AVG Technologies unveils global Community Powered Threat Report – Q4-2011

MELBOURNE
and AMSTERDAM, 27 January 2012 – AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd, the distributor of the award-winning AVG Internet and mobile security software in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, today announces the “AVG Community Powered Threat Report – Q4 2011”, providing insight, background and analysis on the trends and developments in the global online security threat landscape. Highlights in this quarter’s report are the risks of QR codes, stolen digital certificates bypassing security on mobile phones and the persistence of rootkits.

Cybercrime has come a long way since it was mostly a digital form of vandalism. It has
developed into a criminal business operated for financial gain and is now worth billions. In this report AVG focuses on some of the most notable cybercrime developments in the last quarter.

QR* codes are becoming popular for mobile users to insert text and URLs into the mobile device without typing. Unfortunately they are also being discovered as an ideal way to distribute malware to unsuspecting victims. The user does not know what lurks behind the QR code until the malware is already installed and running. This report describes in detail the new technique already used by hackers and expected to gain momentum in 2012. Putting a malicious QR code sticker onto existing marketing material or replacing a website’s bona fide QR code with a malicious one could be enough to trick many unsuspecting people.

“In Q4 we clearly saw the convergence between computers and mobile phones applies to malware too. As phones become more like computers, so do the risks,” said Yuval Ben-Itzhak, Chief Technology Officer, AVG Technologies. “Many sophisticated tricks of the trade from computers are now being repurposed for phones. However, as phones are often tied into billing systems the gains can be far greater.”

2011 saw a surge in both Android users and Android malware samples. In December, Google removed another 22 malicious apps from the Android Market, making the total for 2011 pass the 100 mark. ¹ Cyber criminals have now clearly discovered phones as an interesting target. In another sign that mobile phones are becoming more like computers every day, the use of stolen certificates is now making its way to mobile devices. Digital
certificates are often used to certify the identity of the author of an application. If a criminal can get their hands on the certificate belonging to a major software developer, their malware can circumvent security provisions and give users a false sense of security.

Rootkits have been one of the more serious threats to target operating systems in recent years. Rootkits evolved from commercial and financial use to cyber warfare with a very specific target (Stuxnet, Duqu ²). Currently we are witnessing the first phase of the rootkit evolution on mobile devices (CarrierIQ ³). They are ever evolving to be much more sophisticated with some interesting samples showing up every few months.

In this report we focus on one of the latest rootkits called ZeroAccess, a very sophisticated, very effective rootkit using advanced anti-forensic features. ZeroAccess is a kernel mode rootkit spying on users and is controlled from a remote server. Waiting for commands from the criminals behind it, the rootkit allows the criminals to use the infected machine when and how they wish.

Other key findings in the report:

• The Blackhole toolkit is currently the most
  active threat on the web with a share of nearly 50% of all detected instances
  and over 80% of all toolkits.
• Around a million malicious mobile events have
  been detected during this quarter.
• The USA is still the largest source of spam, now
  followed by the UK. Compared to the previous quarter, the UK jumped from fourth
  to second place overtaking India and Brazil.
• Brazil is not just a very active banking Trojan
  market ⁴, the report highlights
  Portuguese as the second most used language in spam messages.

Michael McKinnon, Security Advisor at AVG (AU/NZ) said “With threats such as ID theft,
phishing attacks and Trojans, cyber criminals create an environment of increased risk that puts people off going online. At AVG we believe our role is to give people the tools and peace of mind to enjoy their online experience.”

About the report

The AVG Community Powered Threat Report is based on the Community Protection Network traffic and data, collected over a three-month period, followed by analysis by AVG. It provides an overview of web, mobile devices, Spam risks and threats. All statistics referenced are obtained from the AVG Community Protection Network.

The AVG Community Protection Network is an online neighborhood watch, helping everyone in the community to protect each other. Information about the latest threats is collected from customers who choose to participate in the product improvement program and shared with the community to make sure everyone receives the best possible protection.

AVG has focused on building communities that help millions of online participants support each other on computer security issues and actively  contribute to AVG’s research efforts.

Players of the online game Rift™ will attempt to set Guinness World Records® title for virtual marriages

Sydney, Australia – Jan 27, 2012 – Been thinking about popping the question in real life, but you aren’t quite ready? Why not start with a virtual marriage? Online game developer and publisher, Trion Worlds is giving you a chance to virtually marry that special someone this Valentine’s Day, and in doing so you can be part of a new world record. Trion has announced that it will attempt to make videogame history this Valentine’s Day by establishing the world record for most virtual marriages in a 24 hour period. Trion’s wildly successful massively multiplayer online game (MMOG), Rift™ – MMORPG.com’s Game of the Year 2011 and IGN.com’s Best MMO Game 2011 – will serve as the venue for the record attempt, which will begin at 9am PST on February 14.

“MMOs are the most fun when you’re playing with friends and loved ones,” said Scott Hartsman, Executive Producer, Rift, and Trion’s CCO. “Whether exploring Telara and adventuring with your significant other, or meeting up with geographically distant friends in a virtual pub, the MMO experience is about bringing people together, and our new weddings and gatherings exemplify this philosophy. We think the Valentine’s Day record attempt is a unique way for players to celebrate Rift’s spirit of camaraderie while making real-world history.”

