Malware and Security Threats

Cybersecurity faces more challenges as newly evolved malware appears every year. To be security conscious, we must be able to identify new threats and employ new measures to combat them effectively.

We need to know what these new security threats are and understand how they perform malicious tasks. Better understanding leads to better decision making. Primarily, our approach to mitigating cyberattack risks and eliminating threats should involve ensuring the security of our information systems.

Every year, viruses and attackers adapt to the latest defenses from cybersecurity vendors in the industry, making it more difficult to protect our data. Recent sophisticated cyberattacks involving malware, social engineering, phishing, artificial intelligence, cryptojacking and more, threaten the security of our data.

The company vivint cost kindly shared with us 10 of the most dangerous new malware and security threats in 2022. Continue reading.

10 New Security Threats and Dangerous Malware in 2022

• Clop Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to the victim’s programs, files, and other data by mode of encryption until a ransom is paid to the attackers.

The new Clop ransomware is distributed through executable files that have been code-signed with a digital signature. This signature legitimizes the executable file, helping the ransomware evade anti-malware detections.

Once it is installed, the ransomware will stop several Windows services and processes. It may also deactivate your antivirus software and close all your files so it can begin encrypting them.

The Clop ransomware configures various registry entries to disable most of Windows Defender’s features, including tamper protection, behavior monitoring, and anti-spyware detection.

• Cloud Jacking Attacks

Cloud jacking is a type of cyberattack, where criminals infiltrate an organization’s cloud infrastructure to gain access to sensitive data such as communications, financial data, and other data.

Thanks to advances in Cloud technology, organizations — healthcare providers, corporations, and government agencies — now store a lot of important data on the cloud, including patients’ Social Security numbers and their bank accounts.

Cybercriminals target hospitals and other medical providers because these healthcare providers store the personal and financial information of many people in one database.

After successfully cloud jacking their targets, cybercriminals can decide to request a ransom or sell the stolen data on the dark web.

• Ransomware as Fake Windows Updates

Cyberattacks involving emails that instruct users to install ransomware disguised as urgent Windows OS updates are common in 2022. These emails deceive readers into installing the “latest” Windows updates, which are actually ransomware executable files.

The Cyborg ransomware is an example of ransomware transmitted as fake Windows updates via email. Cyborg encrypts all of your files and programs and demands a ransom payment to decrypt these files.

Email service providers and some antivirus software fail to detect the malicious intent behind these emails, and as a result, they do not block these emails. You should install an anti-malware program that provides internet security to protect you from malicious emails.

• Gameover Zeus Attacks

Gameover Zeus is a peer-to-peer botnet based on components of the Zeus Trojan. However, unlike the older versions of the Zeus Trojan, it uses an encrypted peer-to-peer communication system to communicate between its nodes and its C&C servers. This P2P communication system reduces its vulnerability to law enforcement operations.

Gameover Zeus is often used for banking fraud (accessing financial details to steal funds).

Once the Trojan is installed on your device, it connects to its C & C servers, giving hackers administrative access to your system. It will disable some system processes, install and launch other executables, and even delete essential system files.

• Ransomware as a Service (RaaS)

RaaS is a system that allows ordinary people (clients) to hire professional hackers to carry out a ransomware attack.

Once the client pays a certain fee, they will be given access to the ransomware executable, which is then their responsibility to distribute it to whomever they intend to attack.

Sometimes, clients and the RaaS hacker can agree to a custom ransom amount. The hacker team will accept a percentage of the total ransom as a commission for the client using their services.

• Fleeceware

Fleeceware is a type of software that keeps charging users for using the software even after users deleted them. These fraudulent apps are common on iOS and Android app stores. Given the success of this type of criminal activity, developers on mobile stores are uploading more and more Fleeceware variants.

However, Fleeceware does not pose a considerable security threat to a user’s program, files, and other data; it is still a fraudulent practice by app developers trying to fleece unsuspecting users of their money.

• Internet of Things (IoT) Device Attacks

IoT is the connection of computing devices installed in everyday objects to the internet, enabling data transfer. IoT devices— smart locks, voice-activated speakers, and video doorbells — are becoming popular in 2022.

There are three reasons why IoT devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Firstly, they lack enough storage space to allow the installation of proper security software.

Secondly, these devices often contain easy-to-access data such as passwords and usernames, which hackers can use to access user accounts and steal valuable information.

Thirdly, these IoT devices can be used to spy on you because they often have mics and internet-based cameras.

• Cryptojacking Malware Attacks

Cryptojacking malware allows hackers to gain access to a victim’s device, and then use its computing power to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Crypto mining demands a tremendous amount of computing power and electricity to generate new crypto coins, coupled with the high price of cryptocurrencies. These factors give hackers an incentive to create and distribute cryptojacking malware to boost their mining operations.

Although we noticed a decrease in the number of cryptojacking attacks in the previous years — mainly due to the sharp fall in the value of cryptocurrencies, this malware remains a threat. As the cost of Bitcoins rises in 2022, cryptojacking malware attacks may return in full force.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Attacks

The rise of AI is a good thing for developers looking to program AI scripts and software, as well as cybercriminals looking to develop more dangerous viruses to carry out devastating cyberattacks.

Although cybersecurity companies are using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to mitigate cybersecurity risks and combat malware, AI can also be used to hack devices and networks on a broader scale.

With the expansion of machine learning and AI technology, we can only expect cybercriminals to distribute highly sophisticated and advanced malware built with these technologies in 2022 and beyond.

• Sophisticated Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a common type of social engineering attack used to steal sensitive user data such as login credentials and credit card details. Phishing attacks occur when cybercriminals, disguised as a trusted entity, deceives a victim into opening a link in an email, instant message, or text message.

These attacks involve tricking people into clicking on a link that can install malware or expose sensitive data like passwords.

Most companies are aware of the email phishing scam, so cybercriminals are raising the stakes. For example, they use machine learning to quickly write and send convincing fake messages, hoping that recipients will accidentally compromise their organization’s networks and systems. Phishing attacks allow criminals to steal user logins, banking credentials, and gain access to private databases.

Secure Your Device against New Malware and Security Threats

In today’s world, privacy is more important than ever, so the security of your data — X-rated photos, messages, login credentials, financial details — should always be your priority.

The general advice is that you should use a good anti-malware program to keep your device and all of your data safe. However, not every anti-malware software is advanced enough to combat new malware and security threats.

Cybersecurity threats have evolved, and you must keep evolving as well. Visit websites like Software Tested to read more about new types of malware and what they do. This website also contains vital PC repair tips and tricks, malware removal guides, and hacks on how to speed up your computer.