Although malware on the Web is not new, its mode transmission often continues to move ahead of the detection methods. According to Trend Micro, 53% of malware is now delivered through Internet downloads, indicating that social engineering techniques are used to threaten sensitive information from users. In response to this growing problem, NSS Labs conducted the first comprehensive assessment of the information security industry in early 2009 to determine how some web browsers have been able to protect consumers against software malicious social engineering.
As it stands, there is much room for improvement. The recently published report of the company lists the evaluation results for the 6 following browsers:
- Apple Safari (version 3)
- Google Chrome 1.0.154
- Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 8, RC1)
- Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 7)
- Mozilla Firefox (3.07)
- Opera 9.64
After 12 days of tests, the researchers found that Internet Explorer 8 offers greater protection by far the detection of 69% of malicious sites before the exposure of the user. In second place was the Mozilla Firefox 3.07 browser, which has managed to catch 30% of malicious sites. Next in line is Apple Safari 3, which detected 24% of social engineering malware sites, and Google Chrome 1.0.154, which found that 16% of these sites. The poorest performers were found to Opera 9.64, which protects users from only 5% of malicious sites, followed by Internet Explorer 7 with a disappointing detection rate of 4%.
In addition, the researchers found that only 7% of those malicious sites were detected in all 6 test browsers, while 11% were completely unnoticed.
For consumers, the study and its results not only highlight the importance of discard old assumptions about the transmission of malware, but the need for continued vigilance with regard to securing personal data. While no precaution is foolproof, the better approach is to stay updated on the ongoing evolution of identity theft tactics combined with an effective Internet security software that attract all the threats that manage to slip past your Navigator.