How the internet of things is increasing the risk of malware
The internet of things is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables these things to connect, collect and exchange data. The IoT is a giant network of connected things and people that’s been growing exponentially in recent years. With the advent of 5G and the proliferation of smart devices, the IoT is only going to get bigger and more complex. This increase in connectivity also comes with an increase in the risk of malware.
Malware, short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. It can take the form of viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, spyware, and more. And, as the IoT continues to grow, so does the risk of malware infection.
One of the biggest threats posed by the IoT is the fact that many of these devices are not properly secured. They may have weak passwords, outdated software, or no security measures at all. This leaves them vulnerable to attack. And, once attackers have gained access to one device on the network, they can often spread malware to other devices. attackers can also use the IoT to launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, which can cause widespread service outages.
In addition to the increased risk of malware, the IoT also raises privacy concerns. Because these devices collect and share data, they can potentially be used to track people’s movements, spy on their activities, and collect sensitive information. This data can then be sold to marketers or used for other nefarious purposes.
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) has warned that the “ubiquitous connectivity” of the IoT “could enable new invasions of Americans’ privacy on a scale not previously possible.” The PCLOB is not alone in this concern. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also raised alarms about the potential privacy risks posed by the IoT.
The IoT is still in its early stages, and it will take time for the full extent of the risks it poses to be understood. In the meantime, it’s important for individuals and businesses to be aware of the potential dangers and take steps to protect themselves. This includes using strong passwords, keeping devices up-to-date, and being careful about what information is shared.Visit the site
The most common malware attacks of 2018
It’s that time of year again. The time when we take a look back at the previous year and reflect on what happened. This is especially true when it comes to the world of cybersecurity. 2018 was a big year for malware attacks and we saw some new and interesting trends emerge. Here are the five most common malware attacks of 2018.
1. Cryptomining Malware
Cryptomining malware was by far the most common type of malware attack in 2018. This is malicious software that is used to mine cryptocurrency without the user’s knowledge or consent. In most cases, the victim’s computer is used to mine cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Monero. The attacker then gets to keep all of the proceeds.
Cryptomining malware is typically spread through malicious advertising or compromised websites. It can also be spread through email attachments or malicious links. Once the victim’s computer is infected, the malware will start to mine cryptocurrency. This can lead to reduced performance, as well as increased electricity bills.
2. Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. This type of attack has been around for a while, but it became particularly prevalent in 2018. We saw a number of high-profile ransomware attacks, including the WannaCry attack that affected over 200,000 victims in 150 countries.
Ransomware is typically spread through email attachments or malicious links. Once the victim’s computer is infected, the malware will start to encrypt their files. The attacker will then demand a ransom be paid, typically in cryptocurrency, in order to decrypt the files. This type of attack can be devastating, as it can lead to the loss of important data or even money.
3. Malicious Cryptocurrency Wallets
With the rise in popularity of cryptocurrency, we also saw a rise in the number of malicious cryptocurrency wallets. These are wallets that are designed to steal your cryptocurrency. They can be spread through email attachments or malicious links. Once the victim’s computer is infected, the malware will steal their cryptocurrency.
This type of attack is particularly difficult to detect and prevent. This is because cryptocurrency wallets are not regulated in the same way as traditional financial institutions. This means that there is no central authority to contact if your wallet is compromised.
4. Malware Hidden in Legitimate Apps
This type of attack is becoming more common as attackers look for new ways to spread their malware. In this type of attack, the attacker will embed their malware into a legitimate app. This can be done by modifying the app’s code or by bundling the app with other malicious software.
Once the victim’s computer is infected, the malware will start to execute. This can lead to a number of different outcomes, depending on the malware. Some malware will simply display advertisements, while others will steal sensitive information or even hijack the victim’s computer.
5. IoT Malware
IoT devices are becoming increasingly common, but they are also becoming increasingly vulnerable to attack. This is because many IoT devices have weak security and are easy to hack. This type of attack is typically used to create botnets, which are networks of infected devices that can be used to launch attacks.
We saw a number of IoT malware attacks in 2018, including the Mirai botnet attack that took down major websites like Netflix and Twitter. IoT malware is typically spread through compromised devices or through default passwords. Once the victim’s device is infected, the malware will start to execute. This can lead to a number of different outcomes, depending on the malware. Some malware will simply create a botnet, while others will stealing sensitive information or even hijack the victim’s device.
These are the five most common malware attacks of 2018. Cryptomining malware was by far the most common type of attack, followed by ransomware, malicious cryptocurrency wallets, and malware hidden in legitimate apps. IoT malware is also becoming increasingly common.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about malware. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.