Commtouch Says that Over 340,000 New Malware Ridden Websites Identified in November 2013

The Commtouch Security Lab (CSL) recently released its 'Security Number of the Month in November Report' which was conducted by security vendor Commtouch according to which CSL identified 343,927 new malware-tainted websites within last 30 days (referring to November 2013).

The study notes that the amount of web sites initiated specifically for notorious reasons is surging at an unparalleled rate because each month, the research team of Commtouch presents the "Commtouch Security Number of the Month" - a number representing and illustrating the current issue or trend in Internet security.

Darkreading.com published a report on 3rd December, 2013 referring the study as "On an average nearly 11,500 fresh threats increases everyday in the digital foothold of cyber thugs in addition to straying of victims into unsafe regions. The malware jeopardizes businesses and users with a broad range of threats together with password and identity theft, employing of compromised PCs as bonets for spam, DOS (denial of service) attacks and an increasing favorite of cyber criminals - encrypting (locking) and then ransoming vital data."

According to Commtouch, around 173,314 newly identified sites are malware-tainted websites out of which 56,503 are spam sites and 114,110 are phishing sites. However, Commtouch notes that it is worth noting that not all of these domains have been registered specifically to serve a malicious purpose.

Many of them are legitimate websites which have been compromised and set up to host a threat.

Also according to the report, malware sites rely on exploit-kits which seek known flaws (vulnerabilities) in the web-browser, OS (operating system) and PDF (Portable Document File) reader software and then employ these flaws to gain charge of the visiting PC (computer) or smartphone.

Commtouch highlights in its report that most of them target PayPal users in case of phishing operations but more and more are aiming Google customers as well.

Therefore, to mitigate Internet attacks caused due to such malicious sites, spam and phishing websites it is advised to understand the latest methods which criminals are using to steal sensitive data so that one can secure the information of a growing firm.

» SPAMfighter News - 12/18/2013