Spyware is the biggest threat on the web

According to British security firm Sophos, spyware is spreading strongly in businesses this year because the main purpose of cybercrime when distributing this dangerous program is financial income.

Sophos said that spyware accounted for 66.4% of all threats on the network in November. The overall growth rate of spyware has increased by 48% compared to last year.

" Spyware has a virus-like, open-back feature that allows hackers to remotely access and formulate controlled computer networks. More and more malicious code appears on the Internet but with small amounts of distribution. " Paul Ducklin, Sophos technical director, said. " The virus author and organized crime groups no longer want a different Blaster or Sasser version because they will be counterproductive and affect the ability to manage the system ."

According to Ducklin, Blaster and Sasser are not suitable for a bumper because they spread too wide and out of control.

One of the major risks in 2005 was intentional phishing to deliver greater efficiency. " Instead of sending a million fraudulent e-mails in which at least 900,000 people don't care about online banking, why don't you program e-mails to reach those who use the service? the case, "Ducklin said.

The US, South Korea and China still account for more than 50% of all global frauds. Recent statistics from America Online show that 1 in 4 Americans becomes the target of phishing. AOL also confirmed that 81% of computers in the US do not install updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software.