2008=not so great

As I have several times before, malware/worms/spyware, etc. have been one of my biggest headaches as a PC user. I have done research on many programs that will keep my system clean of these nuisances, but it seems like a lost cause when a bigger, stronger worm is released. The article I found this week discusses a Symantec Internet Security Threat Report that reports a large increase in the number of computer security holes and Internet threats where browsers can be forced to download malicious software on peoples' computers. Frightenly, "trusted" websites are not always safe, as attackers can embed invisible frames within the website and control the browser, stealing user information. This stolen information is often sold by the attackers.
Other points from this report include:

• Conflicker worm, which is still affecting PCs today, downloading peer-to-peer.
• Identity theft, many phishing attacks have circulated inorder to obtain personal information of unsuspecting victims, many posing as legitimate companies. Keystroke logs have also been used to record the online banking actions of users.
• Spam, the number of annoying messages rose 200% in 2008
• Also, rises in/problems with Malware, vulnerability, Safari vulnerability, geographies (the US and China), critical infrastructure.

I wonder what will happen in 2009, considering Conflicker has already been such a problem. I think the most threatening of these reports is identity theft. It happens to many people unknowingly and can cause major problems down the road. Viruses are on thing, but stealing peoples' money crosses the line to absolutely malicious. I hope this year will be a decrease in the number of malware since the affects of last year were so great.