Symantec: File-Sharing, Social Web Target PCs for Spam Botnets
While it is no secret that spam and botnet attacks are becoming more sophisticated with each passing day, there are a number of advanced security software programs that have been able to effectively combat malware in most of its forms. In spite of these positive strides, Symantec recently revealed new information that suggests botnets are adapting new methods of attacking computers.
In short, a botnet is a jargon term used to describe a network of computers under the control of 1 (or few) users. For example, a PC can become part of a botnet when the primary user inadvertently download and installs malicious software (virus / Trojan). Botnets are used for spamming primarily, or for attacking corporate structures.
Spam Campaigns Kept "Active and Fresh"
Symantec believes that virus-infected files which propagate botnets over file-sharing sites or social networks will continue to increase dramatically over the next few years. The end result will make botnets even more difficult to prevent.
According to the Symantec MessageLabs Intelligence 2010 security report, between 3.5 and 5.4 million botnets affected innocent users from around the world this past year. Still, even malware peddlers realize that in order to maintain (and even surpass) these figures, they must implement new "tactics to keep their spam campaigns active and fresh." (Source: itpro.co.uk)
For example, hackers capitalized on the international fervor that came with the FIFA World Cup this past year. As MessageLabs Intelligence senior analyst Paul Wood notes, "From leveraging newsworthy events like the FIFA World Cup to taking advantage of the widespread popularity of URL shortening services and social networks, the spammers deployed a variety of tricks to bypass spam filters and lure potential victims."
Three of the Most Powerful Active Botnets
While the extent of such deceptive tactics has yet to be seen, Symantec intends to keep a close eye on Rustock, Grum and Cutwail; three of the most powerful spam-peddling botnets currently active and online the Internet.
The Rustock botnet alone sends out more than 44 billion spam emails per day, more than double their figures from this same timeframe last year. Of all botnet-related spam emails, 95 per cent were due in part to the efforts of Rustock, translating to over one million infected machines. (Source: securecomputing.net.au)
Most popular articles
- Which Processor is Better: Intel or AMD? - Explained
- How to Prevent Ransomware in 2018 - 10 Steps
- 5 Best Anti Ransomware Software Free
- How to Fix: Computer / Network Infected with Ransomware (10 Steps)
- How to Fix: Your Computer is Infected, Call This Number (Scam)
- Scammed by Informatico Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Smart PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Right PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by PC / Web Network Experts? Here's What to Do
- How to Fix: Windows Update Won't Update
- Explained: Do I need a VPN? Are VPNs Safe for Online Banking?
- Explained: VPN vs Proxy; What's the Difference?
- Explained: Difference Between VPN Server and VPN (Service)
- Forgot Password? How to: Reset Any Password: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10
- How to: Use a Firewall to Block Full Screen Ads on Android
- Explained: Absolute Best way to Limit Data on Android
- Explained: Difference Between Dark Web, Deep Net, Darknet and More
- Explained: If I Reset Windows 10 will it Remove Malware?
![](/graphics/dennisfaas.jpg)
My name is Dennis Faas and I am a senior systems administrator and IT technical analyst specializing in cyber crimes (sextortion / blackmail / tech support scams) with over 20 years experience; I also run this website! If you need technical assistance , I can help. Click here to email me now; optionally, you can review my resume here. You can also read how I can fix your computer over the Internet (also includes user reviews).
We are BBB Accredited
![](https://www.infopackets.com/graphics/bbb.png)
We are BBB accredited (A+ rating), celebrating 21 years of excellence! Click to view our rating on the BBB.