Prime Day gaming keyboard deal: get 50% off the Razer Blackwidow Chroma v2
Save 50% on the Razer Blackwidow Chroma v2, one of the best mechanical gaming keyboards, in this Prime Day deal.
Read More
Blog
- Home /
- Blog
These are the nastiest cyber threats this Halloween
To avoid falling victim to a malware infection, users first need to be aware of which malware strains are actively being used by cybercriminals in their attacks which is why Webroot releases a list of the nastiest malware each year.
In its third annual nastiest malware list, the cybersecurity firm examined this year's biggest cyber threats and ranked them based on their severity.
According to Webroot, phishing and remote desktop protocol-related breaches remain the top methods its has observed cybercriminals using to launch their attacks. However, new malware strains and tactics are being deployed each day while others have received upgrades that made them more powerful.
- We've put together a list of the best malware removal software
- These are the best internet security suites on the market
- Also check out our roundup of the best ransomware protection
This year the main trend the firm observed is modularity as cybercriminals have adopted a more modular malware methodology in which they combine attack methods and mix-and-match tactics to ensure their attacks reach their intended targets.
Nastiest malware of 2020
Emotet has once again taken the top spot on Webroot's list of the nastiest malware for the third year in a row. The malware is deployed by cybercriminals in a botnet that is used to spread ransomware and it often appears alongside TrickBot, Dridex, QakBot, Ryuk, BitPaymer and REvil.
Next up on the list is the Gozi trojan, IcedID trojan and Maze ransomware which are often deployed together. In a potential attack scenario, Gozi could end up on a machine through a malicious email, botnet or even TrickBot and then drop the IcedID trojan to help improve an attacker's chances of obtaining the credentials or information they want.
Just like TrickBot, Dridex is another popular banking/info-stealing Trojan that made Webroots's list this year. It has been around for years and is dropped via Emotet or through malicious spam campaigns. Also in a similar manner to TrickBot, Dridex spreads laterally and typically deploys ransomware such as BitPaymer/DoppelPaymer.
While these malware strains were the nastiest this year, they aren't the only ones to make the list. Other notable contenders for the nastiest malware of 2020 including the REvil and Dharma ransomware, the multi-functional malware distribution tool Valak and the info-stealing trojan QakBot.
To prevent falling victim to malware, Webroot recommends organizations lock down RDP, educate their employees about phishing, install a reputable security suite, develop a disaster recovery plan and backup up their important data.
- We've also highlighted the best antivirus software
Date
31 Oct 2020Sources
Other Blog
-
-
Tech priorities the Government needs to take seriously
Clay Van Doren discusses what he sees as the tech challenges that need to be addressed before the Digital Strategy is finalized later this year.
Read More -
How the pandemic has accelerated the future of work
We spoke with the VP and CMO of Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group about how the nature of work has changed over the past year.
Read More -
iPad Pro 2022 leak points to a big upgrade for the 11-inch tablet
Read MoreWhile the 2021 iPad Pros had a big display gulf between the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions, that looks set to change with the iPad Pro (2022) if a new leak is to be believed.
This information comes from one @dylandkt on Twitter, a leaker with a mixed track record - mostly because the majority of leaks they've provided are on devices that haven't launched yet, so take this with a pinch of salt.
The leak reiterates some claims we've heard before, including the use of the as-yet-unannounced M2 chipset and compatibility with MagSafe accessories for wireless charging and other functions. However, there's also one thing that's new.
According to the leak, the new iPad Pro will have a mini-LED screen. For context, the 2021 model had mini-LED for its 12.9-inch but not for the 11-inch model, which stuck with LCD. So if this information is correct, in 2022 the 11-inch model will also get the newer display tech.
That's a fairly big jump up, and it gives you a good reason to consider the smaller and more affordable 11-inch model over the 12.9-inch giant this time around, since in 2021 the screen discrepancy made it harder to recommend.
Mini-LED is useful as the way it works allows for darker blacks and improved contrast over LCD. That's especially great for content creators who use their tablet for work, but could be beneficial when watching movies or TV shows too.
Analysis: But that's the only big change
A change in screen technology is useful, especially when it's letting the 11-inch model catch up, but it's not enough to make the tablet a must-buy. And it doesn't sound like the new iPad Pro has anything else in that vein either.
Other leaked improvements sound pretty minimal. MagSafe, an M2 chip and a relocated front-facing camera sound like intriguing changes, but not massive ones, and it won't make the iPad Pro (2022) a hugely different slate from its predecessor.
In fact, some of the TechRadar team have argued that we don't need a new iPad Pro in 2022 at all, suggesting that Apple may as well wait a year and release an improved slate.
The iPad Pro has been a product released yearly since it debuted (other than in 2019) so there's little reason to think Apple would skip a year - particularly if we're hearing leaks about it.
Find Out More About Us
Want to hire best people for your project? Look no further you came to the right place!