Threats targeting instant messaging and P2P networks exploded last month,
as reports jumped nearly 400 percent, according to security firm Akonix.
The second-quarter increase, the largest hike since Akonix has been
recording threats, saw hackers launching 53 new assaults, prompting the
Akonix Security Center to issue 23 security policy updates.
The firm said it
used its IM malware, SPIM and protocol update system, which automatically
pushes updates to customers and blocks worms and viruses in real-time at the
network perimeter, to ward off attackers.
“Virus writers are becoming more advanced in their approach to vulnerable
IM clients, distributing not only new viruses, but altering current worms to
produce more dangerous variants,” Francis Costello, CTO at Akonix Systems, said in a statement.
As P2P and IM tools become more valuable for everyday business,
corporate networks remain vulnerable to various attacks. As the sophistication level of virus writing increases, Akonix says businesses must be vigilant in protecting themselves.
“With almost a 400 percent increase in attacks quarter over quarter, IM
networks are continuing to get hit by new and growing security threats, and
June is a continuation of this trend,” Costello said.
P2P and IM worm scripters continued the assault primarily with 22
variants of the Kelvir worm, three of the Opanki worm and three of the
Oskabot worm, according to Akonix.
Although security features were often in place on the more popular P2P
and IM clients, hackers continue to circumvent the protection.
And the increase in attacks isn’t likely to slow.
The IMLogic Threat Center reported an increase in attacks through instant
messaging clients from 20 in 2004 to 571 in the second quarter
of 2005.
“IM usage has reached critical mass, and virus writers have now
recognized it as a mostly undefended medium,” IMlogic CEO and cofounder Francis deSouza said in a statement. “These are
mutating, high-velocity, and invisible to most companies until they hit. All
these factors combine to create a serious risk.”
