Recent studies reveal that the spread of malware (infecting PCs worldwide) is on the rise and growing at an alarming rate. In September 2009, it was reported by cnet.com that malware infection in PCs across the globe rose by 15% in one month alone. The study tracked 29 countries and found that malware infected about 59% of PCs overall in those nations. With the highest rate in 29 countries at 69% and the lowest at 39%, the United States ranked ninth and had close to the worldwide average with a 58% rate of malware-infected PCs. If malware was a disease (and in fact, it is an infection), then we have an epidemic on our hands.
According to this study, Trojans and adware are currently the most common forms of malware that are illegally employed in the United States — amounting to about two-thirds of these pernicious attacks. The next two methods most commonly used by cyber criminals are viruses and worms. (Below, we describe Trojans and adware and explain how each one invades PCs.)
In a quarterly report by McAfee that was released in July 2009 and again cited at cnet.com, this company reported that the use of botnets and zombies (pathways for malware to enter PCs) were hitting a record pace with over 150,000 new zombies being introduced every day during that quarterly period.
To fully comprehend the dangers of malware spreading, it’s important to first understand the “disease” itself and the purpose it serves, as well as the insidious types and forms that it takes. Below, we also offer a solution to protect your computer from unwanted spyware and from the malicious invasion of malware by incorporating Double Anti-Spy’s cutting-edge technology.
What Is Malware and What Purpose Does It Serve?
Short for “malicious software,” malware is also known by the more common phrase “computer virus.” This intrusive software is most often spread by criminals and hackers via the Internet and by email. Malware affects personal computers (PCs) and it includes many types of malicious software including viruses, worms, crimeware, dishonest adware, Trojans, and some types of spyware.
The purpose of malware is to invade a PC and take it hostage by implementing unwanted and potentially dangerous software into the computer. Basically, the motives are to steal personal and financial information. It also exploits users’ computers by turning them into “zombies” or unintentional agents to further their criminal activity. Make sure your anti-spyware includes cutting-edge anti-malware technology as well which we utilize at Double Anti-Spy.
The Two Most Common Types of Malware to Infect PCs
As stated above, in the U.S., Trojans and adware are the two types of malware that are most commonly used today to invade PCs, accounting for about two-thirds of attacks. A Trojan, short for Trojan horse, is a malware that seems at first to provide a valuable function for the user so it is welcomed without question, but its intent is to provide illegal access to a computer and invade the user’s privacy. Dishonest adware is advertising that is forced upon the user and may contain viruses or worms that get imbedded in the PC.
Protecting Yourself with Cutting Edge Anti-Malware Technology
Using both traditional spyware and cutting-edge anti-malware technologies, Double Anti-Spy responds more effectively to combat aggressive and mutating spyware. The technology of Double Anti-Spy eliminates the need for multiple spyware solutions on your computer.