Security company McAfee has released its “McAfee Labs Threat Report” for the fourth quarter of 2013, which focuses on the connection between underground markets and the recent increase in Point-Of-Sale attacks.
Researchers point out that a large percentage of malware targeting electronic payment (POS) devices relies on relatively simple technologies. Most cybercriminals purchase malware from underground markets and customize it to their needs, as modifying it requires minimal programming knowledge or knowledge of the malware's functionality.
Researchers found that a total of 40 million payment card records have been leaked and are being sold on dark web sites.
“The fourth quarter of 2013 will go down in history as a time when cybercrime became a ‘reality’ for people more than ever before,” said Vincent Weafer, senior vice president, McAfee Labs.
"The payment card data breaches occurred at a time when most people were busy with their holiday shopping and where the industry wanted people to feel safe and confident about their purchases," he added.
The report also notes the dramatic increase in digitally signed malware. According to the researchers, more than 2.3 million signed malware were discovered during the fourth quarter of 2013.
The samples include malware signed with stolen, purchased, or compromised digital certificates.
