Deceptive downloads a major malware threat

DECEPTIVE downloads have emerged as a major malware threat in Singapore, as at the last quarter of last year, according to Microsoft's latest Security Intelligence Report (SIR). Cybercriminals take advantage of people's desire to get a good deal by bundling malware with legitimate programs such as software, videos or music downloaded online.

"Typically, these downloads are from untrusted sites and come with enticing offers," Tim Rains, Microsoft director for trustworthy computing, tells BizIT. "This has become an increasingly common tactic for cybercriminals and a problem that is global in scope. Deceptive downloads were a top threat in 105 out of 110 countries/regions worldwide that we studied and was encountered by more than six out of every 100 systems worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2013."

According to him, the top three deceptive downloads threats in Singapore are: