71% Increase in New Zombies

Commtouch is reporting an increase in the number of zombies (compromised computers) on the Internet. Their numbers indicate a 71% increase since the start of a new malware outbreak based on fake advertising pretending to be from shippers like DHL, UPS, USPS, and Fedex.

It appears that the this new attack has been relatively successful, convincing large numbers of users to click on malware getting themselves infected. It's sad that despite common sense, and warnings from administrators, end-users continue to click on malicious links and emails attachments.

It's a good reminder on why you need to have a protection in place like a web proxy in addition to scanning all your incoming email for spam and malware. A web proxy helps protect users who click on malicious links from downloading malware to their PCs. If you don't have a secure web gateway or a proxy, here's another reminder why you need one.