Malware Numbers Prove Cybercrime on the Rise

The lastest numbers support growing awareness that cybercrime is on the rise. We have just learned that the US economy has officially fell into recession in late 2007. This means that recession is already 4 quarters old. It is well known that cybercrime tends to rise during recessionary times as more people turn to a less than honest means to make a living.

A recent online study supports the growth of malware and cybercrime. Microsoft Windows users face an unprecedented number of virus and othe malware threats from a widening variety of sources. New virus and spyware programs are appearing at an alarming rate. In September 2008, Kaspersky Lab reported that the number of virus, adware, Trojan, and other malicious programs tripled during the first six months of 2008 versus the previous six months. In all, the lab’s statistics indicate that some 440,311 new malware programs appeared from January through June, compared to just 136,953 for the preceding six months.

Malware programs continue to mutate; many take advantage of social networking sites, which make it easier to distribute infections via simple e-mail messages supposedly sent by trusted friends. From dangerous rootkits to continually evolving viruses and spyware, Windows users require an anti-malware application that provides effective protection without robbing a system of its computing capacity. Of course, no single program or application is capable of completely protecting a Windows user from all threats, but some applications are better than others.

Private and public entities will need to begin pooling resources to stave off this growing threat. Nearly 10% of all retail purchases are made online. This represents billions of dollars worth of e-Commerce which may be threatened if people begin to distrust online shoppoing and buying.