Report: Adware supplies one third of all malware
Shown is one of many fake antivirus products seen by Panda Security recently.
(Credit: Panda Security)On Thursday, Panda Security released its report for the third quarter stating that adware is responsible for one third of all new malicious software. In particular, the security company cited increased use of fake antivirus scanners.
The fake scanners typically report a computer infection and suggest downloading an application to remove the malware. Once downloaded, the scanners then ask computer users to purchase the application before it can remove an infection that never really exists. The goal of these attacks is financial gain.
In addition to seeing increasing amounts of adware, Panda Security reported that Trojan horses account for almost 60 percent of all malware samples analyzed between July and September. Worms and spyware, once the bane of every computer user, were nominal during the period at only 4.53 percent and 2.93 percent respectively.
As CNET's resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security. Listen to his podcast at securitybites.cnet.com or e-mail Robert with your questions and comments. 
Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean the world isn't out to get me. ;-)
(Dare I drop the bomb? If you run a *nix variant like Linux most of these problems disappear because most of the exploits are written to weaknesses in winblows. It's still a good idea to run an AV scanner because NOTHING is invulnerable, but the risks are greatly reduced.)
1. The only people who will contact you about a problem with your computer are crooks. If a banner comes up saying we have detected a problem with your computer would you like to download a security scan, they are trying to download malware. Even if you have to use Windows task manager to close your web browser, get away from them and get away fast.
2. Assume that any self described expert on a news group works for a software company. Only trust the ones who present verifiable proof, of who they work for because that company has to take some responsibility for them. The rest are low life hangers on who wished a company would vouch for them. They work for software companies too but as shills. Mostly, they are there to attack anyone who tells the truth about the company they work for.
Dont download something without looking at. Microsoft installs spy ware on your computer to make sure you are following their rules.
4. Any software that is hard to uninstall or installs itself is malware. Any program that uninstalls a program that you installed without asking is malware. Any program installs itself on your computer can be uninstalled easily by the person who wrote the program. Anyone implies otherwise is a liar.
Usually the big guys, the leading makers of a particular kind of software product are ripping you off and abusing your trust. The same is true of those who flood the net with advertising. You have to find the good programs they won?t find you. Check everything from at least two sources and always check the big download sites because they represent many products.
I have no idea where you get your information from.
sorry copied the wrong sentance.
Example: Google
- by 0zSpit October 6, 2008 11:49 AM PDT
- google is one of the worst forms of malware but hides it's self in mainstream apps somewhat like a trojan does. reminds me of zango
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