built to steal credit card data.
-- 'White market' fueling thriving black market: The 'white market' that
exists to buy and sell software flaws (back-door vulnerabilities with
no available patch to fix them) is fueling a virtual arms trade in
potentially significant security threats. Software flaws can fetch big
money -- up to $75,000, and experts believe that while this white
market exists there is an increasing danger of flaws falling into the
hands of cybercriminals.
The McAfee Virtual Criminology Report 2007 is available for download at
http://www.mcafee.com
More information about the research findings and opinions is available
at the McAfee Avert Labs Security blog at
http://www.avertlabs.com/research/blog/
About McAfee, Inc.
McAfee, Inc., the leading dedicated security technology company,
headquartered in Santa Clara, California, delivers proactive and proven
solutions and services that secure systems and networks around the world.
With its unmatched security expertise and commitment to innovation,
McAfee(R) empowers home users, businesses, the public sector, and service
providers with the ability to block attacks, prevent disruptions, and
continuously track and improve their security. http://www.mcafee.com.
McAfee and/or other noted McAfee related products contained herein are
registered trademarks or trademarks of McAfee, Inc., and/or its affiliates
in the US and/or other countries. McAfee Red in connection with security is
distinctive of McAfee brand products. Any other non-McAfee related
products, registered and/or unregistered trademarks contained herein is
only by reference and are the sole property of their respective owners. (C)
2007 McAfee, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE McAfee, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.mcafee.com
http://www.avertlabs.com/research/blog
CONTACT:
Sal Viveros of McAfee, Inc., +1-408-346-3696,
sal_viveros@mcafee.com; or Mindy Whittington of Red Consultancy,
+1-415-618-8811, mindy.whittington@redconsultancy.com, for
McAfee, Inc.
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