Symantec: Online Criminals Becoming More ‘Professional’

CUPERTINO, Calif. — In its latest Internet Security Threat Report, security software vendor Symantec Corp. reported that cyber criminals are becoming “increasingly more professional” in their development, distribution and execution of malicious code and methods.

Covering the period from Jan. 1 through June 30, the Symantec report details a wide variety of vulnerabilities and threats observed by Symantec researchers in that time, including trends in the spread of malicious code, phishing techniques and spam-based attacks.

According to the report, Symantec researchers cataloged an increase in the sale of sophisticated toolkits like “MPack,” a professionally developed toolkit first reported by Symantec in May, and which was sold in underground fashion online.

“Once purchased, attackers could deploy MPack’s collection of software components to install malicious code on thousands of computers around the world and then monitor the success of the attack through various metrics on its online, password protected control and management console,” Symantec reported, adding that the distribution of the toolkit exemplified the sort of coordinated attack involving a combination of malicious activity that has been on the rise of late.

Over the course of its last several threat reports, Symantec has observed a “significant shift in attackers motivated from fame to fortune,” said Arthur Wong, senior vice president of security response and managed services for Symantec.

“The Internet threats and malicious activity we are currently tracking demonstrate that hackers are taking this trend to the next level by making cybercrime their actual profession, and they are employing business-like practices to successfully accomplish this goal,” Wong said.

Another sign of the increased sophistication of cyber criminals is their increased targeting of some of the world’s highest profile companies and organizations, Symantec researchers said in the report.

Four percent of all malicious activity detected by Symantec in the most recent reporting period originated from the IP address space of Fortune 100 companies, according to the report. Symantec’s researchers said that hackers might target these high-profile companies for any number of reasons, including that such an exploit could facilitate further attacks on customers and partners of the originally targeted company.

“By initially targeting well-known companies such as these, attackers are targeting victims indirectly by first exploiting trusted entities and then using their position on the network of the trusted company to attack the real victims,” Symantec stated in its report. “[A] single compromised computer within such an organization could allow an attacker to gain access to other computers within the organization. This could allow the attacker to harvest various types of information, including the organization’s customer database, financial activities of the organization, and proprietary technology or software, to name a few.”

For more information, see the full text of Symantec’s Internet Security Threat Report.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More