Rise of Cyber Attacks: The Growing Threat of Cybercrime
Malware Spread Through Captcha Checks
Hackers are exploiting the increasing prevalence of and trust in Captcha checks to spread malware. They lead victims to manipulated websites and demand they complete fake authentication processes. During this process, a malicious PowerShell command is executed, installing the Lumma Stealer Remote-Access-Trojan (RAT) on the system.
Social Engineering Techniques
Criminals convince users to enable macros in Word or Excel documents, giving them access to devices, enabling data theft, and recording keystrokes. In this context, cybercriminals use XenoRAT, an open-source remote-access software with spying capabilities.
Hidden Malware in SVG Files
Criminals hide malware in Scalable-Vector-Graphics (SVG) files. Since browsers open these images by default, the embedded JavaScript code is executed, distributing up to seven different malware types, including RATs and infostealers. Additionally, attackers use disguised Python scripts to conceal malware installation. Python’s growing use in AI and data science makes it an attractive tool for cybercriminals.
Classical Attack Methods Still Popular
In addition to these new methods, classical threats remain prevalent. In the fourth quarter of 2024, emails with 53% and web browser downloads with 27% were the most common. It is notable that one in nine email threats bypassed gateway security.
Malware Distribution
In the same period, executable files and scripts accounted for 43% of all malware, while archives (RAR, ZIP, GZ, 7Z, TAR, and others) made up 32%. Documents like Word and Excel, as well as PDF files, posed a risk, making up 8%, 3%, and 10%, respectively. The remaining 2% consisted of other file types.
Isolation Over Prediction
The study’s authors conclude that multi-factor authentication makes users more careless, while cybersecurity awareness training is often insufficient. The situation is further complicated by the acceleration of KI attacks, making it essential for companies to reduce their attack surface by isolating high-risk actions rather than trying to predict every attack.
Conclusion
The rise of cyber attacks and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals require a proactive approach to security. It is essential for companies to understand the latest threats and take measures to protect themselves, including isolating high-risk actions and implementing effective cybersecurity awareness training.
FAQs
Q: What is the most common method of malware distribution?
A: Malware distribution through Captcha checks and social engineering techniques.
Q: What is the most common type of malware?
A: Executable files and scripts.
Q: What is the most common file type used to distribute malware?
A: Archives (RAR, ZIP, GZ, 7Z, TAR, and others).
Q: What is the most common method of attack?
A: Social engineering techniques.
Q: What is the most common type of document used to distribute malware?
A: Microsoft Office files (Word and Excel).
Q: What is the most common type of file used to distribute malware?
A: PDF files.
