FX.co ★ One third of world’s computers infected

PandaLabs has unveiled a report on malware cases and cyber attacks in 2012. 31.98% of computers checked were infected with viruses, spyware, etc. All in all, PandaLabs found 125 million malware samples with 27 million developed in 2012. Three quarters of the samples were Trojans, which is 3% more than in 2011. 8% of the malicious software was represented by viruses and worms.
Such statistics provides insight into the potential of cybercriminals in terms of creation of new malware versions.
PandaLabs also concluded that approximately 74 thousand new threats emerged per 24 hours.
China turned out to be the most afflicted country with 54.89% of computers damaged by malware. The Celestial Empire is followed by South Korea that has 54.15% of virally sick computers. Taiwan and its 42.14% of tainted PCs ranks third. However, these staggering figures are much better as compared to 2011, when the number of malware cases in China and Taiwan was 56% and 52% respectively. Apparently, computers around the world have set a course for recovery.
Nonetheless, threats for mobile devices and cyber attacks on social networks grew in number.
Meanwhile, the fewest attacks were registered in Sweden (20.25%), Switzerland (20.35%), and Norway (21.03%).
Apart from the malware statistics, the report by PandaLabs contains forecasts for this year. In 2013, attacks on social networks and Android-based gadgets are seen to intensify. Furthermore, the world is likely to face progressive cyber espionage and cyber warfare.