Symantec solutions architect Sian John says malicious activity is especially strong in developing countries as less experienced users are getting online without investing in security tools to protect their Internet-connected devices.
According to Reuters, Symantec reports that the single most prevalent form of cyber crime in 2009 was fake security software. Says Vincent Weafer, a Symantec vice president:
Virtually everything we see today is fake AV (anti-virus). It's such a money-making racket.