Tests View Attack Evolution

BILBAO, Spain -- Panda Software, a managed security services organization, released its Q1 security analysis last week. In addition to the raw breakdown of malware attacks by percentage, they've unveiled some interesting (and scary!) forward-looking trends that stemmed from laboratory concept tests. These tests, which were demonstrated in a variety of security labs (including Panda's), demonstrate two critical changes in hostile attacks:

1. Platforms previously regarded to be virtually impenetrable can now be infected. This includes: --> Macintosh platforms --> Mobile Java phones --> Virtual keyboards (which used software which eliminated traceable keystrokes, but new viruses are capturing screen shots)

2. Concept test are also showing new ways for malware to be contagious: --> Synchronizing a handheld device can be bi-directionally infectious. An infected computer can contaminate the handheld device, and vice versa. --> RFID tags, originally thought to hold so little data they could not "hold" an infection, have been proven to infect RFID readers and, in turn, other RFID tags.

Panda Software