Top 5 Malware Trends for Q1 2017

Malware remains one of the more pressing problems our society faces today. During the year 2016, the number of malware-related incidents has increased by quite a margin. So far, it appears 2017 will bring more of the same, as we have had some significant issues reported already. Below are 5 troublesome malware facts related to Q1 of 2017.

5. WYSIWYE Malware

As the name suggests, What You See is What You Encrypt malware is not a pleasant ordeal. Criminals deploying this nefarious virus can virtually hand-pick their target and release a personalized ransomware strain. WYSIWYE has a convenient user interface that offers multiple customization options. Moreover, “developers” can include functions they want to use, including self-deletion, stealth mode, and encrypting specific files. A very troublesome development in the malware industry.

4. Antivirus Tools Are Woefully Inadequate

It is pretty difficult to combat malware threats, especially for the companies responsible for developing antivirus solutions. Almost one in three malware types still sneaks into computers while the antivirus fails to detect such a threat. It is evident this major problem will need to be solved sooner rather than later, although it is doubtful any improvements will be made in the near future.

3. MajikPOS Makes Card Skimming Even Better

Point of sale device owners were not pleased with the news pertaining to MajikPOS. This new type of malware is capable of stealing credit card information through a modular attack researchers had never encountered before. It is believed MajikPOS has been responsible for stealing over 23,000 credit card numbers in the US and Canada, most of which end up being sold on the darknet.

2. SMBs Are A Prone Malware Target

Malware and ransomware continue to dominate the cyber threat landscape these days. A new study by Datto goes to show SMB customers are likely targets for criminals in 2017 and beyond. Several ransomware attacks against SMBs have been recorded in the second half of 2016, yet things will only get worse as more time progresses.

Ransomware attacks can have a crippling effect on the affected businesses. Not only is there a ransom to be paid, but the malware also impacts day-to-day operations. This downtime can mean the difference between making a profit or suffering significant financial losses for the duration of the attack, Even though SMBs are “smaller fish in the pond”, they are also more likely to meet the ransom demand.

1. The First Monero Ransomware Appears

A Star Trek-themed ransomware strain is not entirely surprising, although that is not what makes it unique. Kirk, as this malware is called, also demands victims to make a Monero payment instead of using bitcoin. Considering how bitcoin is not anonymous and Monero offers far better privacy protection, it was only a matter of time until the paradigm would shift. It remains unclear if more Monero ransomware will make the rounds in the future, but it is a distinct possibility.
