Latest Risks to Computer Systems: Top 10 Potent Malware and Security Hazards Anticipated in 2023
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats is crucial for both individuals and organisations. Here's a rundown of some of the most dangerous malware and security threats that emerged in 2022 and are expected to persist into 2025.
Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) and the Growing Cybercrime Community
Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) is a growing phenomenon where individuals pay expert hackers to carry out cybercrimes on their behalf. One such example is Clop Ransomware, a dangerous malware variant that encrypts files and demands a ransom, primarily targeting Windows users.
Exploited Vulnerabilities in Leading Products
Critical vulnerabilities in leading products such as Microsoft Windows, VMware Tanzu, Fortinet FortiOS, F5 BIG-IP, Atlassian, Zoho, Apache, SonicWall, Zimbra, SAP, and Oracle were among the most exploited targets in 2022. The Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in Spring Cloud (CVE-2022-22963) in VMware Tanzu, for instance, was a significant concern.
New and Emerging Malware
In the second half of 2022, new and emerging malware like Acreed, DarkGaboon, and SuperCard started gaining traction. Acreed, an infostealer in the Russian cybercrime market, illustrates the continuous evolution of malware ecosystems. DarkGaboon, active since 2023, uses phishing and ransomware tools like LockBit 3.0 to target organisations. SuperCard, a malicious NFCGate variant, targets Android devices via NFC to steal banking data.
Ransomware’s Ongoing Dominance
Ransomware remained the top cybersecurity threat into 2025, with evolving tactics and increasing impact worldwide. Clop Ransomware, for example, disables essential security applications like Windows Defender, making it harder for computers to protect files from encryption.
Botnets and DDoS Attacks
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks increased by 41% in 2024, with botnets targeting retail and healthcare sectors extensively. This trend marks a continuous and growing threat vector.
Increasing Exploitation of Edge and Remote Access Infrastructure
Vulnerabilities in internet edge devices like firewalls, VPN gateways, and enterprise management software were increasingly exploited, reflecting risky rapid deployments during the pandemic response.
Operational Technology (OT) Risks
The growing integration between IT and Operational Technology (OT) systems has made OT hacking easier and more common, increasing risks beyond traditional IT attack surfaces.
Security Threats to Be Aware Of
In addition to the above, it's essential to be aware of threats like Fake Updates, where cybercriminals send fake emails asking users to install OS updates that contain ransomware programs. News Malware Attacks, which use trending news to trick unsuspecting people into clicking malicious links, are also a concern. Zeus Gameover, a common Zeus family virus that targets finances, accessing bank account details and stealing funds, is another threat to watch out for.
To protect oneself from malware and cyber threats, it is important to learn about the types of malware and what they do, use reliable anti-malware software, and delete junk files from one's computer. Be wary of clicking on suspicious links, especially those related to trending news or updates. Always verify the authenticity of emails before installing any updates, and avoid downloading freeware that may contain malware.
[1] Source: https://www.cyberint.com/blog/top-10-cybersecurity-threats-of-2022/ [2] Source: https://www.cyberint.com/blog/top-10-cybersecurity-threats-of-2025/ [3] Source: https://www.cyberint.com/blog/ddos-attacks-on-the-rise-in-2024/ [4] Source: https://www.cyberint.com/blog/ransomware-remains-top-cybersecurity-threat-in-2025/ [5] Source: https://www.cyberint.com/blog/iot-device-attacks-on-the-rise/ [6] Source: https://www.cyberint.com/blog/the-rise-of-ai-attacks/ [7] Source: https://www.cyberint.com/blog/social-engineering-is-a-growing-concern-for-both-individuals-and-companies/ [8] Source: https://www.cyberint.com/blog/over-600-million-mobile-phone-users-have-unknowingly-downloaded-freeware-malware-which-charges-users-large-amounts-of-money-even-after-uninstalling-the-app/
- In the encyclopedia of cybersecurity threats, Social Engineering stands as a growing concern for both individuals and companies, acting as a manipulative tool employed by cybercriminals to deceive and extract sensitive information.
- Enryption, while pivotal for data protection, is no shield from the increasing exploitation of Data-and-Cloud-Computing vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by the Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in Spring Cloud (CVE-2022-22963) in VMware Tanzu in 2022.
- Technology continues to evolve, creating new threats like the emergence of AI attacks; yet, users can mitigate risks through awareness of these threats and responsible practices such as verifying email authenticity and avoiding freeware downloads.
