Malware Infections in Chicago Spiked 51% During Weekend Winter Snowstorm Mateo

Computer malware infections jumped 51% in Chicago last weekend, most likely due to more people being online after being snowed in by winter storm Mateo. That's according to data released by Enigma Software Group (ESG), makers of the SpyHunter anti-malware product.

ESG looked at malware detection data from SpyHunter focusing on Chicago in the days before and after the major snowstorm that walloped the Chicago area this weekend. Infections took a big jump starting on Thursday, February 8th, when the bad weather started moving in. There was a 48.5% spike in infections from Wednesday to Thursday. Those infections numbers stayed high on Friday, the 9th, and Saturday, the 10th. Over the three-day period between Thursday, the 8th and Saturday, the 10th, malware infections were 51% higher than they were in the days leading up to the massive winter storm.

ESG believes the most likely cause for the spike in infections is a spike in online activity by people who were snowed in.

"Throughout Chicago you had thousands of people who stayed home from work or other outside activities over the course of these three days," said ESG spokesperson Ryan Gerding. "When folks are stuck at home, they are likely to be online. And any time there's a spike in online activity, we see a spike in malware infections."

Similar spikes have been reported in other parts of the country that saw large storms. In the past, a major snowstorm in Buffalo in 2014 led to a 46% spike in infections. Snowstorm Stella in March of last year saw an 84% spike in infections in New York City.

Does this massive spike in malware mean that malware makers are specifically targeting areas hard hit by snow because they know people are likely to be online? Probably not. The malware spike is more likely just a result of higher online traffic resulting in a higher number of infections. Much like when there are more cars driving on the road there are more accidents.

"No matter what the weather, it's always important to remain vigilant against malware attacks," Gerding said.

Top Tips on How to Protect Yourself Against Malware Attacks

• Regularly backup your data. Ideally, you should have a physical backup (external drive connected to your computer) and a cloud-based backup. Either way, set your computer to back up your files automatically and frequently.
• Set your computer to automatically install any operating system updates that may become available.
• Install a trusted anti-spyware/malware software. Whatever software you use, adjust the settings so that updates are installed automatically.
• Be wary of links that are sent to you in emails or social media messages.