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Webroot Announces Most Common Top Ten Security Threats In The UK

• Trojan Downloader Zlob is most common Trojan
• Perfect Keylogger is most common System Monitor
• 180search Assistant/Zango is most common Adware

INFOSECURITY, LONDON UK, April 24th, 2007, Webroot Software, Inc., a leading provider of security software for the consumer, enterprise and SME markets, today announces the most common forms of malicious security threats in the UK, at InfoSecurity Europe 2007, Grand Hall, Olympia, London.

During the month of March, Trojan Downloader Zlob was the most commonly found Trojan worldwide.  Some variants of the Trojan are capable of providing a hacker with the ability to remotely control and use the infected computer for malicious purposes.  The Trojan disguises itself as a harmless program and is generally distributed as an email attachment.  It often silently downloads and installs bogus security programs such as SpywareQuake, SpyFalcon, SpyLocked and WinAntivirusPro, but may install other malware as well.

In Webroot’s monthly analysis of the most common forms of malicious attack, conducted by the company’s automated spyware research system Phileas, 180search Assistant/Zango is identified as being the most widespread adware.  Following closely behind is Hotbar/Zango and Starware Toolbar, an extremely high-level threat, capable of tracking a users’ internet surfing habits and delivering information to a third party.

Perfect Keylogger is the most regular System Monitor, a critical threat capable of tracking software used to monitor computer activity.  System Monitors range in capabilities and may monitor key strokes; emails; chat room conversations; instant messaging; websites visited; running programs; usernames and passwords.  This information is gathered via remote access and stored or sold to a third party for criminal or immoral use.

Gerhard Eschelbeck, Webroot’s Chief Technology Officer, is outlining new methods of attack used by current-day Spyware writers and presenting InfoSecurity Europe visitors with annual research statistics on the state of internet security in the UK, on Webroot’s Stand G145, and at 10.40am on Thursday 26th April at The Technical Seminar. 

He says, ‘Spyware has become the leading threat to secure computing.  Webroot’s dedicated Threat Research Center in Colorado has now identified more than 550,000 sites that host Spyware.  The technology behind Spyware has become so far advanced, that departments responsible for IT security in Europe’s businesses are being constantly attacked with security breaches each month.  The worst-case scenario in the cases of these types of attacks are that a third party is able to view personal conversations, gain access and steal private data, or download so much spyware that it renders the computer useless.’

Gerhard Eschelbeck is joined on Stand G145 by Webroot’s Kevin Roberts, Managing Director EMEA.

ENDS
ABOUT WEBROOT
Webroot Software, Inc. provides industry leading security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses worldwide. Globally recognized for its award-winning Spy Sweeper® line of anti-spyware products, Webroot recently incorporated anti-virus protection into two new products for consumers and SMEs, respectively: Spy Sweeper® with AntiVirus and Webroot® SME Security. In the US, the company also recently expanded into the parental controls software market with the introduction of Webroot® Child Safe®. The Boulder, Colorado based company is privately held and backed by some of the industry's leading venture capital firms. With offices in Crawley, UK, Webroot's software consistently receives top review ratings by respected third-party media and has been adopted by millions globally. Available as either branded solutions or on an OEM basis, Webroot products can be found at www.webroot.com and on the shelves of leading retailers worldwide. To find out more about Webroot, visit the website or call 0870 3516 788.

© 2007, Webroot Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Webroot, Spy Sweeper, Phileas, and Child Safe are registered trademarks or trademarks of Webroot Software, Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.