Just like getting married in real life, tying the knot in the virtual world of Telara couldn’t be easier with the new wedding functionality about to be introduced to the Rift game world in Update 1.7 at the beginning of February. Players simply visit a marriage vendor in their faction’s capital city, purchase a ring, and humbly offer it to the object of their affection. For a classier, more involved affair, players can launch wedding events, incredibly fun scripted ceremonies that involve a walk down the aisle in wedding garb, a ring exchange, and a reception for up to 200 friends.

Marriage in Telara is an equal opportunity venture, with any two consenting player characters able to wed regardless of character race or sex, with the sole restriction being that members of the opposing factions are unable to tie the knot. Any player with a Trion Account is eligible to take part in the event, and a Valentine’s Day-exclusive in-game title (“Tier of Knots”) will be awarded to each wedded character.

R.A.W. – Realms of Ancient War, the explosive Hack’n’Slash for PlayStation® Network, Xbox LIVE® and PC developed by Wizarbox, today immerses us in its heroic-fantasy universe through a minute of video sequences!

This video presents us a bit more the rich universe of R.A.W., in which you will take control of a powerful warrior, a dark sorcerer or a stealthy rogue, before throwing yourself in a big, action-rich quest!

The first few sequences of the video, more contemplative, let us appreciate the diversity and richness of the game’s levels and environments. These sequences quickly turn into pure action, while the 3 heroes of the game face swarms of
creatures and huge bosses. All the power they have been granted, their powerful spells and devastating abilities will certainly not be too much for them to complete their grand quest!

R.A.W. – Realms of Ancient War will release on PlayStation® Network, Xbox LIVE® and on PC in 2012.

Highly Anticipated Indie Game Kicks Off Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Arcade “House Party” program on February 15; PSN and PC March 14
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. – January 24, 2012 – Independent game developer Trapdoor and EA Partners, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today announced that Warp™, the highly anticipated, downloadable stealth-action puzzler will kick off Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Arcade House Party series on February 15, 2012 for 800 Microsoft Points.

In Warp, gamers play as Zero, a loveable – yet lethal – little orange alien with a big score to settle. Captured and experimented on by cruel scientists, Zero must escape the Commander’s research facility by deploying powerful and deadly abilities. The choice is up to players to take bloody revenge on every human in the incarcerating facility, or hide and plan their escape for a no-kills, stealth game. With endless combinations of abilities and upgrades, Warp lets players discover the most effective ways to solve puzzles and move throughout levels and challenge rooms, perfecting their skills and topping competitive leaderboards.

Quarrel Dominates Xbox LIVE Arcade Today 

Accomplish total word domination in Quarrel, the award-winning word conquest game now available on Xbox LIVE Arcade

London/Marina Del Rey, Calif. – January 25, 2012 – UTV Ignition Games, together with developer Denki, today announced the release of Quarrel on Xbox LIVE^® Arcade for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.  The critically acclaimed word strategy game is available for 400 Microsoft Points.

Players fight for dominance over island territories using eight-letter anagrams to build the highest scoring word possible.  Quarrel for Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 includes the fun challenge of online multiplayer, supporting up to four players to prove who has the most lexical prowess.  Players can also compete against nine unique AI in the classic Single Player mode, or take on the Challenge mode to take on extra mini-objectives within each battle.

Quarrel features:

 ·         Online 1-4 Player Multiplayer

• Nine diverse AI characters, with unique personalities and play styles 
• 12 different island maps and four gameplay modes to explore 
• Collins Official SCRABBLE Dictionary (2nd Edition 2007 © HarperCollins Publishers 2005, 2007)
• Xbox LIVE  features including leaderboards, achievements, in-game messaging and voice chat
• Microsoft Avatar Support
• All-new Single Player Challenge Mode 

Price 400 Microsoft Points

ZACK ZERO, THE DEBUT GAME BY CROCODILE ENTERTAINMENT, IS NOW AVAILABLE ON PLAYSTATION®STORE

The worldwide launch for the PlayStation Network coincides with the release of the new trailer.

Crocodile Entertainment studios, founded by Carlos Abril and Alberto Moreno, creators of games like Premier Manager 97, present Zack Zero, their first development for PSN.

It recovers the essence of platform adventures

Experience a great action platform adventure with Zack Zero boasting incredible 3D graphics and the playability and enjoyment of the classic games. Help Zack Zero to save his beloved Marlene, captured by the evil Zulrog with the intention of exchanging her for the kelestinia, a unique material with the power to travel in time.

Incredible and varied scenes
Travel to evil Zulrog’s world and cross the wild territories of the planet’s surface, enter the dangerous and well-defended enemy base, explore the dark and mysterious caverns, discover the lava caves and their primitive inhabitants, creep into the prison where Marlene is held captive and finish off Zulog’s evil plans.

Enemies who will never fail to surprise you
Wild natives of the Nahirg race, enormous worms, Zulog’s personal army, dangerous combat droids, terrible humanoid toads, giant beetles, stone golems… up to 30 different enemies will attempt to put stop to your adventure.

The power of fire, ice and stone at your disposalThe nanotechnology of Zack’s suit grants you unique powers which will make you almost invincible. Cover your enemies in flames, freeze time in order to avoid mortal traps or convert your fist into stone and knock down insuperable obstacles … 

An easy and intuitive control system…
… which recovers the spirit of classic platform games:

• Hack’n’Slash: take advantage of the huge variety of attacks available to Zack and use them in a creative way to finish off his enemies, develop the main character to level 20 and reach his maximum power.
• Adventure: find hidden objects in the depths of each level. All challenging for the most experienced of treasure hunters.
• Puzzles: use Zack’s abilities to resolve the different puzzles that you will find on your journey.
• Epic combats with level bosses: the outcome of the adventure is decided facing these terrible rivals. Study their movements, discover their weak points, avoid their attacks and finish them off!

A fun story with a huge dose of humor…

… narrated in a groundbreaking way through attractive animated comics: Establish Zack and Marlene’s past, understand the dark plans that Zulrog has prepared for our hero and discover the Inims, the unexpected allies who appear when you most need them.

Online ranking system in real time

Know your friends’ scores at all times and challenge them to beat your record.

AAA technology

Spectacular 3D graphics, very detailed models and animations, HDR illumination, depth of field effects, real time cut scenes… Technology used for enjoyment.

A luxury edition

Zack Zero is presented in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.

New Expansion to The Lord of the Rings Online™ Launching Spring 2012

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment unveiled today The Lord of the Rings Online™: Riders of Rohan™, the latest expansion to the award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) developed by Turbine.  Riders of Rohan expands the online world of Middle-earth where players join forces to ride into the Plains of Rohan.  Riders of Rohan launches in the Spring of 2012 with an increased level cap, the vast plains of Rohan including iconic locations such as Amon Hen and Fangorn Forest, the new Mounted Combat system and much more! 

“2011 was another banner year for The Lord of the Rings Online with consistent growth for the game, a successful unification of our European and North American services and the success of Rise of Isengard, our best selling expansion to date.” said Kate Paiz, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online.  “This is going to be another outstanding year as we celebrate our fifth anniversary and introduce a wealth of new content throughout the year, ending with our arrival in Rohan.  One of our largest expansions ever, Rohan is expected to be twice the size of the recent Rise of Isengard expansion and includes the most new game systems and technology we’ve introduced since 2008’s Mines of Moria.”

NEW FEATURES:

• Experience the Riders of Rohan – Join with the Rohirrim and ride across the sprawling Plains of Rohan; witness the breaking of the Fellowship at Amon Hen; forge alliances with the Ents of Fangorn; and aid Éomer, adopted son of Théoden, as he seeks to protect his homeland from the growing Shadow.
• Introducing Mounted Combat – Ride into Combat atop your loyal War-steed as you defend the people of Rohan from the forces of Isengard and Mordor. Customise your War-steed’s armour and level its skills over time to aid you in mounted defence of King Theoden’s lands. Mount your steed and gather your fellows to fight against Warbands, contingents of roving warg riders that have been scouted all over the Plains of Rohan! It falls to you to head off and defeat this new threat before they over take the land.
• Advance to level 85 – Continue your legend in the next chapter of The Lord of the Rings Online. Experience new adventures in the epic story, and gain new skills and deeds as you face new challenges on your journey to 85!

The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate adventure. This award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most famous fantasy of all time. From the picturesque surroundings of the Shire to Moria, the most fearsome underground realm ever imagined, players can experience the world of Middle-earth for free!  For more information, visit www.lotro.com.

Melbourne Australia, 25th of Jan 2012 – Sometimes indie games sneak up behind you and ZACK ZERO is one of those games. Check out this gorgeous trailer and keep an eye out for a review soon! Wow…

Upcoming action MMO new subtitle and official website relaunched

Gaijin Entertainment, developer and publisher of the upcoming World of Planes action MMO, is happy to announce new details about the game.

This project is expanding its horizons, along with its name. The action MMO is now called War Thunder: World of Planes. This name change is significant because the online multiplayer universe Gaijin is developing has evolved beyond pure aerial combat. The massive historical battles featured in War Thunder cannot be fought with aviation alone—World of Planes is only the beginning.

Today Gaijin has, relaunched the official game website at WorldofPlanesGame.com. It is now a convenient and informative web portal that will also be tightly integrated with up-to-date game stats in the near future. The game’s official website features the first edition of aircrafts and locations available in World of Planes, which will be consistently updated with new content as the game progresses.

To be the first to reach the frontlines of the War Thunder: World of Planes MMO, you can apply for the beta test that will start in Q1 2012. To do so, simply fill out the application form on the relaunched website at WorldofPlanesGame.com. There, you can also explore new game content, watch all of the official trailers and new fan videos, learn about combat aircraft from the World of Planes encyclopedia, and of course communicate with fans of the project on the Gaijin forums and social networks.