Massive new waves of malware techdoctorhere

Malware exploits devices to benefit the threat actors. Attackers use malware to steal data and credentials, spy on users, hold devices hostage, corrupt files, and more.

What are the different types of malware?

1. Viruses

A computer virus infects   devices and replicates itself across systems. Viruses require human intervention to spread. Once users download the malicious code onto their devices – often delivered via malicious ads or phishing emails – the virus spreads throughout their systems. Viruses can modify computer functions and applications; copy, delete and steal data; data encryption to carry out ransomware attacks; and perform DDoS attacks.

The Zeus virus, which was first detected in 2006, is still used by threat actors today. Attackers use it to create botnets and as a banking Trojan to steal victims’ financial data. The creators of Zeus released the  malware’s source code in 2011 , enabling new actors to create updated, more menacing versions of the original virus.

2. A worm

The computer worm self -replicates   and infects other computers without human intervention. This malware inserts itself into devices via vulnerabilities, malicious links or files. Once inside, the worms look for networked devices to attack. Worms often go unnoticed by users, usually disguised as legitimate working files.

WannaCry , also a form of ransomware, is one of the most notorious worm attacks. The malware took advantage of the EternalBlue vulnerability in older versions of the Windows Server Message Block protocol. In its first year, the worm spread  to 150 countries . The following year, it infected  nearly 5 million devices .

3. Ransomware

Ransomware  encrypts files or devices and forces victims to pay a ransom for re-entry. While ransomware and malware are often used  synonymously, ransomware is a specific form of malware.

There are  four main types  of ransomware:

1. Locker ransomware  completely locks users out of their devices.
2. Crypto ransomware  encrypts all or some of the files on the device.
3. Double extortion ransomware  encrypts and exports users’ files. In this way, attackers can extract ransom payments and/or sell stolen data.
4. Ransomware as a Service enables  affiliates or customers to rent ransomware. A percentage of each ransom is paid to the ransomware developer.

Known ransomware variants include REvil, WannaCry, and DarkSide, the strain used in  the Colonial Pipeline attack .

Data backups have always been the first defense against ransomware – with a proper backup, victims can restore their files from a known good version. As extortionists emerge, organizations must take other measures to protect  their assets from ransomware , such as deploying advanced protection technologies and using anti-malware with anti-ransomware features. Massive new waves of malware techdoctorhere

4. Robots

A bot   is a self-replicating malware that spreads itself to other devices, creating a network of bots  or botnets . Once infected, the devices perform automated tasks ordered by the attacker. Botnets are often used in DDoS attacks. They can also perform keyboard recording and send phishing emails.

Mirai is a classic example of a bot. This malware, which launched a massive DDoS attack in 2016, continues  to target the Internet of Things and other devices  today. Research also shows  a botnet boom during the COVID-19 pandemic . Infected consumer devices—common targets for Mirai and other botnets—that employees use for work or on networks of employees working on company-owned devices from home enable malware to spread to company systems.

5. Trojan horses

A Trojan horse   is malicious software that appears legitimate to users. Trojans rely on social engineering techniques to invade devices. Once inside the device, the Trojan horse payload – or malicious code – is installed  which is responsible for facilitating the exploit. Trojans give attackers backdoor access to a device, perform keyboard typing, install viruses or worms, and steal data.

Remote-access Trojans (RATs) enable attackers to take control of an infected machine. Once in, attackers can use the infected device to infect other devices with RAT and create a botnet.

The Emotet banking Trojan was first discovered   in 2014. Despite a global removal at the beginning of 2021,  Emotet has been rebuilt  and still helps threat actors steal victims’ financial information. Massive new waves of malware techdoctorhere

6. kilologs

A keylogger is   a surveillance malware that monitors keystroke patterns. Threats use keyloggers to obtain victims’ usernames, passwords, and other sensitive data.

