03.04.2009

FICORA's CERT-FI information security review 1/2009: Network worm infects computers, malware also conquer other devices

According to FICORA's CERT-FI unit responsible for handling information security incidents, the number of malware incidents in Finnish networks has remained nearly unchanged since the summer of 2007, although the number of broadband subscriptions has grown.

Since the turn of the year, information security news has been dominated by a malware known as Conficker or Downadup. It has been estimated that the Conficker malware had infected 15 million computers around the world during the first part of the year. Thousands of infections were reported in Finland. It is not yet known what the purpose of the widely-spread network worm is.

There are many ways for malware to spread, such as via a vulnerability in the operating system or USB memory sticks. The best way to protect from malware is to ensure that the anti-virus software and operating system are updated.

Other devices than computers may also become targets

Malware can also infect other devices than computers. ADSL terminal devices hijacked to form botnets can be found in Finland, too. In a longer run, it is expected that malware will transfer into new environments, because increasingly more electronic household devices are also connected to the internet.

The information security review for the first quarter of 2009 released by CERT-FI looks at the most significant threats to information security, such as malware and their effects in Finland as well as development trends and future prospects of data break-ins and vulnerabilities. The objective of the review is to support companies and organisations in their attempts to improve the management of information security risks.

The CERT-FI information security review 1/2009 (in Finnish)

Further information:
CERT-FI Duty Officer, tel. +358 9 6966 510
Erka Koivunen, Head of CERT-FI, tel. +358 9 6966 737, +358 40 309 8094