Posted on 02/05/2017 10:05:14 AM PST by markomalley
Malware attacks are on the rise across the US, but some cities are more susceptible than others, according to a recent report from Enigma Software Group (ESG). In 2016, Tampa, Orlando, and St. Louis each had malware infection rates per capita more than five times the national average—the highest in the US, the report found.
Those same three cities were also at the top of the list of highest infection rates in 2015.
"There could be a number of factors including the demographics of the area, how widespread PC usage is (versus Mac or mobile devices), we've even seen weather play a role in infections from time to time," said ESG spokesperson Ryan Gerding in a press release. "The important thing is that people in these cities, and everywhere else for that matter, need to always remain vigilant against malware, spyware, and other nefarious online activity."
ESG compiled malware detection data from its SpyHunter anti-spyware software in the 100 largest cities in the US in all of 2016.
Tampa experienced malware attacks at rates 540% higher than the national average. The city is home to three of Florida's top 10 public companies: Tech Data, Jabil Circuit, and WellCare Health Plans.
Orlando reached number two on the list of highest malware infections per capita in 2016, at rates 525% higher than the national average. Major companies located in Orlando include JetBlue, AAA, and Lockheed Martin.
St. Louis rounds out the top three on the list, with malware rates 520% higher than the national average. World Wide Technology, Graybar, and SuddenLink Communications are all based in St. Louis.
At number four on the list, Denver's malware rates were 407% higher than the national average—more than 100% lower than St. Louis's rates. Denver is home to Arrow Electronics, DISH Network, and Frontier Airlines.
Atlanta's per capita malware rates were 370% above the national average in 2016. Mercedes-Benz, Yik Yak, and MailChimp are headquartered in Atlanta.
At number six, Newark experienced malware attacks at rates 322% higher than the national average. Audible Inc., IDT Corporation, and Prudential Financial are based in Newark.
Madison, home to EatStreet, Full Compass Systems, and Alliant Energy, saw malware infections at 272% higher than the national average.
The nation's capital was the eighth highest hit with malware attacks in 2016, at rates 242% higher than the national average. The headquarters of Marriott Hotels & Resorts and The Data Incubator are located in Washington, DC.
Cleveland, home to the Sherwin-Williams Company and Goodyear, had malware attacks 213% higher than the national average.
Rounding out the top 10 was Cincinnati, with malware rates 194% higher than the national average. Procter & Gamble Co., Mitsubishi, and GE Aviation are headquartered in Cincinnati.
Not sure why that would be the case unless more internet users in those cities fail to use protection before venturing in.
Cleveland just can’t catch a break....
Tampa is also CENTCOM HQ.
And Church of Scientology (well, Clearwater, close enough)
Where is the CDC on these virus outbreaks? What do we pay those jokers for?
I have used Spyhunter for 7-8 years and run it every morning when my laptop gets fired up. I also run a full system scan on my laptop which takes between 2-3 hours once a month. I also set restore points, in addition to the automatic Windows 7 restore points. I still have gotten hit a few times, which gets tricky since the infested PC may not even be able to log onto the internet or even boot.
In addition, if you can view a report of the infestation, and send it to Enigma will write a removal tool which usually works; leaving a system restore as the last resort.
Last but not least, I also run Norton 360, which may conflict with Spyhunter, but the Norton auto-protect and smart firewall can be turned off for 15 minutes while running potentially conflicting additional virus software.
Travel hubs make up most of these cities....unsecure hotel wifi is my guess.
Are the cities drug hubs?.
I would think that other factors influenced Tampa’s lofty position in this list. Tampa went for 0bama in ‘08 and ‘12 and the Hildebeast in 2016. Don’t blame me, we in Pasco County have no county elected DemocRATS.
I cleaned over 2000 pieces of malware from a single machine last week.
Bkmrk
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.