Posted by SecExtra on April 30th, 2009

Internet threats have risen by a massive 63 per cent in April, according to analysis by managed security company, Network Box. One in four (24.6 per cent) of these threats is a phishing attack.

The majority of viruses still originate from the US (14.9 per cent) and Korea (7.7 per cent).  China is slightly higher than last month, responsible for 5.8 per cent of the world’s viruses (up from 5.3 per cent last month). Korea is also the main source of intrusion attacks, responsible for 35 per cent of all attacks.

The US is also responsible for the majority of the world’s spam, at 13 per cent (slightly below last month). Brazil is creeping up the spam charts, with just over seven (7.1) per cent of all spam coming from Brazil.

Simon Heron, Internet Security Analyst for Network Box, says: “The level of malware has leapt up this spring and we expect to see a high level of attacks continue. A poor economy always leads to higher levels of malware, aimed at scamming money from victims. Huge increases in social media use, with platforms that are not built primarily with security in mind, also open the door to hackers. Computer users should be on high alert.”

For more information on Network Box, see http://www.network-box.co.uk