Symantec Reports Rise in Attacks

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- The latest Internet Security ThreatReport released today by Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) reveals that thecurrent Internet threat environment is characterized by an increase in datatheft, data leakage, and the creation of targeted, malicious code for thepurpose of stealing confidential information that can be used for financialgain. Cyber criminals continue to refine their attack methods in an attemptto remain undetected and to create global, cooperative networks to supportthe ongoing growth of criminal activity.

"Symantec's Internet Security Threat Report gives our organization adetailed analysis of worldwide Internet threats, helping us monitor securityrisks and adjust our technology and protection processes accordingly," saidDan Lohrmann, chief information security officer for the state of Michigan."Safeguarding sensitive information and the public's trust is essential forour support of Michigan agencies providing law enforcement, health care, andcitizen service. The report's comprehensive data on the global threatlandscape complements our department's security operations."

Symantec's Internet Security Threat Report Volume XI reveals:. Symantec reported more than 6 million distinct bot-infected computersworldwide during the second half of 2006, representing a 29 percent increasefrom the previous period. However, the number of command-and-controlservers used to relay commands to these bots decreased by 25 percent,indicating that bot network owners are consolidating their networks andincreasing the size of their existing networks.

. Trojans constituted 45 percent of the top 50 malicious code samples,representing a 23 percent increase over the first six months of 2006. Thissignificant increase supports Symantec's forecast from previous research,which noted that attackers appeared to be making a shift away frommass-mailing worms toward using Trojans.

Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC)