Malware writers are increasingly tailoring attacks to specific regions, languages and applications..
Security firm McAfee warned that locally targeted malware comprises up to half of all attacks in some areas.
Dave Marcus, security research and communications manager at McAfee Avert Labs, said: “You have the guys that are local for their region, and then you’ve got the bigger organisations.
“The situation is still developing, but we could not have had this conversation two years ago.”
An example of localised malware can be found in Japan. Financially motivated malware throughout the rest of the world is overshadowed in Japan by malware which focuses on destruction and data theft via peer-to-peer applications.
