Quick Heal Reports a Surge of 90% in Overall Malware Detections in the Second Quarter

The second quarter of 2014 has witnessed an abnormal surge in malware samples (malicious software) used to disrupt computer operation across all platforms and this can be attributed to several deterrent causes. Quick Heal’s Threat Research Labs have witnessed a rise as high as 90% in the samples of malware where the cybercriminals and malicious software authors are constantly devising methods to penetrate home and enterprise networks.

Mr Sanjay Katkar, Chief Technology Officer, Quick Technologies says, “One possible explanation for this spurt in malware threat can be the continued usage of Windows XP on several machines, months after Microsoft has removed all technical support for the operating system. Several users still continue to work on this OS which has now become the most targeted OS with no security patches available”.

Further More, This quarter, Quick Heal has identified advanced software ‘ransomware’ that locks down a machine and takes control over it. Once it has locked a PC down, it demands a ‘ransom’. The malicious program claims that it would unlock the machine only upon the payment of said ransom and also threatens the victim by claiming to be from a higher authority. This induces a sense of panic which pushes the victim to actually make the payment hoping to free their ‘kidnapped’ machine.

Looking at higher dependability on mobile and online platforms, the second quarter of 2014 witnessed a humongous growth in the number of Android and Windows malware.

Key Findings of Quick Heal Quarterly Threat Report for Android:

• Quick Heal Labs witnessed a rise of more than 100% of malware in the samples that were collected from various sources.

• A new player has slowly started to move into the arena of the threat landscape. It is known as the hybrid malware family that infects Android phones via PCs.

• Mobile Adware was yet again the biggest malware threat as analyzed by Quick Heal in this quarter. Nearly 80% of the malware samples comprised adware that were designed to target Android.

• Fake, money-siphoning apps are no longer restricted to third-party app stores. They have started infiltrating the official Google Play market.

• Keyloggers have started proliferating in the Android playground. These are programs that record user keystrokes and use the recorded data for unscrupulous purposes.

• Android ransomware has started gaining a scary momentum. A heavy rise of this malware family is expected in the upcoming quarters.

Key Findings of Quick Heal Quarterly Threat Report for Windows:

• An advanced strain of the ransomware CryptoLocker called CryptoDefense was observed this quarter. This malware encrypts files on the victim's system and demands a ransom of $500 (in Bitcoins).

• Use of botnets (a group of infected computers controlled by hackers) has increased drastically to target individual business and Government bodies.

• Point of Sale (PoS) malware attacks are increasing with a menacing pace. These malware target PoS machines which are used for transactions at retail outlets. An unforgettable example of this malware was the great Target hack that occurred last year.

• Malicious programs that steal Bitcoin currency from its rightful owners are increasingly being deployed with pirated and illicit software.

The month of July saw an abnormal increase in the number of malware strains for both Windows and Android, and this can be attributed to several hybrid and dual-natured threats that have begun surfacing. As always, Quick Heal recommends that all PC users and smartphone users make use of a fully updated security product to keep their devices secure against rapidly evolving security threats.

In this scenario, addressing computer security threats and strategizing for network threat protection, requires an understanding of the trends and patterns. As cybercrime and espionage adapt to new methods, these network threats don't leave the users with the assumption that security could be a choice, it has become essential.

Download the full report by clicking here or visit:
http://bitcast-maa1.bitgravity.com/quickheal/documents/others/quick_heal_quarterly_threat_report_Q2_2014.pdf

About Quick Heal Technologies (P) Ltd:

Quick Heal Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a leading IT security solutions provider and an ISO 9001 certified company. Quick Heal Technologies was founded in 1993 and has been actively involved in Research and Development of antivirus software since then. Serving millions of users worldwide, Quick Heal Technologies employs more than 1100 people across 31 branches with its headquarters in Pune, India.

The award winning Quick Heal product family has been established as an industry benchmark in computer security certified by ICSA Labs, AV-Test, AV Comparatives, Virus Bulletin, West Coast Labs UK and PC Security Labs. The company is a Deloitte Fast 50 2010 and Red Herring Asia 2009 winner that places it amongst 100 most promising companies driving the future of technology in Asia.

Over a span of 21 years the company’s R&D has focused on IT security for personal computing and for SMEs, robust network and content security solutions to protect corporate resources and communication channels. The current portfolio of cloud based security solutions offers comprehensive security solutions that stop threats, attacks and malicious traffic before it strikes. Through its strong customer-focused approach and continuous quest for outstanding quality the company has attained and sustained leadership as one of the most trusted brands in consumer, mobile and corporate security.

Quick Heal has partnered with Microsoft and Intel to provide comprehensive security solutions that can be easily integrated into the partner’s technology.

The company has continued to grow its global footprint with new offices in US, Japan and Kenya set up in 2012.  This is in addition to a thick and well-connected network of over 15000 dealers and channel partners in more than 50 countries globally.

For more information contact:

AdFactors PR
Pranali Nimkar
+91 9820168532 / +91 9930040970
[email protected]

Quick Heal
Nikhil Khatri
+91 9881-489-689 / +91 7304-60¬7444
[email protected]