Viruses and malware are constantly evolving, becoming more advanced and more dangerous by the second. From ransomware that can lock you out of your own files to spyware that tracks your every move, being online without any protection is risky. The most damaging types of malware can steal your most valuable data, including bank details, personal photos, and sensitive ID card information.
Cybercriminals are relentless and will stop at nothing to exploit vulnerabilities in your computer or phone. They use sophisticated techniques to breach your security, putting your privacy and financial information at risk. Understanding the most dangerous malware threats is essential to keeping your digital life secure.
To ensure your protection against these threats, it’s essential to have a reliable antivirus installed on your PC, Mac, Android, or iPhone. For comprehensive and low-cost protection against all cyber threats, I recommend Norton 360.
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1. Clop Ransomware
Ransomware is malware which encrypts your files until you pay a ransom to the hackers. “Clop” is one of the most dangerous ransomware threats. It’s a variant of the well-known CryptoMix ransomware, which frequently targets Windows users.
Before beginning the encryption process, the Clop ransomware blocks over 600 Windows processes and disables multiple Windows 10 and 11 applications, including Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials — leaving you with zero chance of protecting your data.
The Clop ransomware has evolved since its inception, now targeting entire networks — not just individual devices. Even the Maastricht University in the Netherlands became a victim of the Clop ransomware, with almost all Windows devices on the university’s network being encrypted and forced to pay a ransom.
2. Fake Windows Updates (Hidden Ransomware)
Hackers have been increasingly sending emails that instruct readers to install urgent Windows OS updates. The emails trick readers into installing the “latest” Windows updates, which are actually ransomware ‘.exe’ files in disguise.
The ransomware contained in these emails is known as “Cyborg”. It encrypts all of your files and programs and demands a ransom payment to un-encrypt the files.
Unfortunately, many email service providers and basic antivirus software aren’t able to detect and block these emails. This is why you must be using an antivirus that provides proper internet security, protecting you from dangerous emails.
3. Zeus Gameover
Zeus Gameover is part of the “Zeus” family of malware and viruses. This piece of malware is a Trojan — malware disguised as something legitimate — that accesses your sensitive bank account details and steals all of your funds.
The worst thing about this particular variant of the Zeus malware family is that it doesn’t require a centralized “Command and Control” server to complete transactions — which is a flaw found in many cyberattacks that authorities can target. Instead, Zeus Gameover can bypass centralized servers and create independent servers to send sensitive information. In essence, you cannot trace your stolen data.
4. RaaS
“RaaS” — also known as “Ransomware as a Service” — is a growing industry in the dark web. People without the knowledge to carry out a sophisticated ransomware attack can pay to hire a professional hacker or team of hackers to perform the attack for them.
The growth of the underground RaaS industry is worrying, as it shows how easy it is to infect people with ransomware despite the bad actors having no previous experience with designing or coding malware.
5. Fleeceware
Fleeceware is a mobile app that charges users ridiculous subscription fees that they can’t afford. In fact, it continues to charge app users large amounts of money despite users deleting the malicious app. Recent research has found that over 600 million Android users have downloaded “Fleeceware” onto their device in the past few years.
Although Fleeceware doesn’t pose a considerable security threat to a user’s device and data, it’s still very common, and it’s a shady practice by app developers wanting to cash in on unsuspecting users.
6. IoT Device Attacks
With the popularity of IoT (Internet of Things) devices growing in 2024, hackers are constantly looking to exploit them for valuable information. This includes smart speakers, doorbells, and more.
There are multiple reasons why hackers choose to target IoT devices. For one, most IoT devices don’t have enough storage to install proper security measures. These devices often contain easy-to-access data such as passwords and usernames, which can be used by hackers to log into user accounts and steal valuable information, such as banking details.
Hackers can also use internet-based cameras and mics to spy on and communicate with people — including young children via smart baby monitors.
These devices can also act as weak points in a corporation’s network, meaning hackers can gain access to entire systems through unsecured IoT devices — spreading malware to other devices across the network.
7. Social Engineering/Phishing Attacks
Humans are possibly the weakest link in any security protocol. This is why cybercriminals are now turning to human psychology and deception to try and gain access to personal information.
The hacker will start by contacting a company or service provider and pretend to be a specific person. They’ll ask questions regarding the victim’s account and trick the customer support team into handing over pieces of sensitive information. Then, they’ll exploit that information to gain access to a person’s account and data, including payment details.
Phishing attacks are a common form of social engineering where attackers send fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from a trusted source. These messages often contain links to fake websites designed to steal login credentials or infect devices with malware. Phishing is particularly dangerous because it preys on a user’s trust and can lead to significant data breaches and financial losses.
