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Malware, also known as malicious software or malicious applications, is software designed by cybercriminals to damage computer programs or systems, or to gain unauthorized access to a computer system and/or data.
Malware can be in the form of viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, keyloggers, adware and ransomware which can attack computers, smartphones, tablets and networks. As well as disrupting computer systems, malware can be used to lock up networks and/or computer systems, destroy them, wipe out information, send spam emails, or access data and intellectual property than can then be sold.
According to DataProt, 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected every day, for a total of more than one billion malware programs existing worldwide. Trojans, which appear to be a harmless file or program but which can damage, steal or control computers, make up 58% of all computer malware, followed by viruses (13%), and scripts (9%), a type of virus that leverage’s a computer system’s existing applications. Downloaded malicious apps can attack smartphones, and are the most common form of mobile malware, while adware, which can be activated by clicking on unwanted advertisements, accounts for 48% of malware on smartphones.
Destructive malware cyberattacks have increased rapidly worldwide in the past five years, with the number of detected variations rising 62% in 2020. Meanwhile, Internet of Things (IoT) attacks by malware topped 20 million, and mobile attacks were more than 28 million in the first half of 2020. Routers are a common target for hackers using IoT malware, as are emails, with 46% of hackers using email to spread malware through attached Word and Excel files.
What’s Happening in Canada?
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security lists the signs that a device has been infected with malware, as well as suggesting ways Canadian businesses can protect themselves from malware. That includes:
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Installing software updates and patches regularly
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Using anti-virus and anti-malware software
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Using a firewall to protect local systems from outside access
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Using a host intrusion detection system (HIDS) to identify unauthorized access
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Ensuring files and attachments are real before downloading