Old Worm Rebounds in Sophos Top 10

BOSTON -- IT security and control firm Sophos has revealed the most prevalent malware threats and countries causing problems for computer users worldwide during November 2007.

The study, compiled by Sophos's global network of monitoring stations, has shown that old-timer Traxg has leapt to the number two spot in the chart, accounting for nearly 25 percent of all recorded email-borne malware in November, despite first being detected more than three years ago in October 2004. Pushdo once again topped the chart in November. Throughout the month, the malware author continued to release a number of variants including the latest offering - a naked video of Britney Spears - in an attempt to entice and dupe unwary users.

The top 10 list of email-based malware threats in November 2007 reads as follows:

1. Troj/Pushdo 29.3%

2. W32/Traxg 23.6%

3. W32/Netsky 17.8%

4. Mal/Dropper 5.4%

5. W32/Zafi 5.0%

6. W32/Mytob 4.8%

7. W32/Flcss 3.3%

8. W32/MyDoom 2.9%

9. W32/Strati 2.8%

10. W32/Bagle 1.0%
    

    Others 5.1%

"The rise of unsophisticated worms like Traxg is a clear indication that a high number of users, and potentially companies, are failing to install even basic anti-virus protection," said Mike Haro, senior security analyst at Sophos. "Additionally, as cybercriminals continue to create multiple variants, Pushdo carries on infecting users through a wide range of spam messages looking to tempt users by offering them enticing videos, laced with malware.”

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