Kits lead to an explosion in malware for OS X and mobile
Given the popularity of mobile computing, we should perhaps be surprised that cybercriminals have taken so long to extensively exploit this field. In 2012, however, we’ve seen the number of mobile threats go up dramatically. As we look at them in more detail, we see the large amount of Windows based malware owes its existence to the easy availability of malware kits in the underground market. In 2013, there is a good chance ransomware kits will take the lead from malware kits. Now the first ransomware kits are being marketed in the underground.
Ransomware continues to expand to mobile devices
Ransomware on Windows PCs has more than tripled during the past year. Attackers have proven that this “Business Model” works and are scaling up their attacks to increase profits. One way ransomware is different from other types of malware such as backdoors, keyloggers and password stealers is that attackers do not rely on their victims using the infected systems for financial transactions to separate them from their money. Instead these criminals hijack the users ability to access data, communicate or use the system at all. The victims are faced with either losing their data or paying a ransom in the hope of regaining access.
One limitation for many malware authors seeking profit from mobile devices is that more users transact business on desktop PCs rather than on tablets or phones. But this trend may not last; the convenience of portable browsers will likely lead more people do their business on the go. Attackers have already developed ransomware for mobile devices.
Given the popularity of mobile computing, we should perhaps be surprised that cybercriminals have taken so long to extensively exploit this field. In 2012, however, we’ve seen the number of mobile threats go up dramatically. As we look at them in more detail, we see the large amount of Windows based malware owes its existence to the easy availability of malware kits in the underground market. In 2013, there is a good chance ransomware kits will take the lead from malware kits. Now the first ransomware kits are being marketed in the underground.
Ransomware continues to expand to mobile devices
Ransomware on Windows PCs has more than tripled during the past year. Attackers have proven that this “Business Model” works and are scaling up their attacks to increase profits. One way ransomware is different from other types of malware such as backdoors, keyloggers and password stealers is that attackers do not rely on their victims using the infected systems for financial transactions to separate them from their money. Instead these criminals hijack the users ability to access data, communicate or use the system at all. The victims are faced with either losing their data or paying a ransom in the hope of regaining access.
One limitation for many malware authors seeking profit from mobile devices is that more users transact business on desktop PCs rather than on tablets or phones. But this trend may not last; the convenience of portable browsers will likely lead more people do their business on the go. Attackers have already developed ransomware for mobile devices.
