Akonix Records IM Attack Increase

SAN DIEGO -- Akonix Systems, the provider of the most deployed instant messaging (IM) security and compliance products in the world, today announced its IM Security Center researchers tracked 38 malicious code attacks over IM networks during the month of April. Although IM threats are substantially higher than last year's overall, this is the first time in 2007 that the number of attacks increased when compared with the previous month.

New IM worms identified include Pykse, Samo and Tiotua. Sohana was the most common with seven variants. Attacks on P2P networks such as Kazaa and eDonkey increased 44 percent this month over last, with 36 attacks.

During April, Akonix security analysts issued five new policy updates to protect customers against new malware, using the industry's only dynamic IM malware, spim and protocol update system. Akonix Security Update Services automatically push updates to customers to block spyware, worms and viruses. Akonix customers were secure on day zero from each new threat with the in-depth protection and containment features of Akonix's 360° Security for Real-Time Communications(tm).

"Malware continues to be released through IM networks, and is on the rise again for the first time since January," said Don Montgomery, VP of marketing at Akonix. "Businesses cannot ignore the liabilities and potential damage they are opening themselves up to with unmanaged IM applications and networks."

Akonix Systems Inc.