More businesses were plagued by computer spyware last year than ever before, as the viruses become ever more sophisticated and damaging, a new survey suggests.
According to a report by Webroot Software, there are over 20 ‘spies’ for every computer in the UK.
The viruses are often ‘bundled’ into free software and can be downloaded accidentally when users access information online.
They enable outside agencies to secretly monitor an individual’s or company’s actions online and thus can be very useful to advertisers.
In the worst cases, the spies can enable a hacker to take control of a computer system, which can seriously compromise a business’ security and confidentiality.
In 2005, small businesses across the world experienced a record number of infections from the worst types of spyware, such as Trojan horses and system monitors, Webroot said.
Between July and September last year the number of Trojan horse infections increased by 9%.
Meanwhile, the number of system monitors like keystroke loggers increased by 50% consecutively each quarter from March 2005 onwards.
“This past year was a boon for spyware criminals,” said David Moll, of Webroot.
“This criminal enterprise we call spyware continues to advance in technology and sophistication. As long as the money and opportunities exist, so will spyware.”
