The malware dynamics has changed

In the last years, we have witnessed a change in the malware dynamic. This change has been brought about by developments in the motivation of malware authors: before, they were interested in becoming famous. Now, their motivation is purely financial: hackers are becoming more professional.

Up until 2004, widespread epidemics were getting faster and their effects were always clearly visible. Press, radio and television reported epidemics, which we can all remember, such as those caused by I love You or Sircam or widespread infections like the one caused by SQL Slammer. Malware authors achieved their main aim: people were talking about them.

We have the false idea that these types of epidemics no longer exist. However, the data is alarming and clearly demonstrates that not only is there a lot more malware around than before but also that the motivation of malware authors has changed. Now, their motivation is purely financial and there is an entire industry behind them, financing and encouraging them, and this means that they are becoming more professional. “The better I can do my job, the more they will pay me."

To do this, they are using increasingly advanced technologies and more sophisticated malware, designed specifically to go undetected. This new malware is far more difficult to combat.

In the last year, PandaLabs has received more malware than in the previous 16 years combined.

The number of examples of new viruses received by antivirus laboratories has increased dramatically.