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Malware threats increasing in numbers for Windows as well as Android

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PCQ Bureau
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Android malware threats are increasing in numbers, and same is the case with the Windows platform. Let’s read about the various malware threats

– Preeti Gaur

Windows

There has been a huge increase in the number of Adware samples that have been reported. These are Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) which are bundled with downloaders and program installers, with or without user knowledge. They display unwanted ads while browsing the net, change the default settings of the browser homepage and search engine and also install various add-ons and plugins. Such adware programs are used by malware authors to gather system information, monitor browsing habits and upload malicious data for nefarious purposes.

It has also been found that 5% of malware samples are of the Kido worm, or ‘Worm.Conficker.Gen’. This is a worm that afflicts unpatched Windows XP running machines, and this is a disturbing trend because Windows XP has no official support from Microsoft anymore. This is a highly vulnerable platform and users are highly advised not to operate on it. The threat landscape in this quarter also saw some new types of attack vectors such as Malvertizing and Bad USB vulnerability. Here are the common malware trends from the months of July –September 2014.

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Key findings for Windows:

•    Almost 5% of detected malware samples, or around 650,000 samples, were of the infamous Kido worm. This shows that several machines still run the now obsolete Windows XP.

•    There is an increase in the number of adware (that usually comes bundled with legitimate software downloads) that afflicts Windows machines.

•    A ransomware called ‘CryptoWall’ has been very dominant this quarter and has been detected on a lot of machines.

•    ‘Malvertizing’ is a technique that is increasingly being used to spread malware. Legitimate advertizing networks such as Google Doubleclick are being used for this.

•    The BadUSB vulnerability is going to reach more machines. Herein, the controller chips of USB sticks are reprogrammed to spread malware whenever they are plugged in.

Top-10-Windows-malware

Android

Android malware samples have almost tripled since Q1, 2014. After the massive surge in Android based malware that we saw in the previous quarter, Q3 has also seen a large number of malware strains discovered on Android devices. There were several new and never been seen before strains in the last 3 months, and it just highlights how Android malware is constantly evolving.

In the last quarter alone, a staggering 47 new Android malware families and 218 new variants of previously seen malware were detected. Android malware now has the scope to reach far more devices than ever before, and these new samples are testament to that.

As before, Android adware is at the top of the pile by infiltrating most of the devices. Such programs create havoc within systems and also collect user sensitive data which can be used for multiple purposes. With that in mind, here are the common malware trends for the quarter - July-September 2014.

Key findings for Android:

•    47 new Android malware families and 218 new variants of previously seen Android malware were discovered.

•    More than 70% of the 1.2 million Android samples detected came under the Adware classification. This is a trend that has continued all throughout 2014.

•    Android malware samples have almost tripled since Q1, 2014. This represents a 300% growth rate and goes to show the proliferation rate of Android security risks.

•    With upcoming festive sales expected to lead to a rapid surge in online purchases via smartphones, banking credentials are expected to be at risk over Android phones.

•    Fake apps and games have been discovered over Google Play and other third-party app repositories. These sources will continue to plague Android devices in the near future.

top-10-Android-malware

While IT security technology can help users avoid cyber attacks, it cannot replace basic cyber awareness. A reliable security solution when coupled with education can go a long way into making our digital space safe and enriching.

Source: Quick Heal Research Labs

windows android malware
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