In the first three months of 2020, as the world cracked down to contain the coronavirus, malware threats increased. The latest special edition of Malwarebytes' quarterly CTNT report focuses on these latest malware threats that have one big thing in common: coronavirus as bait. The security researchers analyze dangerous top malware such as Trojans, info stealers and botnets, which the threat actors delivered to ever increasing numbers from January to March of this year.
Fake emails from UNICEF
From an email pretending to be from UNICEF, to another luring with information about the correct use of face masks, to a fraudulent map of the world posing as coronavirus case chasers from John Hopkins University issues: the cyber criminals are as creative as they are devious.
For example, the Malwarebytes researchers uncovered a spear-phising campaign that took advantage of a desire to offer support during the pandemic, broadcast by a threat actor sponsored by the Pakistani state. Countless emails were also discovered containing a variety of keyloggers, ransom demands and data theft.
With the current Malwarebytes report, data is now available that shows which malware threats have increased, particularly in the first three months of 2020.
Here are the most important points from the Malwarebytes report
In general, cyber threats increased
- Cyber criminals are launching brand new campaigns that exploit the confusion, fear and uncertainty surrounding the global coronavirus pandemic. Old malware types are increasingly being reactivated.
- For several of the malware types analyzed, the period between January and February was a precursor to an even greater, increased activity between February and March.
- Phishing campaigns are the most popular attack method.
Homebase target: NetWiredRC, DanaBot and AveMaria gain up to 200 percent
- Malwarebytes saw activity increase nearly 110 percent between February and March for AveMaria malware, a dangerous remote access Trojan that enables remote desktop access and remote webcam control with the added ability to steal passwords.
- NetWiredRC backdoor malware, which was relatively inactive for about five months in 2019, saw an increase of over 2020 percent in early 200 through March compared to last December.
- Activity from DanaBot malware, an invasive Trojan and information thief that can steal online banking account information, increased by 160 percent between February and March.
- A 26 percent increase in credit card collection activity in March increases the risk of online shoppers.
Read the full PDF report to learn more about the attack methods, malware types, and recommendations on how to protect yourself:
Cybercrime Tactics and Techniques: Attacking the Homebase (PDF)
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Via Malwarebytes
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Malwarebytes Founder and CEO Marcin Kleczynski founded the company to develop the best disinfection and protection solution to fight the world's most dangerous Internet threats. Marcin Kleczynski recently received the Global Excellence Award as “CEO of the Year” and was included in Forbes' list of the top 30 entrepreneurs under 30 years of age. The Silicon Valley Business Journal also presented him with the “40 Under 40” award. In 2014 he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young.