Criminals don’t sit still, which is why the world of viruses and other malicious programs for computers and mobiles is constantly changing. Here are the latest tricks.
Computer criminals are always looking for new ways to get their hands on information and money. Phishing has long been a popular method. E-mails with sometimes transparent and sometimes convincing stories try to persuade you to enter personal information on a forged website. They are still sent around in the millions, but it’s a somewhat cumbersome way to extort money.
Encrypted files
In recent years, more and more use has been made of a special type of virus known as cryptoware, ransomware or cryptowall. Such a virus works the same as ordinary computer viruses, but has a different purpose than just destructiveness. After activating the cryptoware, it silently encrypts various files containing valuable information. These files can then no longer be opened without the key, which is in the hands of the cyber criminal.
The key
Your files being held hostage will be announced on-screen, along with ransom payment instructions and a deadline. This is a very slick scam that is only useless if you have your files backed up. Paying usually does not help and is also strongly discouraged by the police.
Also smartphones and tablets
To maximize the impact of their ‘work’, criminals prefer to target the most popular devices and operating systems. For a long time, Windows had the dubious honor of having by far the most viruses and other malware variants. Due to the enormously increased popularity of smartphones and tablets, the attention of cyber criminals is increasingly shifting to the Android and iOS (Apple) operating systems on mobile devices.
Operating systems
Android in particular is enthusiastically bombarded with viruses and other malware. Not only because Android is the most popular mobile operating system: it is also easier to infect and the apps are not always properly monitored. Apple’s iOS is a lot more secure, but it’s increasingly becoming a victim of malicious software.
The biggest threat to mobile devices comes from malware that secretly transmits personal data, such as passwords, and cryptoware that renders the device unusable.
Via well-known websites
Recently, the message appeared that an attempt had been made to spread malware via a large number of well-known websites, such as NU.nl and Marktplaats. For this purpose, the advertising banners were used, which are automatically displayed on many websites. Security holes in internet browsers and associated software such as Flash and Java make it possible to install malware on the visitor’s device in this way. This method is very useful for hackers, because the large numbers of visitors to well-known websites greatly increase the chances of successful distribution of the malware.
Infection
Well-known, regular websites are often scanned for this type of malware, but an infection can never be completely ruled out. On more dubious websites, for example for downloading illegal software, the chance of infection via links or banners is much higher.
This is how you prevent disaster
– Use a good antivirus program and make sure it is continuously active and always up-to-date. Antivirus software from well-known brands such as Norton (paid), Avira (free) or Microsoft Security Essentials (free) are well suited. You can install an antivirus app on Android and Windows tablets and smartphones. They are not yet available for iOS.
– Make sure a firewall is active on the PC. A firewall monitors whether unwanted information is sent to or from the computer. Windows and Apple PCs already have a firewall set up by default.
– Make sure that the operating system on the PC or mobile device and other programs and apps (especially Internet browsers, Flash and Java) are always equipped with the latest upgrade. Malware often makes eager use of (old) leaks in software.
– Never open attachments to emails or messages if you are not sure what they are and do not click on unknown links in emails or on links and banners on unknown or dubious websites. These are known sources of contamination.
– Only download and use software from well-known providers’ websites and apps from the official app stores. Be especially careful with software from software collection sites or downloaded via so-called torrents.
– Make regular backups of files on an external data carrier such as a hard drive or in the cloud. Disconnect this data carrier after backing up, because otherwise it can also be infected by viruses.
More about safe internet use at www.plusonline.nl/veilig-online
Sources):
- Plus Magazine
