The number of phishing attacks rose dramatically in the run up to Christmas, according to managed security firm, Network Box. Analysis of internet threats in December 2009 show that just over 57 per cent of all threats were phishing attacks, compared to 28.3 per cent in November.



The greatest source of viruses and spam was Brazil, from where 20.9 per cent of all viruses and 9.1 per cent of all spam originated in December. This is up from 14 per cent and eight per cent respectively in November.



India is continuing to play a more significant role in the world’s threat landscape, with 6.8 per cent of all spam coming from the sub-continent (up from 4.2 per cent in November); and 4.1 per cent of viruses (static from November).



Simon Heron, Internet Security Analyst for Network Box says: "The run up to Christmas is traditionally a time for hackers to strike the vulnerable. A higher proportion of shopping is done online, with more money spent than at any other time of year. Christmas offers rich pickings for phishers. This is likely to continue through the sales in January, and we urge online bargain hunters to be vigilant."