The year 2021 is around the corner, and most small businesses are optimistic. However, one universal threat still stalks them—malware attacks. The reason is that malware developers are getting more vicious and determined to reap where they didn’t sow. However, there is no reason for panic since you can protect your business data (find here about scanning your data for viruses). So, what significant malware types should you expect in 2021? Here is our top-six list of malware forms to guard against next year.
Worms
Worms “pioneered” the malware menace that has dogged the computer revolution since its infancy. Sadly, they have weathered all odds to remain one of the leading data threats. They ravage computer networks by disguising themselves as message attachments.
Worms are some of the most dangerous malware types because they replicate themselves. For instance, the infamous I love you worm affected most users worldwide by grounding TV networks and overloading telephone networks. Worms can exploit any file and program in your system to wreak disaster faster than other malware forms do. It’s enough to recollect the infamous SQL Slammer worm that exploited Microsoft SQL’s weaknesses to invade all the servers running online within a record of 10 minutes.
Ransomware
Ransomware is another rising form of money-motivated malware. It hijacks your data and demands you pay a ransom before the hijackers can release them. Its perpetrators target websites and other databases. In this case, hackers can lock down every file, database, and backup. Eventually, they lock you out of your website. Thus, it’s critical to guard ransomware using third-party backup solutions on the market. If you get the best tool, it backs up all your data in the cloud and scans all your backups before storing them.
Hackers can distribute ransomware in the form of Trojans, phishing, and worms. Moreover, they target both businesses and state agencies like local governments. For instance, Jackson County, GA, Orange County, NC, and Baltimore, MD, are recent ransomware victims. Its perpetrators have grown smarter in the way they ask for ransom, demanding payments through popular digital currencies like Bitcoin to erase all digital traces.
Another example is ransomware called EvilQuest that emerged this year and tormented Mac users. Its developers attached it to pirated Mac OS they distributed via torrent websites.
Adware
Adware is another form of malware you should beware. Adware attacks devices and exposes end-user vulnerabilities to flood the users’ systems with annoying, irrelevant, and possibly malicious adverts. For example, it can redirect your browser searches to fake webpages promoting products and services.
Banking Malware
The banking sector is another lucrative target for malware developers. This year they targeted it with banking malware. For instance, they created Android banking malware called EventBot. This malware can steal your data stored in financial apps. The Trojan can also abuse Android’s built-in access capabilities to steal your sensitive information, read your text messages, and intercept SMSs. Consequently, it can bypass 2-F verification.
Moreover, it targeted 200+ financial apps that included banking apps, money transfer services, and digital wallets in the USA and across the European continent.
Malvertising
Malvertising is another form of malware you should beware of next year. This malware uses legit adverts or advertising networks to deliver malware secretly to your PCs. Here, an online thug can pay for an advert on a legit site. Unknowingly, you could click on the advert. Sometimes, the hidden malware in the ads executes itself automatically.
Rootkits
Rootkits are computer programs that enable criminals to access your files or apps illegally. They enable them to skip all necessary protocols and requirements. For example, its perpetrators gain illegal access without a password, one-time-password, or security question.
When you unknowingly install them on your devices, they can corrupt target gadgets and their software. This corruption aids its makers in bypassing all verification procedures and enjoying admin rights illegally and secretly.
Though some antivirus solutions can spot them, removing them is still challenging because they insert themselves in your gadget’s core components. For instance, they can hide in kernels, forcing you to uninstall whole OS’s to remove them. They can also hide in device hardware, prompting you to replace the affected components.
Viruses
Lastly, you should beware of viruses this coming year. This malware threat can spread to other gadgets, apps, and even networks. It can corrupt your apps and other vital data quickly, leading to data losses.
There you go with the most lethal forms of malware you should guard against in 2021. We hope you will use this information to take early precautions and boost your data security. Don’t neglect security issues as hackers are getting ever more active, so 2021 promises to be rich in cyber-threats.
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