ESET Reveals Top Ten Malware Threats for May 2009

A security and anti-virus firm ESET, in its latest analysis of the top malicious threats, found that INF/Autorun malware is so widespread that it has acquired the number one spot among all the malicious threats prevalent in the world, accounting for 10.90% of the total malware infections. It is learnt that this malware comes via infected USB drives. The major reason due to which the risk of this malware has gone up to such tremendous level may be the rapidly rising use of laptops and various other portable devices among people.

Win32/Conficker, the number one rank holder in April 2009, tumbled down to the second position in May 2009. Various versions of the Conficker worm accounted for around 9.98% of the overall malware infections in May. The prime reason behind the still so strong propagation of Conficker might be that the worm is not limited to just the World Wide Web, but can easily spread via USB sticks.

Malware Win32/PSW.OnLineGames, having various variants, made it to the third spot in May 2009. Though, marginal decline was noticed in the volume of infections caused by the Trojan, which came down to 6.01% of the total malicious infections detected by the firm in May 2009 from the level of 7% in April 2009.

Win32/Agent ranked fourth in the list of top ten malwares prepared by ESET for May 2009. According to the company, this particular malicious code has the ability to steal data from an infiltrated computer. It accounted for a share of 2.88% in the total malicious infections detected during the month.

As far as fifth position is concerned, INF/Conficker is seated there by accounting for a total of 1.80% of the malware infections detected in May 2009. Reports reveal that this Conficker is related to INF/Autorun.

Win32/Toolbar.MywebSearch, WMA/TrojanDownloader.GetCodec, and Win32/Qhost followed at sixth, seventh and eighth position respectively. These malicious codes accounted for 1.30%, 1.28%, and 1.05% of the malware detected in May 2009.

A new malware Win32/Pacex.Gen also found its place among the top ten malicious codes listed by ESET for May 2009. This malware was responsible for 0.98% of the total malicious infections.

Win32/Autorun, which accounted for 0.86% malicious infections in May 2009, retained the tenth spot in the list.

Related article: ESET Discusses Malware Writers’ Trend

» SPAMfighter News - 6/15/2009