• ASEC Report finds that Trojans remain most reported malicious code in third quarter
• Smartphone security still at risk with rising Android and Mac malware threats
• Cloud computing represents new frontier for cyber criminals

SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Trojans remain the most reported malicious code in the third quarter according to recent findings from AhnLab Inc. (www.ahnlab.com), a leading provider of integrated security solutions. In the most recent AhnLab Security Emergency Response Center (ASEC) report, Trojans represented the most reported malicious code at 37.2%, as well as accounting for 36% of the top new malicious codes during the third quarter of 2011.

Based on a sampling pool of users in Korea, Trojans dominated the top twenty most reported malicious codes for the third quarter, followed by script (20.7%), and worm (10.8%). When examining the top 20 malicious codes reported in the third quarter of 2011, Textimage/Autorun ranks top at 16.2% (1,702,118 reported cases), followed by JS/Agent at 13.6% (1,429,508 reported cases) and the new Html/Agent at 9.7% (1,016,109 reported cases).

The third quarter saw a decrease in malicious code reports as compared to the previous quarter, which dropped 6,601,706 to 39,606,178. However, 13 new malicious identified codes made up part of the top 20 malicious codes for the quarter.

Trojans are the most reported new malicious code, representing 36% of the top reported new malicious codes. It is followed by script at 22% and adware at 12%. Specifically, TextImage/Autorun is the most reported new malicious code at 17.1% (1,699,603 reported cases) of the top 20 new malicious codes, followed by JS/Agent at 14.4% (1,429,439 reported cases).

The ASEC Report revealed that Microsoft security updates continue to demonstrate vulnerabilities. As in the first and second quarters, system vulnerabilities were the most prominent, marking 41% of updates, while IE vulnerabilities marked the least amount of updates at 4%.

Global Malicious Code Trends—Third Quarter

In its most recent ASEC report, AhnLab emphasizes that malicious code trends in the third quarter are similar to that of the second quarter. The number of malicious codes distributed by exploiting vulnerabilities remains high.

As has been seen previously, most malicious code variants are restricted by specific regions. As regionalization of malicious codes becomes more pervasive, global malicious code statistics are no longer significant. Distribution of malicious codes remains common by hacking websites and exploiting vulnerabilities to insert malicious codes. However, distributing malicious codes via email or social network sites, such as Facebook and Twitter is also becoming increasingly common.

Threats to smartphone security remain an issue in the third quarter. A malware posing as a PDF file was reported to infect Mac OS X and a new piece of Android Malware called GingerMaster has been found exploiting Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). GingerMaster exploits Android 2.3 and harvests data on infected Android smartphones and then sends the stolen information to a remote server. AhnLab cautions that extra care must be taken as smartphone security threats will continue to increase.

Cloud computing represents one of the most exciting technology trends and the antivirus industry has not been slow to embrace this opportunity. In fact, AhnLab, Inc. has added a cloud-based technology, AhnLab Smart Defense (ASD) to its product line. Hackers and cyber criminals have also been quick to take advantage of this trend and a rogue cloud antivirus ‘OpenCloud Antivirus’ was reported in September. This rogue system pretends to scan the system and claims to identify multiple infected files. Similar to other rogue antivirus, this system will trick victims into purchasing a license for the software. AhnLab warns users to exercise caution when implementing a cloud antivirus system.

To view the full ASEC Report, please visit: http://global.ahnlab.com/en/site/threat/asec/asecReportList.do

About AhnLab, Inc.

Headquartered in South-Korea, AhnLab Inc. (KSE: 053800) develops industry-leading security solutions and provides professional services that are designed to secure and protect critical business and personal information. As a leading innovator in the information security arena since 1988, AhnLab's cutting edge products and services have been fulfilling the stringent security requirements of both enterprises and individual users. AhnLab’s products and services include anti-virus solutions, network, mobile and online game security, security management and consulting services. Today, AhnLab boasts a network of sales and research operations in more than 20 countries worldwide.

CONTACT:

AhnLab, Inc.
Changmin Song, +82.2.2186.7955
Corporate Communications
seemefly@ahnlab.com
or
Burson Marsteller Korea
Nicolle Kuritsky, +82.2.3782.6460
nicolle.kuritsky@bm.com

KEYWORDS:   Asia Pacific  South Korea

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Internet  Software  Security

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