Kaspersky Lab: According to the statistics of the Kaspersky Security Network cloud service for Greece, during the first half of 2014 there was an increase in the spread of malware in local networks via USB, CD and DVD.
Specifically, over 2,615,000 incidents were detected on the computers of users participating in the Kaspersky Security Network, while in the same period of 2013 there were almost 1,901,000 incidents. However, online threats in Greece decreased (1,359,000 incidents were detected in the first half of 2014 , while in the corresponding period last year almost 3,384,000 incidents were detected).
35% of users in Greece faced local threats in the first half of 2014. These are threats transmitted through removable devices such as USB, CD and DVD . This percentage shows an increase of 6 points compared to the same period in 2013. Thus, Greece is ranked in 117th place, close to Bulgaria, Poland, France and Portugal. This year, threats originating from the Internet affected 31.6% of users, while the corresponding percentage was 40.5% in the first half of 2013. However, the percentage is still high, as it places Greece in 26th place worldwide in terms of threats related to Internet browsing. Countries such as Spain, France and Lithuania are higher than Greece in this ranking, while Portugal and Austria follow.
“Although the number of online threats detected in Greece has decreased, in the first half of the year we observed a significant increase in local threats. To protect users’ data, money and identity, we need to take into account all types of malware. Businesses and home users should be aware of these risks and take care of their computers and mobile devices using comprehensive security solutions and following a few rules,” commented Christian Funk, Senior Virus Analyst at Kaspersky Lab.
The company's experts analyzed and evaluated the phishing incidents based on Kaspersky Lab 's anti -phishing detection tool, which detects all phishing links that the user tried to access through a spam email or from the Internet. According to this tool, phishing attacks exploiting search engines and email services were at the top of the digital threats in Greece in the first half of 2014, reaching 44.47% . Phishing websites are very popular among cybercriminals, as they provide them with direct access to all services, and especially to the email service with user details. The category of online financial transactions was in second place with 25% , and includes phishing attacks using payment systems and attacks against banks and online stores. Social networks and blogs are another popular target for phishers in Greece ( 21.24% ).
The categories of businesses that were attacked by phishers in Greece in the first half of 2014
To avoid being affected by these digital risks, companies need to have an effective and easily managed security solution, such as Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business, that covers all potential risks. Companies also need to adopt appropriate security policies that are understood and implemented by their employees.
Home users should have a comprehensive security software, such as Kaspersky Internet Security – multi-device. Installing an effective security solution, especially if the device is used to access the internet and make online payments, ensures the peace of mind and protection that the user requires, blocking the threats mentioned above. In addition, users need to adopt a certain behavior to stay safe. Specifically, they should follow these steps:
- Use different complex passwords for different accounts and services. Solutions like Kaspersky Password Manager can make it easier for them by generating secure passwords that they enter automatically on websites.
- Do not click on suspicious links and do not "download" or "open" attached files received from untrustworthy sources.
- Check websites thoroughly before entering their details or other confidential information. Phishing are deliberately designed to appear authentic.
- Use the secure https connection (an extended HTTP protocol standard that supports encryption – Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) when entering their details.
- Use only legitimate software and update it regularly. This can guarantee stable computer performance and ensure its protection.
More information can be found on Kaspersky Lab 's interactive Real-time Cyber Threats Map . You can check if your computer is infected with malware using the free Kaspersky Security Scan tool .
