Win32/Agent stealing personal data on the rise; Conficker still No. 1 Threat

Win32/Conficker is the most widespread computer threat in the world with a share of 9,62% of all detected forms of malware. The data si based on ThreatSense.Net®, ESET’s in-the-cloud malware detection system collecting data from users of ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

Among the top three infiltrations, globally were INF/Autorun with 7,24% of all infiltrations and Win32/PSW.OnLineGames with 6,20%. Both mentioned classifications of malware encompass mostlyTrojans exploiting the Windows OS autorun function (autorun.inf) or malware designed for stealing sensitive information form PC online games.

The fourth most widespread threat worldwide is Win32/Agent with a share of 3,57%, and still growing month by month, approaching the levels it has reached during the summer of 2009. ESET classifies this threat as a generic form of malware in the cattegory of PC data stealer. Win32/Agent covers a broad range of infiltrations utilizing a multitude of vectors. In Europe, it has even placed among top three infiltrations with a share of 4%. ESET advises computer users to ensure that they stay protected using an effective antivirus software, administer operating system patches as they are issued as well as other security updates of potentially vulnerable programs. INF/Conficker is the next most prevalent form of malware, placing fifth in ESET’s ranking. INF/Conficker utilizes the same means of propagation as INF/Autorun ̶ via autorun.inf. function. Throughout the month of February, this threat has accounted for 1,71% of the total of global infiltrations.
 
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST and AFRICA (EMEA)

Similarly as is the case with teh rest of the world, Win32/Conficker represents the most frequently encountered type of malware in the EMEA region. It afflicts all corners of the EMEA region ̶ Russia (15,31%) Ukraine (23,06%), Hungary (6,50%), the Czech Republic (4,34%), Slovenia (4%), Germany (6,84%), Great Britain (8,17%), Finland (7,60%), Egypt (11,65%) and South Africa (11,91%).

Trojans INF/Autorun have been the dominant form of malware with high occurance in Israel (6,11%), Lithuania (4,66%), Spain (9,55%), Portugal (5,3%), but also in France (7,85%) and Norway (4,37%).

Win32/PSW.OnLineGames is among the most frequently detected malware on users' computers in Slovakia (8,90%), Poland (15,39%) and Turkey (10,66%) .

Win32/Agent is the number one threat in Austria (4,54%); also registering high rate of occurrence in other countries, such as Hungary (3,70%), Poland (2,84%) , Sweden (2,39%), and Denmark (4,16%).