Computer Security Malware and Ransomware taking Mobile Devices by Storm...

Malware and Ransomware taking Mobile Devices by Storm with Millions of New Attacks

ransomware attacking mobile android devicesIn recent years malware has taken on many different faces and has wreaked havoc on tens of millions of computer users around the world. Mobile devices are seeing a major uptick in the amount of malware targeting such devices. According to a recent Mobile Malware Evolution 2016 report from Kaspersky Lab, nearly 40 million attacks by malicious mobile software have been accounted for during 2016.

The massively growing number of mobile devices to come under attack from some form of malware in the recent year is staggering. Not to mention, over 230 countries were ones targeted in mobile malware attacks during 2016, according to Kaspersky Lab's report.

Among the types of malware propagating throughout the world to target both computers and mobile devices, adware, Trojans and ransomware topped the list. Kaspersky detected over 261,000 mobile ransomware threats, which can also be considered as Trojans. From there, almost 129,000 malicious banking Trojans were detected as targeting computer systems throughout the world with a regional focus on Bangladesh followed by China, Indonesia, Iran, and Nepal with a 40% rate of affected users.

Divulging the details of the malware that was the most prevalent in 2016, we find that Trojans that obtained user privileges on infected machines were among the type that hackers and cybercrooks preferred to proliferate. Through the countless vulnerabilities discovered on mobile devices, cybercrooks can gain root privileges using sophisticated Trojans granting them with unadulterated access to one's mobile devices.

Crosshairs Placed on Android Mobile Devices

Within the spectrum of affected mobile devices, those running Android were mostly targeted. Due to the open source nature of Android OS versions, mobile devices can have many vulnerabilities exploited through installed apps or downloaded malware that may be hidden inside of questionable apps obtained on 3rd party sites.

Mobile malware has been an increasing epidemic in the recent years with no signs of slowing down. Apps are continually being infected with malware and even laced with adware that could later download malware to a vulnerable Android mobile device. While most occurrences of malicious apps take place from 3rd party sources, the Google Play store has had its fair share of catching malware-laced apps after thousands of users have downloaded the app.

Time and time again, the Google Play store has been used to spread malicious apps that have the ability to steal login credentials enabling hackers to leverage legitimate social media accounts or even banking accounts to conduct malevolent activities.

Ransomware Makes Major Move to Attack Mobile Devices

On the front of ransomware, which is among the most prevalent type of malware currently being spread among Windows PC-based computers, ransomware authors have leaped into hyper gear to spread ransomware onto Android mobile devices. In fact, mobile ransomware functions mostly like ransomware found on victimized Windows PCs. It demands a ransom payment that ranges from $100 and $200 to unlock an infected mobile device. Data on mobile devices infected with ransomware is encrypted making it impossible to utilize the device in any way other than making the ransom payment through Bitcoin or a pre-paid card.

Ransomware trends are no doubt taking front stage in the world of malware. Now, with ransomware and sophisticated malware designed to steal login data reaching the front of mobile devices, the possibilities for hackers to, in a sense, "rule the world," seems very likely if we don't take the proper actions and precautions to protect ourselves.

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