A Guide To All The Latest Malware Threats That You Should Be Aware Of!
What is the latest malware threat?
There are a plethora of new malware threats that you’re at risk of getting if you’re not properly protected. It’s important to be aware of these new threats and know the proper procedures to be taken to prevent major casualties. But before we dive into that topic, let’s understand what malware are and what exactly they do:
What Are Malwares and What Do They Do?
Malware, short for malicious software, is one of the largest cyber threats on the internet. It’s an aggressive and invasive software program that comes in many variants. They’re specifically designed with the aim to gain unapproved access to your device to endanger its functions, steal data, and cause damage to it and its applications.
How Are They Spread?
Malware is spread through vulnerable and susceptible software, contaminated websites, sharing of files, or email attachment downloads.
What Are The Different Types Of Malware?
To fully comprehend and counteract malware systems, it’s imperative to get your classifications correct. The various types of malware consist of:
- Ransomware
- Adware
- Spyware
- Trojan horse
- Bots
- Viruses
- Worms
- Rootkits
- Keyloggers
- Scam and phishing
The Latest Malware Threats Of 2022:
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Clop Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that’s function is in its name. It’s malware that encrypts your files until you present a ransom of money to the hacker/s. Now “Clop” however is one of the most current and most deadly ransomware threats. It’s a modification of the well-known CryptoMix ransomware, which generally aims at Windows users.
The Clop ransomware immobilizes multiple Windows 10 applications and disables more than 600 Windows processes including Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender. This leaves you with little chance of protecting your data. What’s even crazier is that all this is done before the encryption process begins.
The Clop ransomware has advanced since its creation, now not just aiming for individual devices but entire networks. An example is Kia Motors which was demanded by DoppelPaymer in February 2021 to pay 404 Bitcoins, which roughly equates to US$20 million, within a specific timeframe. If the demand was not met in time, the ransom increases.
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Fleeceware
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Fleeceware is malware that may not be as dangerous but is still quite common. It’s been discovered that a surplus of about 600 million Android users has downloaded Fleeceware consciously or unknowingly on their devices. Users are oblivious to the fact that over time Fleeceware charges them huge amounts of money, even after deleting these apps.
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RaaS
“RaaS” (more commonly known as “Ransomware as a Service”) is an expanding industry in the underground community of hackers. People that lack the knowledge to carry out an intricate ransomware attack can hire a professional hacker or team of hackers to perform it for them.
The development of the underground RaaS industry is concerning, as it shows how simple it is to contaminate people with ransomware despite having no prior experience or knowledge about designing or coding malware.
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(AI) Artificial Intelligence Attacks
This era of technology has seen an increase in tools that grant developers access to program AI scripts and software. Some developers are hackers who use these same technologies to carry out disastrous cyberattacks. Although machine learning and AI algorithms are used to help oppose malware attacks, AI-powered technologies are still able to be used to tremendously attack devices and networks.
Most times cyberattacks cost cybercriminals a lot in terms of resources and time. Meaning, with the development of AI and machine learning mechanics, we can probably only expect highly-advanced and damaging AI-based malware to be developed in 2022 and further.
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Attacks on IoT Devices
There’s been growth in the usage of IoT (Internet of Things) devices in businesses and homes in 2021. Nonetheless, many of these IoT devices have little to no tough security measures in place. The security faults make the IoT devices easy to contaminate. Hackers are aware of the security faults and search for these devices to compromise and exploit them by creeping in malware entities to help collect information of value.
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Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking is a security threat that focuses on cryptocurrencies. It’s malware designed to utilize the victim’s computing power to “mine” cryptocurrencies, like Ethereum and Bitcoin. Mining generally requires a large amount of computing power to produce new crypto coins. This is why hackers are trying to install cryptojacking malware on mobile devices and computers to assist with the process of mining these cryptocurrencies, therefore, slowing down the victim’s device significantly. They then wear out a device’s computing resources to exhaustion.
Although cryptojacking attacks have dropped significantly in earlier years, this being due to the steep decrease in the value of cryptocurrencies.
However, with the rise of cryptocurrency prices expected to continue on through 2022, with Bitcoin prospering over $40,000 of January this trend still remains a liability. Given the rising value of cryptocurrency, cryptojacking malware attacks should continue to be a lucrative activity for many cybercriminals everywhere. For crypto traders especially, this malware is an extremely serious security threat.
Final Words:
To conclude there is a multitude of different malware threats that your device or network may be susceptible to. It’s important to fully understand the different types of malware and what they do, how they are shared and infiltrate your system, and which ones you’re the most at risk of getting.
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