2010 saw a new threat every 10 seconds; Zero-day viruses become more and more commonplace, according to Network Box.

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Hong Kong, 9 February 2011 - Over three million new threats were identified in 2010 – approximately one every 10.2 seconds, according to analysis by managed security firm, Network Box. 3,083,018 threat signatures were released through the year to protect against new or variant threats. This is an increase on 2010 of 6.1 per cent.

In 2010, zero day viruses became more and more commonplace. They are so named because there is zero time between a virus coming out, and the vulnerability used by that virus being commonly known. Standard anti-virus technologies are simply not able to cope. Especially as virus writers are starting to use Internet-based anti-virus sites to test their viruses prior to launch. This means a new virus can be released by its creator, just after being tested as not detected by any of the world's major anti-virus providers. Customers need next generation protection. 'Z-Scan' is that protection.

Network Box Managing Director, Michael Gazeley said last year was quite different from years before. ‘2010 saw the number of signatures per-update fall, while the number of signatures released increased; reflecting the continued move to cloud-based signature systems (such as the Network Box Z-Scan, and NBCP content categorisation systems). We expect this trend to continue, as traditional signatures continue to be the most effective against the depth and breadth of malware, whilst cloud-based signatures are emerging as the most effective solution for zero-day outbreaks,’ he said.

‘In 2010, the average Network Box blocked 471,304 spams and 25,089 malwares (down 24.1% and up 23.9% respectively, compared with 2009),’ he said.

The reduction in overall spam volume continues, as large-scale takedown operations are effective in controlling botnet-based spam (which is the most prolific source of spam). 2010 saw the spammers continued migration away from traditional Viagra-type spam to more sophisticated phishing and hoax attacks. The increase in malware over the year has continued, and reflects this greater level of sophistication on the part of the spammers. During 2010, the average Network Box blocked a spam or malware once every 63 seconds.

In 2010, the average Network Box blocked 8,129,674 attacks using firewall technology, and 1,738,576 attacks using IDP technology (up 38.9% and 10.6% respectively, compared with 2009).
‘During 2011, Network Box will launch a Network Vulnerability Scanning service that will also improve the protection we can offer to our customers, pro-actively scanning networks for unauthorised servers/services.’ Gazeley said.

For more information, please see www.network-box.com

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About Network Box: Network Box Corporation, is a multi-award winning managed security services company, specialising in Unified Threat Management (UTM). It continuously defends the networks of its customers using PUSH technology to instantaneously update protection, from 12 Security Operations Centres spread across the globe. Network Box Corporation has been named one of the world's Top 100 Strategic IT Vendors by MIS Asia Magazine for three years. The company's customers across the globe, include many of the world's best known corporations, organisations, and government departments.

Further press information from:
Esker Li
Marketing Department
Network Box Hong Kong Limited
Tel: (852) 2736 2083
Email: marketing@network-box.com.hk