Keyloggers can be hardware or software. Keyloggers are manually installed into keyboards. After the victim uses the keyboard, the attacker must physically retrieve the device. On the other hand, keyloggers do not require physical access. They are often downloaded by the victim via malicious links or downloads. Keyloggers log keystrokes and upload the data to the attacker.

Agent Tesla keylogger first appeared in 2014.  The RAT spyware continues to plague users , with its latest version not only logging keystrokes but also taking screenshots of victims’ devices.

Password managers are particularly useful  in preventing keylogger attacks because users do not need to physically fill in their usernames and passwords, thus preventing them from being registered by keyloggers.

7. Rootkit

A rootkit   is malicious software that enables threat actors to gain remote access to and control a device. Root tools facilitate the spread of other types of malware, including ransomware, viruses, and keyloggers.

Rootkits often go undetected because, once in a device, they can deactivate anti-malware and anti-virus software on the endpoint. Rootkits usually enter  devices and systems through phishing emails  and malicious attachments.

To detect rootkit attacks, cybersecurity teams must analyze network behavior. Set alerts if, for example, a user who routinely logs in at the same time and at the same location each day suddenly logs in at a different time or location.

The first rootkit, NTRootkit, appeared in 1999. Hacker Defender, one of the most  popular rootkit suites  of the 2000s, was released in 2003.

8. Spyware

Spyware  is malicious software that is downloaded to a device without the user’s permission. It steals users’ data to sell it to advertisers and external users. Spyware can track credentials, obtain banking details, and other sensitive data. It infects devices through malicious apps, links, websites, and email attachments. Mobile spyware, which can be disseminated via SMS and MMS, is particularly harmful because it tracks the user’s location and has access to the device’s camera and microphone. Adware, keyloggers, Trojans, and mobile spyware are all forms of spyware.

Pegasus is a mobile spyware that targets iOS and Android devices. It was first discovered in 2016, at which time it was linked to Israeli tech company NSO Group. Apple sued  the  seller in November 2021 for attacking Apple customers and products. Pegasus was also  linked to the assassination of  Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Massive new waves of malware techdoctorhere

9. Cryptographic malware

Mining – the process of verifying transactions within a blockchain – is highly profitable but requires massive processing power. Miners are rewarded for every transaction they validate. Cryptojacking , the procedure behind cryptographic malware, enables threat actors to use the resources of an infected device to perform verification.

Cisco found that  69% of its customers  were affected by cryptographic malware in 2020, representing the largest category of DNS traffic to malicious sites that year.

XMRig was  the most popular malware  in 2020, followed by JSEcoin, Lucifer, WannaMine, and RubyMiner.

10. Periodical

Adware  is software that displays or downloads unwanted advertisements, usually in the form of banners or pop-ups. It collects web browser history and cookies to target users with specific ads.

Not all adware is harmful. Software developers use legitimate advertising software – with users’ consent – to reimburse the developer’s costs. However, malicious adware can display ads that may lead to infection when clicked.

Attackers use vulnerabilities to infect operating systems and to place malicious adware inside pre-existing applications. Users may also download already corrupted applications with adware. Alternately, adware can be included in a software package when you download a legitimate application or be pre-installed on a device, also known as bloatware.

Fireball, Gator, DollarRevenue, and OpenSUpdater are examples of adware.

How to prevent malware attacks

A strong cyber security clean is  the best defense against common types of malware attacks. The hypothesis of cyber hygiene is similar to personal hygiene: if an organization maintains a high level of health (security), it avoids contracting disease (attacking it).

Good eHealth practices that prevent malware attacks include:

• Software patching and updating.
• Use firewalls and security software, such as anti-malware and anti-virus software.
• Follow  email best practices .
• Deploy  email security gates .
• Avoid links and attachments.
• Implementation of access control.
• Multi-factor authentication required  .
• Use  the principle of least privilege .
• Monitor for abnormal or suspicious activity.
• Conduct regular security awareness training  to teach employees about the dangers of different types of malware and urge them to be careful when clicking links and downloading files. Massive new waves of malware techdoctorhere