internet security tHreAt rePOrt GOVernMent 2013
internet security tHreAt rePOrt GOVernMent 2013
internet security tHreAt rePOrt GOVernMent 2013
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p. 69<br />
Symantec Corporation<br />
Internet Security Threat Report <strong>2013</strong> :: Volume 18<br />
ThREAT ACTIVITy TRENDS<br />
Malicious Web-based Attack Prevalence<br />
Background<br />
The circumstances and implications of Web-based attacks vary<br />
widely. They may target specific businesses or organizations,<br />
or they may be widespread attacks of opportunity that exploit<br />
current events, zero-day vulnerabilities, or recently patched and<br />
publicized vulnerabilities that many users have yet to protect<br />
themselves against. While major attacks may have individual<br />
importance and often receive significant attention when they<br />
occur, examining overall Web-based attacks provides insight<br />
into the threat landscape and how attack patterns may be<br />
shifting. Analysis of the underlying trend can provide insight<br />
into potential shifts in Web-based attack usage and can assist<br />
in determining if attackers are more or less likely to employ<br />
Web-based attacks in the future. To see which vulnerabilities<br />
are being exploited by Web-based attacks, see Appendix D:<br />
Vulnerability Trends.<br />
Data<br />
Figure A.8. Malicious Website Activity, 2011–2012<br />
Source: Symantec<br />
THOUSANDS<br />
400<br />
350<br />
300<br />
250<br />
200<br />
150<br />
100<br />
50<br />
0<br />
JUL<br />
AUG<br />
SEP<br />
OCT<br />
NOV<br />
DEC<br />
JAN<br />
FEB<br />
MAR<br />
APR<br />
MAY<br />
JUN<br />
Methodology<br />
This metric assesses changes to the prevalence of Web-based<br />
attack activity by comparing the overall volume of activity and<br />
the average number of attacks per day in each month during the<br />
current and previous reporting periods.<br />
JUL<br />
AUG<br />
SEP<br />
OCT<br />
NOV<br />
DEC<br />
2011 2012