Although this isn’t a type of malware per se, social engineering is an alarming trend, as it doesn’t require hackers to know about coding or malware development. Instead, all the attacker needs is to be convincing and allow human error and complacency to reward them with the data they need.
8. Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking malware is designed to use a person’s computing power to help “mine” cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. Mining requires a huge amount of computing power to generate new crypto coins, which is why hackers are attempting to install cryptojacking malware on unsuspecting computers and mobile devices to help with the mining process — slowing down the user’s device considerably.
Although cryptojacking attacks have dropped significantly in previous years — mainly due to the sharp fall in the value of cryptocurrencies, this trend remains a threat. Cryptocurrency prices continue to rise through 2024, with Bitcoin booming over $40,000 as recently as January. Given the value of cryptocurrency, cryptojacking malware attacks will continue to be lucrative for cybercriminals.
9. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Attacks
As more tools become available to developers that use AI scripts and software, hackers will be able to use this same technology to carry out devastating cyberattacks.
AI and machine learning are being used by cybersecurity companies to bolster cybersecurity measures, but these technologies can also be weaponized for large-scale hacking.
Cyberattacks require a lot of time and effort to create and launch so as AI and machine learning evolve, it’s likely that cybercriminals will find ways to use it and come up with more advanced and destructive AI-based malware.
Common Signs of a Malware Infection
Now that you know about the most dangerous threats, you need recognize the signs of a malware infection. Early detection can help mitigate damage and protect your data. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Slow Performance. Your computer or phone suddenly becomes sluggish, taking longer to start up or load applications.
- Frequent Crashes. Programs or your entire system crash frequently, often with error messages or the infamous blue screen of death.
- Pop-up Ads. You see an increase in pop-up ads, especially when your browser is closed. This is a typical sign of adware or spyware.
- Unfamiliar Programs. New programs that you didn’t install appear on your device, often launching at startup.
- Changes to Browser Settings. Your homepage, default search engine, or other browser settings change without your permission.
- Unusual Network Activity. You notice high levels of network activity even when you’re not using the internet. This indicates potential data theft or cryptojacking activity.
- Overheating. Your device overheats even when performing simple tasks, often due to malware running in the background.
- Disabled Security Software. Your antivirus or firewall is disabled without your intervention, a common tactic used by malware to avoid detection.
By recognizing these signs, you can take action quickly to remove the malware and protect your data.
Defending Yourself from Cybercrime
Your sensitive data, bank details, sentimental photos, private messages — what are they worth to you? They’re priceless.
So how are you defending yourself from new malware and cyberattacks?
Most people are only using basic antivirus software and maybe some other cybersecurity tools to protect themselves. But the truth is that most antivirus programs don’t keep you 100% protected from new malware — you’re likely still vulnerable to the latest virus threats.
To keep your device and all of your data safe, you need to be using the best antivirus for your PC, Mac, Android, and iOS device.
Quick summary of the best antiviruses for protecting against viruses & malware:
🥇 1. Norton — Best antivirus for removing the most dangerous malware threats.
🥈 2. Bitdefender — Lightweight antivirus, great for removing threats on older PCs.
🥉 3. TotalAV — Excellent antivirus with the best bundled VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scariest computer virus?
The Mydoom virus is often considered the scariest computer virus due to its devastating impact and rapid spread.
It caused an estimated $38 billion in damages, making it the costliest virus outbreak in history. Mydoom primarily targeted email systems, causing widespread disruption and slowing down global internet traffic by 10%. Its ability to create backdoors in infected systems made it a significant threat, allowing cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access and control.
What malware is the hardest to remove?
Rootkits are among the hardest types of malware to remove. They embed themselves deep within the operating system, often at the kernel level, making them difficult to detect and eliminate.
Rootkits can hide other types of malware, allowing cybercriminals to maintain long-term access to an infected system without detection. Even advanced antivirus programs can struggle to identify and remove rootkits, often requiring specialized tools and manual intervention to fully eradicate them.
What type of malware is the most dangerous?
Ransomware is considered the most dangerous type of malware due to its ability to lock users out of their own files and demand a ransom for their release. This type of malware encrypts critical data, rendering it inaccessible until a payment is made to the attackers. The financial and operational impact can be severe, particularly for businesses and healthcare institutions, leading to significant data loss, operational downtime, and financial loss.
What is the most common virus?
The most common type of virus is the Trojan horse. Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software or files, tricking users into installing them. Once activated, they can perform a variety of malicious actions, such as stealing personal information, logging keystrokes, or opening backdoors for other malware. Their prevalence is due to their deceptive nature, which makes them a frequent choice for cybercriminals seeking to infiltrate systems undetected.
