[br]Malware-based attacks account for 80% of the cybercrime risk, specifically in the small and medium enterprises. One of the most menacing cyber crimes, Malware invasion can pose grave consequences, resulting in loss of revenue, data theft, and unexpected downtime. Not only the SMBs but several larger organisations too are struggling with the damaging implications of cyberattack, especially malware-infused attacks.
The post below offers a brief on the most dangerous malware programs to be aware of.
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Ransomware is one of the malware programs that encrypt confidential files online to block access and then demands ransom from users. Clop is one of the latest ransomware; the variant is a notorious CryptoMix ransomware that usually targets Windows users. Before the encryption process begins, Clop blocks more than 600 processes of Windows. This also disables multiple applications of Windows which includes Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender, thereby leaving null chances of data protection. The Clop Ransomware targets assets like vouchers, financial records, data backups as well as sensitive information. The ransomware is typically spread through the phishing campaigns that disguise in the form of malicious links of software updates and emails.
Some of the baseline protections that need to be undertaken for preventing devices from being infected by Clop ransomware are as follows:
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Cybercriminals are trying to deceive and target the general population by instructing them to install Windows OS updates on an urgent basis. Fantom is the ransomware that mimics Windows updates and displays false updates on the Windows screen. Once a user clicks on the updates, the ransomware starts encrypting the file and blocks his access to it. Worse, even if he attempts to close the screen by pressing Ctrl+F4, it will not prevent the files from getting encrypted. After encryption, the virus will wipe out all traces and leave the user with just the blocked encrypted file. In order to identify and bypass Fantom ransomware invasion, the user needs to be aware of suspicious incoming download or file that claims to be a legitimate Windows update in the form of WindowsUpdate.exe. Check for .fantop extension to know whether your system is infected with Fantom ransomware.
Some of the strategies and precautions that you need to undertake to prevent ransomware attack are as follows:
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Akira is a type of ransomware which is designed for encrypting data and modification of file names that appends as a .akira extension. The functioning of Akira ransomware depends on running a powershell command for deleting Windows Shadow Volume Copies on devices. The ransomware typically spreads in corporate networks and can target multiple devices as soon as it is able to gain access. Before the encryption of the files, ransomware avoids some of the folders which include ProgramData, Windows, Boot, Recycle Bin and System Volume Information. It also includes some of the system files which include .sys, .msi, .exe extensions.
Some of the ways to ensure protecting against ransomware infections are as follows:
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Zeus Gameover virus is a kind of malicious software which targets Windows OS for stealing financial data. This includes Trojan Malware and comes disguised in the form of legitimate data. The virus preys on sensitive details of the bank account to steal the funds. The type of malware does not require centralized control and command server for completing transactions. This is a flaw that is found in many cyberattacks which are targeted by the authorities. In fact, the GameOver is able to bypass the centralized servers and create independent servers for sending sensitive information which minimizes the chance of tracing stolen data.
Some of the preventive measures for guarding devices against GameOver Zeus are as follows:
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Fleeceware apps are specially designed for stealing personal and sensitive information by injecting devices with malicious virus or malware. Initially, fleecewear does not contain malicious code but comes up with a free trial. After using it for a certain period of time, the user is charged with expensive subscription charges. As there is nothing apparently illegal about Fleeceware, the app easily gets through the vetting process of Apple and Google. However, the users are able to realize the scam of fleeceware as soon as they are billed for the app. Some of the popular examples of Fleeceware apps are QR scanners, image searching apps, and horoscope apps. These generally targets less tech-savvy individuals by offering them monthly subscription plans.
Some of the strategies that you can use to protect against Fleeceware are as follows:
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Rising adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) has led to increasinging exploitation of IoT devices to gain access to confidential data or information. Black-hat hackers are especially choosing to target IoT devices since these systems lack sufficient storage space for installing security measures. Mirai Botnet is one such malware that is deployed to hack IoT devices. The botnet compromises vulnerable IoT devices with brute force attacks; it launches extensive DDoS attacks on networks, websites and digital infrastructure. A more horrifying fact is that the Mirai botnet exploits the vulnerabilities using advanced technologies and eventually links the technologies together to create a network of infected devices commonly known as botnets. The devices in the botnet are further programmed to commit cyberattack at a larger level.
Some of the ways to protect IoT devices from the attacks are as below:
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Priorly ABCD ransomware, LockBit ransomware software is typically designed for blocking user access to the computer systems in return for ransom payment. Once LockBit hacks into target systems, it immediately infects and encrypts the accessible systems across a network. It uses Server Message Block (SMB) and Windows Powershell for spreading the ransomware. In fact, the dangerous malware is powerful enough to self-propagate without human intervention. Major targets of LockBit ransomware are government organizations and enterprises.
Some of the ways to prevent and secure systems against LockBit ransomware are as follows:
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Beware all crypto miners! Your high-end crypto mining computer might be mining cryptos for someone else- and that too at the cost of your own wallet. With crypto mining gaining pace, it’s about time to know about cryptojacking malware attack. Cryptojackers are Cryptojacking malware attackers that steal mining resources of someone else’s mining device (say computer) to mine cryptos. It all starts with these attackers sending the user an apparently harmless looking malicious code through email. Once the user clicks on it, he ends up downloading and installing (unknowingly) the malicious cryptojacking code in his mining computer. While there is nothing wrong in making profit with crypto mining yet it’s certainly a ghastly crime if someone is doing it at the cost of another person’s investment. Cryptojackers steal the resources in stealth mode, completely unbeknownst to the knowledge of the actual user of the mining device.
Some of the ways to prevent crypto jacking are as follows:
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Pipedream is a type of malware software that targets industrial control systems, especially SCADA and ICS devices. These are crafted to significantly disrupt the entire industrial processes. The malware takes advantage of functionalities of the ICS environment for achieving desired malicious objectives.
Some of the prevention strategies to secure devices against Pipedream malware are as follows:
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Cybercriminals use the bait of news stories and global events for targeting common people with malware. Hackers send people emails that are disguised as mails carrying legitimate information but instead consist of malware links and attachments.
Malware and virus threats are on rise. Worse, these attacks are targeting almost every organisation and individual out there. Modern malware programs are extremely sophisticated and you need to build a mighty cybersecurity infrastructure to keep these attacks at bay. But, before that, you should know about the current top malware programs that are wreaking a havoc in the current digital scene. Thus, this blog has taken up the baton to share insights on the top malware and virus threats as well as the safety tips to thwart them.
In order to gain more understanding and to learn about the cybersecurity tips and awareness strategies, refer to the courses provided by DataSpace Academy.
