Report claims IT underestimates scope of malware

  • Email a Friend
  • Print Page
Report claims IT underestimates scope of malware
Jun 5, 2008 3:34 PM
Tags: reports | claims | underestimates | scope | malware

A recent study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has found malware has become so prevalent that 25 percent of computers in the United States are now infected.

The report makes the case that the simple act of connecting a computer to the Internet is enough to instigate armies of cybercriminals to infiltrate a business’s or even a government’s security measures.

“The past five years have indeed brought a surge in the use of malware to attack information systems for the purpose of gathering information, stealing money and identities or even denying users access to essential electronic resources,” the report reads.

“Significantly, the capability also exists to use malware to disrupt the functioning of large information systems, surreptitiously modify the integrity of data and to attack the information systems that monitor and/or operate major systems of the critical infrastructure.”

The data about the situation in the U.S. furthers the report’s case that “communities involved in fighting malware offer essentially a fragmented local response to a global threat.”

The report attributes much of the recent growth in malware infection to spam, which it says has evolved from being a simple nuisance in a users’ inbox to a vehicle for botnets to contaminate a system.

OECD suggests all IT players, from vendors to ISP’s to governments, should have a role in forming more cohesive and coordinated effort at fighting malware, which it says up until now has been mainly reactive and disjointed.

“The behaviour of market players confronted with malware (whether Internet service providers, e-commerce companies, registrars, software vendors or end users) is influenced by mixed incentives, some working to enhance and some to reduce security,” the report claims.

“There are many instances in which the costs of malware are externalised by players at one stage of the value chain onto other players in the value chain.”


 
Comments

Be the first to comment on this article.
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Comment:
Want to participate in the discussion?
Or log in now to comment
 
 
 
Top Stories
TIO website hit by malware
Weekend malware runs one new process per target machine.
 
Microsoft announces Azure launch date
Australia in second wave of country releases.
 
CBA embarks on "database-as-a-service"
Analysis: How the bank intends to save megabucks.
 

Spotlightthe topics we're following

Latest Comments

"I only became aware of it when news arose that they were ditching it. Maybe it just wasn't ..."
by Ace Feb 10, 2010 10:39 AM
 
"With Optus supposedly boosting this service sounds great, record profits on mobile business ..."
by Johnnnny Feb 10, 2010 9:58 AM
 
"Digger and JL - the two biggest back-flippers in history. (Or are they they same person ?) Now ..."
by marklara Feb 10, 2010 9:56 AM
 
"Once we get past cloud computing, it will be full speed ahead to blue sky computing - although ..."
by Ace Feb 10, 2010 9:52 AM
 
"Maxxi if your reading this I am pretty sure the opinion of Google far outweighs the minority ..."
by Mark D Feb 10, 2010 9:46 AM
1) HTC Magic16 plans 2%
2) Nokia N9743 plans 9%
3) Nokia E7149 plans 1%
4) Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB30 plans 11%
5) Apple iPhone 8GB42 plans 5%
1) iiNet32 plans 5%
2) Netspace36 plans 11%
3) TPG Internet19 plans 14%
4) Optus33 plans 1%
5) Telstra BigPond30 plans 2%

Mobiles | Broadband | Credit Cards

iTnews

Polls

What is the sweet spot for Apple's entry 16GB Wi-Fi iPad?




   |   View results
$549
  77%
 
$579
  11%
 
$619
  4%
 
$649
  3%
 
$699
  6%
TOTAL VOTES: 389

Vote