Every single week, there are new security and malware threats that pop up. This year 2019 is not an exception and here are some of the biggest malware stories that users have to deal with.
1. IoT Attacks Reached 32.7 Million
There is a continuous rise when it comes to the popularity of IoT but the sad news is that they have easy to abuse controls. Most of them don’t come with built-in firewalls and with no ability of changing default passwords and usernames. This then led the increase in the number of attacks of up to 217.5% against these IoT devices ever since 2017.
IoT Bots
Generally speaking, these attacks have been designed to produce swarms of bots that are remote controlled. These bots have the capacity to implement the targeted DDoS attacks that can bring down parts of the internet. If you have an IoT device or you plan to get one, the very first thing you should do is ensure that it is secure enough to keep yourself safe from these attacks.
2. WinRAR Bug is a Dangerous New Malware
WinRAR is the famous program used for extracting compressed files. This has been around for many years but the truth is that this has had a hidden vulnerability to it. Attackers have the opportunity to engineer the compressed files to allow direct extraction of malware to Windows operating system with no warning at all.
Patch the vulnerability
There are lots of malware trends that have taken advantage of the newly discovered vulnerability. This means that if you are using WinRAR, you need to ensure that you patch it at the soonest time
3. Fake Updates on Asus Filled with Viruses
Asus, the computer manufacturer, recently stated revealed that their update software suffered from a breach at the source. It means that among the newest crucial security updates for their machines that the company pushed itself contained malware in secret.
The malware was then distributed to more than 1 million people yet it appears that it has been haunting only 600 particular targets. If you think that the malware called ShadowHammer has affected your computer, you are free to have your device checked on the official website of Asus.
4. New Android Malware That Drains Bank Accounts
There is a new form of banking malware trends discovered on Android devices in the wild not too long ago. Referred to as
It is critical to note that the application spreads through sending texts to the contacts using the phone of the victim. When you receive these unusual text messages, avoid clicking on those links.
5. Graphics Management Software of NVIDIA Receives a Patch
If you have a gaming computer, there is a high chance that you also have a NVIDIA graphics card. The management software, which controls such graphics cards and discovered to be vulnerable to bugs that would enable users to execute code arbitrarily within the computer of the victim. While there’s no exploit yet appeared on this vulnerability, it is essential to patch graphics card drivers at the earliest possible.
6. Facebook Passwords Stored in Plain Text
Not malware, but absolutely sketchy. Because of an internal error, the social media giant, Facebook, stored countless of passwords in plain text. Facebook users are not the only ones affected. Instagram users were also affected. In short, if attacks had breached that Facebook’s part, they’d be able to steal accounts easily.
Any malicious things inside Facebook would’ve had free reign. If passwords were stored in this manner, you will be notified by Facebook and you must change your password at the soonest date possible.
7. Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Are Targets for Ransomware
New survey from the company referred to as BBR shows that seventy percent of ransomware attacks are towards SMBs or small and medium-sized businesses. Such companies are targets because they do not have enough money and time to secure computers, and so they are more likely to pay ransoms. If you work at small businesses or manage information technology, you have to pay attention to this.
8. New Exposed Vulnerability in TP-Link Routers
Once you own a TP-Link router, you should consider replacing it. The reason behind it is that Google developers announced recently that this router brand is affected by vulnerabilities that allow attackers take full control of the router once they join the same network.
The tech giant revealed this vulnerability to everyone because they disclosed the problem to the manufacture privately for almost 3 months with no apparent plans and response to fix the issue.
9. Industrial Systems Have Critical Vulnerabilities
It’s the kind of news that might not affect your personal computer. However, it may affect your sewage, water, and power someday. In a survey, it shows that twenty percent of the industrial control systems are vulnerable to malware. Reports also show that such vulnerabilities are severe, enabling attackers to control machines remotely.
10. Office Depot Faked the Results of Malware Scan
If you have had Office Depot checked your computer recently, you might be in for a payday. Recently, the company agreed to pay $35M for engaging in some deceptive practices. Customers who bring their computers to Office Depot for virus scan might not get the results they deserve.
Scanning software
The reason behind it is that the company uses scanning software that shows computers were infected. Workers of Office Depot will then try to upsell customers on a consumer protection plan that costs $300.
Conclusion
Those are just some of the recent malware trends and facts you should know. If you want to keep all your personal information protected, make sure that you know how to preserve your computer’s safety. This will help you stay protected from
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