Cyber attacks jumped sharply between the beginning of September and mid-October, according to data from PandaLabs. “Based on our extensive research and analysis of emerging malware patterns, we believe that criminal organizations are closely watching market performance and adapting as needed to ensure maximum profit,” notes Ryan Sherstobitoff, chief evangelist for Panda Security, in a press statement.
For example, PandaLabs reports that from September 14 to 16, as U.S. stock indices fell between 0.5 percent and 5.5 percent, daily malware threats soared from 8,276 to more than 31,404. “Cyber criminals have to increase their activity to reach more users with campaigns designed to put money directly into their pockets,” Sherstobitoff adds. PandaLabs found that “fake antivirus campaigns are generating over $14 million in profit each month for the underground economy.”
