Norton Safe Web listed 100 "worst" websites

Symantec released few days ago list of dirtiest websites.

It is scary that those websites contain over 18000 threats in average when "normal" malware site has "only" around 20 threats.

One of the worst sites is aladeldotnet (don't visit!) which has over 50000 threats. In those websites you can get infected by just visiting.

Entire list isn't published but here are some samples.

Amount of spam is back to "normal"

Symantec recently reported that amount of spam is almost back to same level when dubious McColo was shut down in November 2008 being now 91% of it.

Currently 94 percent of all emails are spam. Current spam trend seems to be loans and real estate business. Spam emails offer help for people who need to sell their apartment or advice for loans.

Symantec acquires PC Tools

Symantec has announced to acquire PC Tools (manufacturer of eg. Spyware Doctor).

From press release

– Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC), today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire PC Tools, a global provider of innovative software products designed to protect the privacy and security of Windows® computer users. The financial terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the calendar year and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

With the addition of PC Tools, Symantec will expand its consumer product portfolio to include award-winning PC utilities software and point security technologies. PC Tools will help Symantec expand its reach with consumers in new emerging regional markets and will bring an array of go-to-market capabilities, that have been effective with consumers in many markets around the world.

Number of malware reached one million

Symantec has released it's semi-annual security report. According to that report, number of malware reached one million. Scary thing is that half of that amount has been created during the last year. Total raise was 136 per cent compared to year 2006.

Majority of malware are for Windows and they are just new versions of already existing malware, usually useful for criminals.

Now most popular malware are trojans which open access to computer and download other malware as well as keylogger which activates on certain web sites only (like banker trojans).

The raise of malware is because of criminals who pay for programmers that they will make new malware for them. New versions are needed that they can steal even bigger amount of money from victims.

Source: Symantec