Yesterday, Jiangmin released their 2008 Computer Virus Epidemic report showing the top 10 viruses for 2008.  The report further noted that online organized crime elements were forming underground industrial chains to manufacture and disseminate viruses.

In 2008, there were 1.09 million viruses intercepted, representing an increase of over 200% from 2007.  The report also stated that over 28 million computers had been infected by viruses and this reflected a drop of 18.39% from 2007 due to enhanced security awareness.

Trojans accounted for 78% of all viruses intercepted, backdoor programs 10%, malicious advertisements 4%, worms 6%, and all others 2%.  Presenting the biggest problem, trojans and backdoor viruses increased 10% when compared to 2007 statistics.

China’s Top 10 Viruses for 2008

1. Trojan/PSW.OnLineGames
2. Trojan/PSW.GamesPass
3. Trojan/Agent
4. Checker/Autorun
5. Backdoor/Huigezi
6. Trojan/PSW.QQPass
7. Exploit.CVE-2007-0071
8. Trojan/StartPage
9. Trojan/DogArp
10. Win32/Infectrpcss

On Tuesday, China released its new White Paper on National Defense in 2008.  The full text in English can be viewed at china.org.cn and the full text Chinese version can be viewed at the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China.

We will be posting more on this after we have a chance to review.

Quick Update: Here are few snipets on information operations

…Regarding RMA with Chinese characteristics as the only way to modernize the military, it put forward the strategic goal of building an informationized military and winning informationized wars.

…It has accelerated the composite development of mechanization and informationization, vigorously conducts military training in conditions of informationization, and boosts innovation in military theory, technology, organization and management, to continuously increase the core military capability of winning local wars in conditions of informationization and the capability of conducting MOOTW.

…and create a scientific system for military training in conditions of informationization.

…and operational-level command post training and troop training in conditions of informationization

…creating a task list for military training in conditions of informationization

…The PLA is spreading basic knowledge of electromagnetic-spectrum and battlefield-electromagnetic environments, learning and mastering basic theories of information warfare, particularly electronic warfare. It is enhancing training on how to operate and use informationized weaponry and equipment, and command information systems. It is working on the informationizing of combined tactical training bases, and holding exercises in complex electromagnetic environments.

…Speeding up informationization=Actively coping with the challenges presented by the worldwide RMA, the PLA extensively applies information technology, develops and utilizes information resources in various fields of military building, and strives to take a road of military informationization with Chinese characteristics which highlights the leading role of information, pursues composite development, promotes independent innovation and facilitates transformation.

…Starting with command automation in the 1970s, the PLA has shifted the focus of informationization from specific areas to trans-area systems integration, and is on the whole at the initial stage of comprehensive development. Currently, aiming at integration, the PLA is persisting in combining breakthroughs in key sectors with comprehensive development, technological innovation with structural reform, and the development and building of new systems with the modification of existing ones to tap their potentials; enhancing systems integration; stepping up efforts to develop and utilize information resources; and gradually developing and improving the capability of fighting based on information systems.

…Achievements have been made in the building of military information systems, with the priority being given to command information systems. The integrated military information network came into operation in 2006, resulting in the further improvement of the information infrastructure, basic information support and information security assurance. Progress has been made in the building of command and control systems for integrated joint operations, significantly enhancing the capability of battlefield information support. IT-based training methods have undergone considerable development; surveying and mapping, navigation, weather forecasting, hydrological observation and space environment support systems have been further optimized; a number of information systems for logistical and equipment support have been successfully developed and deployed; and full-scale efforts in building “digital campuses” have begun in PLA educational institutions.

…Main battle weapon systems are being gradually informationized. The focus is to increase the capability of the main battle weapon systems in the areas of rapid detection, target location, friend-or-foe identification and precision strikes. Some tanks, artillery pieces, ships and aircraft in active service have been informationized, new types of highly informationized combat platforms have been successfully developed, and the proportion and number of precision-guided munitions are on the rise.

…The conditions for informationization have been improved. A leadership, management and consultation system for informationization has been basically set up, and the centralized and unified leadership for informationization has been strengthened. Theoretical explorations and studies of key practical issues related to informationization have been continuously intensified, medium- and long-term plans and guidance for informationization of the military formulated and promulgated, technical standards revised and refined, and institutional education and personnel training catering to the requirements of informationization strengthened.

…Conducting training in complex electromagnetic environments. The PLA is spreading basic knowledge of electromagnetic-spectrum and battlefield-electromagnetic environments, learning and mastering basic theories of information warfare, particularly electronic warfare. It is enhancing training on how to operate and use informationized weaponry and equipment, and command information systems. It is working on the informationizing of combined tactical training bases, and holding exercises in complex electromagnetic environments.

…it is accelerating the development of aviation, light mechanized and information countermeasure forces

…The armored component has been working to enhance the integration of information systems with weapon platforms

…new types of radar and intelligence command systems, and to establish and improve an air defense operations system combining reconnaissance, early warning, command and control, and information countermeasures and interception.

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