Spyware beats Netsky in Top 10
p2pnet.net News:- A trojan that infects systems with direct-marketing spyware and adware replaces the e-worm for causing the most damage to computers last year, says a Spanish firm.
Downloader.GK is blamed for 14% of all attacks in 2004, says Panda Software.
The Trojan downloads and installs BetterInet spyware, it says, going on, "In addition, BetterInet installs the adware … without users noticing."
Downloader.GK is downloaded when users access certain websites and accept offers to install a specific ActiveX control. It hits systems running Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95, says Panda.
"Last month, the detection rate of Downloader.GK (over 12%) was much higher than the second malicious code in the ranking, Mhtredir.gen, a generic detection for a large group of Trojans that allow an attacker to gain remote control of computers," states Panda.
"Third place was taken by Netsky.P, a worm that has become a regular in the ranking of the most frequently detected viruses. This worm is followed by Citifraud.A, a Trojan that is designed to carry out online fraud using a technique known as phishing. The worm/Trojan Mabutu.A, and the Trojan that installs other malware StartPage.FH appear in fifth and sixth place in the ranking."
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See:-
14% – Top Ten viruses most frequently detected by Panda ActiveScan in December, Panda, January 3, 2004
BetterInet – Downloader.GK, Panda, June 7, 2004
