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Symantec: Malicious Internet Attacks Up 81%

The number of malicious attacks increased 81 percent while the number of vulnerabilities decreased by 20 percent, according to Symantec’s 2011 “Internet Security Threat Report.”

In addition, the annual report highlights that advanced targeted attacks are spreading to organizations of all sizes and variety of personnel, data breaches are increasing, and that attackers are focusing on mobile threats.

The Internet Security Threat Report provides an overview and analysis of the year in global threat activity. The report is based on data from the Global Intelligence Network, which Symantec’s analysts use to identify, analyze and provide commentary on emerging trends in attacks, malicious code activity, phishing and spam.

“In 2011 cybercriminals greatly expanded their reach, with nearly 20% of targeted attacks now directed at companies with fewer than 250 employees,” said Symantec Chief Technology Officer Stephen Trilling. “We’ve also seen a large increase in attacks on mobile devices, making these devices a viable platform for attackers to leverage in targeting sensitive enterprise data.”

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