Attacks Get Personal in Q2

Over time, attackers continuously update their tactics to respond to security experts’ countermeasures. In a constant game of cat and mouse, attackers shifted tactics using several notable tools and techniques alongside the usual. The security roundup for the second quarter presents key highlights and developing trends in the security landscape.

Trend Micro research in the second quarter shows that attackers carefully selected their targets albeit sticking to time-tested tactics and going after the same end goals. The bad guys moved away from launching large-scale attacks and instead focused on more specific and somewhat “personal” targets.

The security roundup brings to light various threats Trend Micro encountered in the second quarter. Using more advanced tools like automatic transfer systems (ATSs)—the latest addition to widely used cybercrime toolkits—attackers streamlined their list of targets to only online banking customers in countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

Carefully choosing targets was also evidenced by Trend Micro research findings on advanced persistent threat (APT) campaigns like IXESHE. Trend Micro also protected small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) against more than 142 million threats in the first half of 2012 alone. Android malware like fake spying tool apps continue to increase in number due most likely to the continued rise in the OS’s popularity for more than 400 million active Android-based devices. Lastly, true to the quarter’s theme, Pinterest took the spotlight as its users were lured to take part in several survey scams due to its steady rise in popularity.

To take a closer look at the security landscape in the second quarter, read our comprehensive report, “It’s Big Business… and It’s Getting Personal.”

Post from: TrendLabs | Malware Blog – by Trend Micro

Attacks Get Personal in Q2