Symantec Report Demonstrates that Cyber Attacks Increasingly Target Home Users for Financial Gain

Symantec Report Demonstrates that Cyber Attacks Increasingly Target Home Users for Financial Gain

The latest Internet Security Threat Report released today by Symantec (Nasdaq: SYMC) shows that because home users are less likely to have established security measures in place, they are being increasingly targeted by attackers for identity theft, fraud, or other financially motivated crime. Furthermore, attackers are now using a variety of techniques to escape detection and prolong their presence on systems in order to gain more time to steal information, hijack the computer for marketing purposes, provide remote access, or otherwise compromise confidential information for profit.

“Understanding the current threat landscape is critical in helping us protect our citizens’ online interactions and ensure the availability of our critical systems,” said David Jordan, chief information security and privacy officer for Arlington County, Va. “The current threat intelligence in Symantec’s Internet Security Threat Report, combined with our use of leading-edge security technologies, helps us ensure the highest degree of security for our citizens and government agencies.”

Symantec’s Internet Security Threat Report notes that home users are the most targeted attack sector, accounting for 86 percent of all targeted attacks, followed by financial services businesses. Symantec has identified increased attacks aimed at client-side applications, increased use of evasive tactics to avoid detection, and that large, widespread Internet worms have given way to smaller, more targeted attacks focusing on fraud, data theft, and criminal activity.

“Attackers see end users as the weakest link in the security chain and are constantly targeting them in an effort to profit,” said Arthur Wong, senior vice president, Symantec Security Response and Managed Services. “Given the effect this has on our large and growing customer base, Symantec introduced new metrics to further understand how to better protect customers against these security concerns in years to come.”

Read the complete Press Release