Mobile ransomware increases 200 percent
There’s been a startling 200 percent increase in mobile ransomware detection in Q2, according to Quick Heal. This amounts to nearly 50 percent of the ransomware detected in all four quarters of 2015 combined.
Top 10 malware detected by Quick Heal in the last three months
Potentially Unwanted Applications and adware
Given the free and widespread reach of the internet, adware has become a cash-generating machine for hackers. Adware and PUAs are now being laced with destructive functionalities and are capable of damaging or crashing boot sector records of infected computers. Additionally, adware is increasingly used for delivering ransomware into targeted systems.
Ransomware variants on the rise
Ransomware variants will keep rising in the coming quarter, according to the report. For example, CryptXXX ransomware is now hitting targets with new and more advanced variants, and Locky ransomware is also being continuously updated with new internal coding and obfuscation techniques. In addition Domain Generation Algorithms (DGAs) could become a menace in the remainder of 2016 as more ransomware families take advantage of them. DGAs help malware evade security detections because they are not hard coded. Locky is one such malware that uses DGA.
Ransomware-as-a-Service
RaaS is another trend that is increasing in momentum. With RaaS, malware authors sell ransomware along with a customizable kit through the online black market. Interested cybercriminals can register and download them for free or for a nominal fee. Once the ransomware file is customized, it is then spread through a variety of infection vectors.
Targeted security attacks on major world events
Targeted attacks are typically performed with a goal of stealing sensitive information for monetary or political gain. The upcoming U.S. presidential election is expected to be a major focus for these attacks as cybercriminals look to spread malware with destructive capabilities.
Top 10 exploits of Q2 2016
Vulnerabilities tied to mobile wallets
Mobile wallets and other new payment technologies have simplified online shopping. But, at the same time, they have opened up new avenues for hackers. Credit card data theft and fraud are expected to rise in the months ahead as a result of the increased use of these payment practices.
IoT security issues advance
IoT devices are making personal and business operations more convenient than ever. But, as the IoT market grows, security gaps are beginning to open up new opportunities for attackers.
“With new technological advances and conveniences also come new security vulnerabilities,” said Sanjay Katkar, CTO of Quick Heal. “To prevent damaging attacks, it’s always a good reminder for IT departments to keep their security solutions up to date while remaining ever vigilant about educating employees about threat prevention and best practices.”