Sophos announces 2002's top malicious codes
Here's a top 10 list computer users would rather avoid -- antivirus software maker Sophos PLC reported Thursday its most frequently occurring viruses and hoaxes for 2002.
According to Lynnfield, Mass.-based Sophos, the most recurring malicious code affecting end-users last year was the pesky Bugbear, a mass-mailing and network worm. Coming in a close second was the Klez worm -- a Trojan horse-type virus that sends e-mail messages with randomly named attachments and subject fields -- which in December had been noted as the most prolific virus in 2002.
Also causing problems for users in December was the Tubmo Trojan horse, which placed third. The troublesome code redirects Web browsers to specific Web sites and portals, Sophos said, adding that it detected more than 600 malicious codes last month alone.
Even though protection against Klez and Bugbear is a simple matter of safe computing, these two viruses continue to cause problems, said Sophos technology consultant Chris Wraight in a statement.
Users should regularly ensure that antivirus software's data definitions are up-to-date, Wraight continued.
Fake virus warnings continued last year with the JDBGMGR hoax coming in at number one. The mass e-mail hoax warns unsuspecting users about a bogus virus and prompts users to delete a legitimate Windows file.
"The JDBGMR hoax has been at the top of the myth list for eight months and shows no signs of subsiding," Wraight said
.
Details of the top ten chart can be found at www.sophos.com/virusinfo/topten/200212summary.html.
» posted by abennett
ITWorldCanada.com
Symantec Backup Exec 12 and Backup Exec System Recovery 8 deliver industry leading Windows data protection and system recovery. Download this whitepaper to find out the top reasons to upgrade and how to get continuous data protection and complete system recovery.
Data and system loss — from a hard drive failure, malicious attack, natural disaster, or simple human error — can happen anytime. Don’t leave your business vulnerable. Make sure you have a secure recovery strategy in place. Symantec's latest backup and system recovery technology can efficiently restore critical applications, individual emails and documents and even restore your entire system in minutes in the event of a loss.
Businesses face a growing challenge to ensure that the IT environment is properly protected. Backup Exec 12 integrates with other applications in the Symantec family of products, to complement your current data protection strategy, keep your data securely backed up and make it recoverable when you need it most.
