The ‘Focus Report - Data Stealing Malware' released by anti-virus software company, Trend Micro flashes an increase in use of Trojans as data- pilfering malware.

The percent of this malware has increased to 87 percent in 2008 from the earlier 52 percent in 2007. It is expected that the number will further shoot up with 93 percent of data-stealing malware during the first quarter of 2009 being Trojans.

Every time a transaction occurs, important customer information like passwords, user-IDs [login-IDs], credit card details like expiry date, CVV, name engrossed, etc and other personal identification numbers like social security numbers, traverses across multiple networks, giving hackers a fair chance to capture this sensitive information and use it to their advantage.

Trojans and trojan spywares have been found to be major data- stealing malware in regions monitored by the company' research arm - TrendLabs. The regions include Asian, American, Australian, African, and European countries.

The report reveals that problem is more severe in SME businesses, which have limited IT resources due to budgetary constraints. If the site are not regularly maintained and updated, it becomes vulnerable to trojan attacks.

A data-stealing malware is a software that illegally gains private and confidential information related to system users (here customers), including transactions and other activities done by the users. Trojan horses or simply Trojans are the fastest growing data-stealing malware.

Online banking and financial transactions are associated with business and reputation risks. With increasing stances of data theft, customer confidence has been increasingly eroding. Besides putting customer and business at loss, these damage the reputation of the institution.

Trend Micro, a global player in anti-virus software provides network antivirus and internet content security software for corporate and personal computer systems. The company also provides HouseCall, a free online virus scanner.