Undetected Malware Threats A Growing Risk for Internet Users

April 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Jersey City, NJ, March 25, 2010 - Comodo, a leader in cybersecurity, announced that the amount of malicious software (malware) not detected by PC security software is increasing, and that this represents a significant risk for Internet users. In March, 2010, VirusTotal.com, a service that analyzes suspicious files, identified more than 70,000 infected files that went undetected by one or more anti-virus engines-a more than 30% increase from last year. The sheer number of new, undetected files highlights the major threat facing Internet users today: non-detection by traditional PC security software.

These undetected threats create a window of vulnerability for Internet users, who may encounter them prior to the availability of a detection signature by their security software vendor. This window can remain open for hours, days, weeks, or even longer. The longer this window stays open, the greater the damage done.

Even software applications that Internet users have long assumed were safe can now be infected, according to security journalist Mike Vizard. Web sites themselves--including social networking sites--can now be impregnated with malware, as can applications such as video or audio players, as well as cloud computing. URL shortening services can also redirect users to malicious sites. Vizard described these ruses and others in the State of Vermont's Outlook to Security in 2010 Newsletter.

Melih Abdulhayoglu, CEO and founder of the Comodo companies, explains the problem of undetected malware and what to do about it in his Internet Security Insider Video Blog program "Desktop Security - You Need Three Layers." In the video, Abdulhayoglu outlines the flaws in traditional PC security approaches and provides a solution to the problem based on the principle of preventing, rather than detecting, malware as the first line of defense employed by PC security software. The video can be viewed at Comodo.TV, Comodo's Internet Video Channel.

About Comodo

Comodo is a leading brand in Internet security, covering an extensive range of security software and services, including digital certificates, PCI scanning, desktop security, online faxing, and computer technical support services.

Businesses and consumers worldwide recognize Comodo as standing for security and trust. Comodo products secure and authenticate online transactions for over 200,000 businesses and have more than 25,000,000 installations of Comodo desktop security software, including an award-winning firewall and antivirus software offered at no charge.

The Comodo family of companies is committed to continual innovation, core competencies in PKI, authentication, and malware detection and prevention. As a catalyst in eliminating online crime, the companies' mission is to establish a Trusted Internet.

With US headquarters overlooking Manhattan on New Jersey's waterfront, and global resources in United Kingdom, China, India, Ukraine, and Romania, Comodo products offer intelligent security, authentication, and assurance.

Comodo -- Creating Trust Online®. For more information, visit Comodo's website.

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