SoftScan has announced that just 0.37 per cent of emails scanned during May were harbouring viruses the lowest number SoftScan has ever recorded. However, SoftScan warns that this only demonstrates a change in tactics, not that viruses are on their way out, and that users must still be on their guard. Spam accounted for 85.22 per cent of all email scanned in May.

This time last year the percentage of emails stopped as viruses was ten times greater. In May 2004 the level was at 9 per cent. In just two years there has been a significant drop in viruses, which may lead to users becoming complacent about email security. However, the threat to individuals and organisations still remains and the consequences of becoming infected can still be just as devastating.

Top five Virus families for May are:

1. phishing: 45.36 per cent
   
2. netsky: 22.11 per cent
   
3. mytob: 16.81 per cent
   
4. html.iframe: 3.70 per cent
   
5. nyxem: 3.03 per cent

Related links: (Open in a new window.)
www.softscan.co.uk

View printable version (opens in new window)
Back