IM and P2P network threats had increased 2,200% in 2005 compared to 2004. Most alarming trends in 2005 were threats targeting multiple networks, IRC controlled botnets, and IM-borne rootkits.


IM and P2P network threats had increased 2,200% in 2005 compared to 2004, according to a report by FaceTime Communications, called “IMPact Report: Summary Analysis of IM & P2P Threats in 2005″.

According to the report, threats targeting multiple networks, IRC controlled botnets, and IM-borne rootkits were some of the most alarming threats in 2005.

Kailash Ambwani, President and CEO of FaceTime Communications, said: “IM and P2P threats have reached critical levels, but it is the sophistication of these attacks that is even more alarming.” [Source]

Other key findings of the report were:

a) A total of 778 incidents concerned with IM and P2P threats were reported in the fourth quarter of 2005 compared with 59 in the first quarter.
b) Quarter-on-Quarter increase in such security incidents is occurring at a 90% growth rate.
c) The MSN network had the largest number of security incidents in 2004 and 2005. 57% of IM incidents targeted MSN in 2005, 37% targeted AOL and 6% targeted Yahoo!.
d) Year-on-Year rate was maximum in the AOL network. There was a 1,300% increase in security incidents in 2005.
e) P2P file-sharing incidents constituted 7% of all incidents in 2005. There was an increase of over 5,000% compared to 2004.

For more information on the report, click here.

 

 

 

 

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