The prevailing form of malware used by attackers for illicit gain and to cause disruption is constantly evolving, reflecting the dynamic nature of cyber threats.
However, in recent years one of the most common forms of malware is ransomware. Question is, what is ransomware? Actually, ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim’s file or systems, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This form of malware is particularly insidious as it can have devastating effects on individuals, business and even critical infrastructure.
Ransomware attacks often begin when a user inadvertently downloads the malware through phishing emails, malicious attachment or compromised websites. Once the malware is run on the system it encrypts files on the victim’s system quickly and makes them unusable.Â
After this attackers demand a ransom in the form of cryptocurrency, for the exchange the decryption key needed to restore access to the files.
Another prevalent form of malware used for illicit gain and disruption using banking trojans.
Banking trojans are designed to steal sensitive information. Attackers use this information to commit fraud on theft, often resulting in financial losses for the victim. Spyware is designed to collect information about a user’s activities and transmit it to attackers.
Overall the prevailing form of malware used by attackers for illicit gain and disruption is constantly evolving, requiring organisations and individuals to remain vigilant and adopt robust cybersecurity measures to protect against these threats.
By staying informed and proactive, individuals and organisations can reduce the risk of failing victims to prevailing forms of malware attacks and protect their sensitive information.
Purple hack course committed to empowering individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills needed to defend against cyber threats effectively.
