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BitDefender's 2011 E-Threat Predictions Spotlight DDoS Protests, Rogue Applications, Social Network Plugins and Mobile MalwareBUCHAREST, ROMANIA, Jan 19, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- BitDefender(R), an award-winning provider of innovative internet security solutions, has announced predictions of the major e-threats in 2011, warning users to be prepared for a range of more complex and more sophisticated malware in the year ahead. The predictions from the BitDefender Lab spotlight the use of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) as a means of social protest -- a trend that emerged in 2010 with the advent of the Stuxnet worm and massive DDoS attacks against institutions that withdrew support for Wikileaks. During 2011, BitDefender expects increased activity from both conventional botnets, as well as from computers voluntarily enrolled in ad-hoc botnets -- which will focus on launching DDoS attacks as social protest against institutions that regulate the use of the Internet. "In 2011, not only do we expect malicious applications will increase in number -- BitDefender believes these e-threats will be more complex and pose even greater danger to today's online lifestyle," said Catalin Cosoi, head of the BitDefender Online Threats Lab. BitDefender warned of the possible debut of malware signed with genuine stolen digital certificates or counterfeit certificates, and also predicted a rise in rogue software, a growing and serious security threat to computer users in the form of malware that deceives or misleads users into paying for the fake or simulated removal of malware. "BitDefender expects an even broader offering of rogue software utilities in 2011, ranging from rogue disk defragmenters to tune-up applications," said Cosoi. The increase in access to social networking sites and the introduction of HTML5 will also play a key role, according to BitDefender Lab's security experts, as in the way malware authors use these increasingly popular online channels to disseminate their creations. "We can expect to see an increase in malware using either HTML5 or Java in order to compromise users' security," said Cosoi. BitDefender also expects the massive acceptance of smartphones and other mobile devices running fully-fledged operating systems will lead to an increase in mobile malware. The availability of software development kits for these devices will make it easier for malware creators to seize control of these mobile devices. "Android malware such as the Geinimi Trojan is already a reality, and it's only a matter of time before cyber-criminals start infecting users' phones to gain control over sensitive data such as e-banking & social networking credentials," said Cosoi. For more information on the e-threat landscape in 2011, please visit: http://www.bitdefender.com/site/view/BitDefender-E-Threats-Landscape-Report.html. To stay up-to-date on the latest e-threats, sign-up for BitDefender's RSS feeds here. All products and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of, their respective owners. About BitDefender(R) BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified security software. Since its inception in 2001, BitDefender has continued to raise the bar and set new standards in proactive threat prevention. Every day, BitDefender protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe -- giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences will be secure. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in more than 100 countries worldwide. More information about BitDefender and its products are available at the company's security solutions press room. Additionally, BitDefender's www.malwarecity.com provides background and the latest updates on security threats helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware. North America Media Contact: Alison Raymond Topaz Partners Phone: +1 781-404-2403 Email: [email protected] SOURCE: BitDefender mailto:[email protected] |