The latest Avast Threat Report identifies the most prominent targets for cybercrime-and it's us.
While that has some slight relationship to the real world, Avast Threat Labs' latest findings show that online fraudsters aren't focusing as much on breaking through software-based security.
Instead, Threat Labs detected a 50% uptick in blocked intrusion attempts, setting a new record at over one billion unique malware attacks for the quarter.
Malware, and web-based threats are at an all-time high.
The increased threat of adware through ad-supported applications.
It's a class of malware that entices a user to install software that bombards our systems with advertising in browsers, apps, and on your desktop.
In more recent and explicitly illegal instances, Threat Labs has detected adware on mobile devices that opens web pages and clicks on links while the device screen is off.
These adware trojans can attempt to steal user login information, detect location information, and even attempt to make purchases on your behalf.
Going back to our movie villain example above, hackers aren't as interested in trying to install threat applications themselves.
The Threat Report indicates their preferred method of doing so is through any application that serves up ads from an outside market.
All the scammers need to do is place compelling advertisements through the app platform that leads you to voluntarily install malware onto your system.
You install a legitimate app that's supported by advertising Scammers place ads for legitimate-sounding services through the app The service they provide installs the malware that steals your information Social media platforms can serve ads for malvertising and phishing.
Of course, it's a fraud, leading to installing malware that steals information from your device, or asks you to volunteer information to be used to help scammers gain access to your email and financial accounts.
Above and beyond malvertising and social media scams, hackers increasingly utilize social engineering techniques to gain people's trust and gain access to their personal information and devices.
You might feel like you've got a good eye for spotting scams, but scammers using messaging apps or even telephone calls are getting more sophisticated every day.
Scam calls have grown to sound exactly like real customer support calls.
Tech support scammers often use social engineering tactics to impersonate tech support representatives from well-known companies.
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, so it is important to stay informed about the latest threats.
The Avast Threat Labs report is a valuable resource for learning about the latest trends in cybercrime.
To learn more about the latest threats and increase your threat intelligence, read the full Avast Threat Labs Report.
This Cyber News was published on blog.avast.com. Publication date: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:13:05 +0000