From 2015 to 2019, we’ve compiled a list of what we estimate to be the most common computer viruses.
The BASHLITE malware causes a significant increase in Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. Gafgyt, Lizkebab, Qbot, Torius, and Lizard Stresser were some of the other names for this malware, which infiltrated Linux systems in order to execute a DDoS attack. This programme did not pose an immediate concern because most desktop computers were either Microsoft Windows or Apple systems. The issue was with the World’s servers, which were found in huge businesses, server farms, government servers, and telecommunications servers, among other places. The vast majority of these machines run some kind of Linux, which is divided into three categories or flavours:
Security-focused, user-centric, and one-of-a-kind. However, there are dozens of variations within each of these three categories. Linux was another virus that only affected Linux users. Wifatch. This was an attempt to protect gadgets from malware. Its principal mode of infection was/is the use of weak or default telnet credentials to log into devices. Linux was infected once. Wifatch stops telnet access and displays a notice that says “Telnet is disabled.” It’s not a widespread infection because it’s designed to fight more dangerous viruses.
2016 Top Computer Viruses
MEMZ Is a Trojan that effectively damages your computer and when rebooted displays the phrase “Your machine has been damaged by the MEMZ Trojan.” Now, sit back and enjoy the Nyan kitty”
In February, Locky, a ransomware family with over 60 variants that infected millions of machines across Europe and beyond, was released. Trojan, the Tiny Banker (Tinba). In February, this Trojan infiltrated financial computers all across the world, with more than two dozen significant institutions in the United States compromised. As any “Trojan” would, it produced a “spoof page” that looked and functioned exactly like the “genuine page,” duping bank users into submitting their login credentials, which is used to acquire their credit card information.
In September, Mirai infected the “Internet of Things,” launching a strong and disruptive DDoS attack. GitHub, Twitter, Reddit, Netflix, and Airbnb are among the sites that were hacked.
2017 Top Computer Viruses
From May onwards, the Wannacry ransomware outbreak has been spreading around the world. Shortly after the attacks began, a kill-switch was located, essentially halting their expansion. This relief was short-lived, as new variants with no “kill-switch” to deactivate it appeared the next day.
Petya – malware that spreads globally in June 2017 and affects Windows systems. This virus looked a lot like WannaCry.
A Spear Phishing assault identified the Remote Access Trojan (RAT) kediRAT in September. This attack targeted Cytrix users and used Gmail to communicate with its command-and-control centre.
2018 Top Computer Viruses
February saw the Thanatos ransomware which was the first to accept payment in Bitcoin Cash.
Titanium, a highly sophisticated and invasive backdoor spyware, was found in November of that year. An APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) is a stealthy computer network threat, generally from a nation-state, that gains access to a computer network and remains undiscovered for an extended period of time. This malware was linked to a group known as “Platinum,” a Microsoft term for a cybercrime collective centered in South/Southeast Asia that primarily targets governments and related entities. Since 2009, this group has been active. This gang was discovered in April 2016 after it was alleged that they were abusing Microsoft Windows’ “hot patching system.”
2020 March Computer Viruses
Hackers are using your fears of Coronavirus to deliver you a computer virus. Spam emails are being sent in the goal of infecting smartphones and PCs with harmful software, according to IBM and Kaspersky researchers. When you read an email with subject lines like “learn more about Coronavirus and its respiratory concerns,” the dangerous software harvests personal information and can allow malware programmes to obtain access to your files, copying them. The attack is currently focused on Japan, but it will undoubtedly move abroad. Malwarebytes has discovered that from 2018 to 2019, there was a 400 percent spike in Mac (Apple) attacks attacking computers all around the world.
What To Be Aware of in 2021
• Always be cautious when opening emails or messages.
• Do not answer questionable phone calls, and if you do, hang up right away if you suspect it is a hoax. Hang up without debating, swearing, or arguing.
• Don’t open attachments you didn’t request or that appear suspicious.
• Only install Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft “official updates”
• Hackers will always be one step ahead of the game, ready to exploit the latest “thing,” such as the NBN, bushfires, or Coronavirus.
Before it’s too late, install virus protection software on your Apple Mac. If you do pick up a computer virus, we offer an affordable and extremely thorough malware removal service.
