NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ - Bucharest, Romania, 2011/04/06 - Antimalware intelligence data compiled by BitDefender®, an award-winning provider of innovative Internet security solutions, found adware to be the number one e-threat registered in the United States in the United States in the first quarter of 2011 - mal.

Ranked to be the top threat in the first quarter of the year is Gen:Variant.Adware.Hotbar.1, which forces pop-up messages on a user’s PC screen, while also initiating new browser windows usually located on the right side of the desktop. This e-threat accounted for 5.97 percent of the total amount of malware registered in US. This family of malware is also capable of browser hijacking, which can route search queries to various ad campaigns, boosting the attacker’s advertising revenue. This adware tool can be used to gather data on the surfers’ habits in order to serve targeted ads or shopping suggestions.

Ranked second and third on the list are two variants of the same malware family, Java.Trojan.Downloader.OpenConnection.AI (5.54%) and Java.Trojan.Downloader.OpenConnection.AJ (3.35%). This e-threat clan has multiple effects on a user’s PC including slowing the system down. These e-threats can cause old desktop shortcuts to disappear while new ones take their place, without the computer user being aware of these changes. The browser’s homepage is also changed and the queries are redirected towards advertising pages. Lastly, these pieces of malware can compose and send E: messages (containing spam and malware) on the behalf of the PC user.

Win32.Worm.Downadup.Gen ranked fourth on the list with a modest 3.23 percent of infections registered in US. This worm’s agenda is well-known, it prevents users from accessing both Windows® Update and security vendors’ web pages, while also downloading rogue AVs on the compromised computers.

This year’s “new” and fresh face, ranked fifth on the list is Trojan.Crack.I, which accounts for a percentage of 3.18. This application generates unauthorized registration keys in order to defeat the commercial protection of shareware software products.

“Surprisingly, once notorious for its infection rates, Downadup did not make it to the podium, while malware related to software piracy holds on to an “honorable” and steady fifth place in the Q1 2011 e-threat top.” said XXX, BitDefender’s XXX. “.The purpose for this report was to offer consumers useful information about the malware industry, in order for them to be aware of the different threats they need to ensure protection against.”

About BitDefender®

BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified security software. Since its inception in 2001, BitDefender has continued to raise the bar and set new standards in proactive threat prevention. Every day, BitDefender protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe - giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences will be secure. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in more than 100 countries worldwide. More information about BitDefender and its products are available at the company’s security solutions press room. Additionally, BitDefender’s malwarecity.com provides background and the latest updates on security threats helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.

Agency / Source: Topaz Partners

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