Trojans accounted for 75% of new malware in Q3 2007, says Panda

About 75% of all new malware that appeared in the third quarter of this year were Trojans, according to data from the PandaLabs Q3 2007 report.

“Trojans are still, by far, the most numerous category of new malware. This is because this type of malicious code is an ideal tool in the new malware dynamic, where cyber-crooks seek to profit from their attacks”, said Luis Corrons, Technical Director of PandaLabs.

Adware (12%) and worms (11%) were the other categories of malicious code with a significant number of new strains over the last three months.

In terms of the number of infections, Trojans also headed the list. During the third quarter they accounted for 32% of malware detected on computers of users of the Panda ActiveScan online scanner. Adware was in second place with an infection ratio of 24%.

The PandaLabs report on malware activity in the third quarter also offers a comparative review of kits for installing malware using exploits. These malicious tools allow cyber-crooks to exploit vulnerabilities on computers and servers to infect users.

“By comparing these kits we can get a clear idea of the current malware situation. Cyber-crime has become professional to the extent that hackers have a range of tools, with their corresponding prices and features, from which to choose from when carrying out attacks”, said Corrons.

The report also looks at the most serious vulnerabilities in Q3 as well as other news related to criminal activity on the Web. This report and further information can be downloaded from the PandaLabs blog: (http://pandalabs.pandasecurity.com/archive/Pandalabs-Quarterly-Report-July_2D00_September-2007.aspx)