Massive decrease in malware
Switch recorded a marked decrease in domain abuse with malware on Swiss websites in 2015.
"Cybercriminals are monetarily driven. Because we quickly detect and prevent domain abuse, attacks on Swiss websites are less and less worthwhile," says Serge Droz of the Switch Foundation, which protects Swiss websites from domain abuse.
Stepping up the fight against phishing
In 2015, the foundation took action against malware on 698 .ch and .li websites. In 2014, there were still 1839 cases. In the case of phishing, Switch reports a stabilization of 329 websites compared to 323 in 2014 for .ch and .li. The number of phishing attacks against Swiss companies on websites with other domain extensions, on the other hand, increased. Security expert Droz notes new challenges with phishing: "Cyber criminals launched phishing attacks in Switzerland last year not only against banks, but especially against online stores. Our goal for 2016 is to take even more effective action against phishing. Since we can only have a direct impact on .ch and .li, we are even more dependent on cooperation with colleagues in Switzerland and abroad for other domain endings."
Established process on behalf of Bakom
Since 2010, Switch has been taking action against malware according to a standardized process. The foundation works closely with registrars, authorities and the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), as it emphasizes. The fight against malware has been anchored in the Ordinance on Internet Domains (VID) since 2015.
Standardized fight against phishing
Due to the sharp increase in phishing in 2014, Switch has expanded the process against this form of cybercrime. Attempts to obtain passwords or credit card information using unlawful methods can have far-reaching consequences for private individuals as well as companies. As soon as the foundation detects phishing attacks on a website ending in .ch or .li, the holder concerned and its hoster are immediately informed. They would clean up the phishing site within 24 hours in over 90% of cases, Switch said. "For sites that do not belong to .ch or .li, we seek contact with colleagues and partners around the world," Droz said.
Role model for the international struggle
According to the foundation, the process against domain abuse and the national and international cooperation are unique worldwide. Due to the marked decrease in malware cases and the stabilization of phishing in Switzerland, the process is attracting international interest. With the website www.saferinternet.ch support holders, hosters and registrars in dealing with domain abuse.
