Malware is hitting Toronto in 2020

Malware is hitting Toronto in 2020

Malware has become very advanced in recent years which makes it a challenge to keep your data safe. Without Cybersecurity protection, you can quickly fall victim to an attack. In this article, we will explore what you need to know about 2020 malware in Toronto or anywhere.

2020 is turning out to be an active year for malware attacks. Below are the most active malware threats that you should familiarize yourself with to keep your computer safe:

Adware

Adware (short for advertising-supported software) is a type of malware that automatically delivers advertisements. Common examples of adware include pop-up ads on websites and advertisements that are displayed by the software. Often times software and applications offer “free” versions that come bundled with adware.

News Malware

Recently, malware has been using news stories to launch their malware. Recently, they have used COVID-19 to send out a bevy of legitimate-looking emails about the pandemic. They ask readers to click on the link, but the link is the malware that quickly copies your computer’s files and gathers your personal information. Sadly, many are following for this form of malware as everyone in the world seeks more information about the virus and recent stats.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malware that essentially holds a computer system captive while demanding a ransom. The malware restricts user access to the computer either by encrypting files on the hard drive or locking down the system and displaying messages that are intended to force the user to pay the malware creator to remove the restrictions and regain access to their computer. Ransomware typically spreads like a normal computer worm (see below) ending up on a computer via a downloaded file or through some other vulnerability in a network service.

Rootkit

A rootkit is a type of malicious software designed to remotely access or control a computer without being detected by users or security programs. Once a rootkit has been installed it is possible for the malicious party behind the rootkit to remotely execute files, access/steal information, modify system configurations, alter software (especially any security software that could detect the rootkit), install concealed malware, or control the computer as part of a botnet. Rootkit prevention, detection, and removal can be difficult due to their stealthy operation. Because a rootkit continually hides its presence (in the Boot sector or a Recovery partition), typical security products are not effective in detecting and removing rootkits. As a result, rootkit detection relies on manual methods such as monitoring computer behavior for irregular activity, signature scanning, and storage dump analysis. Organizations and users can protect themselves from rootkits by regularly patching vulnerabilities in software, applications, and operating systems, updating virus definitions, avoiding suspicious downloads, and performing static analysis scans.

Spyware

Spyware is a type of malware that functions by spying on user activity without their knowledge. These spying capabilities can include activity monitoring, collecting keystrokes, data harvesting (account information, logins, financial data), and more. Spyware often has additional capabilities as well, ranging from modifying security settings of software or browsers to interfering with network connections. Spyware spreads by exploiting software vulnerabilities, bundling itself with legitimate software, or in Trojans.