AutRun Worms Top McAfee Malware Threat List

AutRun worms introduced into networks via removable devices topped McAfee's Q1 threat report, with a USB worm at the head of the malware class.The surge in USB-borne worms to the top of the threat list, according to McAfee's Q1 threat report, should be a reminder to all small and midsized businesses (and everybody else, for that matter) that when devices gain popularity and, in the case of USB devices, ubiquity, the number of threats they carry grow right along with them.

Nothing new about USB-based attack vectors, of course. As McAfee put it in the report:

Every new device that employees bring into the organization opens new avenues for threats to enter the network from the inside.

The points for you -- and your employees -- to address include:

a) You're aware of every device employees are connecting to your network

b) You have in place thorough and constantly updated/monitored endpoint security so that you know when s device is connected to your network

c) You have in place an equally thorough and updated employee device usage policy, and that your employees are aware of that policy, including the penalties for not adhering to it

The situation is only going to get more challenging, as removable storage becomes more and more the consumer data-transport medium of choice, and as USB drives become more and capable of carrying everything a person wants with them.

Time to make sure that that those everythings your employees are hauling to and from work -- and to and from your network's USB ports don't include Auto-Run malware.

The complete McAfee Q1 Threat Report is here.