Top 7 Most Dangerous Computer Virus and Malware Threats in 2022

Cybercrimes cost individuals and businesses around $600 billion every year.

Malware threats are one of the most common types of cyberattacks, and falling victim to one can be devastating.

There are many types, and each one works slightly differently. Being protected is essential for anyone who uses a computer in their everyday life.

For a rundown of 7 of the biggest cybersecurity threats in 2022, keep reading.

What Are Malware Threats?

Malware is a broad term that encompasses a range of potential cybersecurity threats. The main purpose of malware attacks is to steal data, compromise device functions, and spy on users, but they are sometimes harmful in even more ways.

There are new types of malware developed every year, so keeping up to date is the best way to prevent malware infections.

1. Clop Ransomware

A ransomware attack can allow a hacker to steal important files from your computer or network and hold them for ransom. They will demand some sort of payment before releasing them back to you.

Clop is one of the newest variants and is usually targeted at Windows users. It can block hundreds of windows processes to leave you defenseless. Keeping important files backed up is the best way to avoid having to pay a ransom if you fall victim to this as you will have a copy of your files safely stored elsewhere.

2. Fake Windows Updates

These are usually sent as emails that will tell the recipient that they’re in urgent need of a Windows update. The update file provided is actually ransomware which will infect the device it’s run on.

The majority of email providers and more basic antivirus software can’t detect and block these, so it’s important to have high-quality antivirus software installed.

3. Zeus Gameover

Zeus Gamover is a Trojan attack that is designed to access bank account details so that the hacker can steal your funds. This particular variant doesn’t need a “command and control” server as most others do. Authorities can usually target these centers, but this piece of malware can bypass them and create independent servers.
This means that any stolen data can’t be traced, so being protected from these is very important.

4. RaaS

Ransomeware as a Service is more specifically an industry than a piece of malware itself. It’s a service that criminals can use if they want to perform a cyber-attack but don’t actually know how to do it themselves.

They can pay a professional hacker, or even a team of hackers to carry out an attack. This is dramatically increasing the number of cyber attacks as anyone can pay for it even if they don’t have the technical knowledge to carry out an attack.

5. Shlayer Malware

Most cyber-attacks are aimed at Windows users, but there are still plenty that targets other operating systems. Shlayer malware is specifically used against MacOS users by tricking them into installing the malware. The attacker does this using Flash updates and social engineering tactics.

This type of attack started by using a zero-day vulnerability, but hackers have developed new methods over time to find other ways to infect people.

As MacOS works differently from Windows it’s important to know how to check Macs for viruses. Check out this guide on https://setapp.com/ for a detailed explanation.

6. IoT Device Attacks

Recently hackers have started attacking IoT devices as they often contain little to no security measures. This can include things like smart speakers and smart doorbells which most people would never think of as being a risk.

These devices often contain details such as usernames and passwords which hackers can then use to get into other accounts. They can sometimes take control of cameras and microphones to spy, and even communicate with or manipulate people.

IoT devices within a corporate network present a weak spot, and hackers can take advantage of this to spread malware throughout a network.

7. Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is a cybersecurity threat specifically used to take control of crypto mining systems. Crypto mining can generate a lot of funds, but it’s also very expensive to do. With cryptojacking a hacker can use someone else’s crypto mining rig, then send the mined crypto to a wallet in their control.

By doing this, the owner of the mining hardware will be left with a large electricity bill along with no profits, while the attacker will have a large amount of crypto that the victim can’t get back.

How to Remove Malware

The most important thing to remember is that preventing malware infection in the first place is far better than removing it. Within a business, the best practice is to ensure all staff are aware of the potential threats and the forms they take. If staff know how to spot malicious emails, for example, the risk of infection is reduced significantly.

Beyond this, antivirus software will help block malware and remove it before any significant amount of damage is done. There is a wide range of cybersecurity companies that make different types of software, so with some research, you should be able to find something that fits your needs.

The Best Antivirus Software

With all the different types of cybersecurity software, there is no specific “best one”. They vary a lot in terms of capability and how they protect from malware threats, so you first need to assess your needs, then compare different software based on what you’re after.

If you’re interested in more computer-related articles check out some of our other blog posts.