3 types of malware you should know about in 2016
According to the Deloitte Australian Privacy Index 2015, the three most common forms of sensitive information are a driver's licence, passport, and credit card(1). However as the 21st century progresses, more and more cyber security threats are becoming prominent. Mobile devices are a common way that people are storing personal information, such as bank account numbers and passwords, to secure websites. With this advancement in technology comes a greater threat to identity, and it's one that the human eye cannot see.
Malware is rife in the mobile world, and as 2016 starts, here are three types that you should be aware of for the year:
Brain Test
Lookout Mobile Security discovered late in 2015 that the malware family Brain Test has been discovered once again on Google Play(2). The report stated that the samples attempt to gain root privilege and prevent a device restore that would eradicate the infection.
According to Check Point, an instance of the malware was found on Google Play on two separate occasions, being downloaded between 100,000 and 500,000 times each appearance(3). Where the application has affected people around the world is less easy to pinpoint than the number of downloads the application saw, however protecting yourself and being vigilant about what programmes are given permissions on your mobile device is key.
Information from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) states that between October 2014 and January 2015, there were around 15,000 instances of malware activity across Australian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) every day, with the peak being over 18,500 on October 29(4).
Zeus
An Australian Internet Security Initiative (AISI) report outlined Zeus malware as one of the top three most common infections in Australia. Zeus is a Trojan that attempts to access banking information by key-logging and reading information from forms that a user fills out on their device. Identity thieves no longer need a credit card in order to steal your sensitive financial information.
The Trojan can be spread through socially engineered emails and by June 2014 it is estimated that around 1 million users worldwide had been affected by just one variant of this malware, causing around US$100 million in losses(5).
Conficker
Having been a problem since 2008, Conficker malware infects a system through Microsoft operating systems and takes administrative access. Security patches have been present in all Microsoft operating systems since the discovery of the virus, however old systems could still be infected.
If there is a family member that still uses an outdated computer system and could be at risk, do not hesitate to alert them to the possible dangers that this malware presents. It is unlikely that many people are still being affected, however if a person's identity has been compromised it is not an easy process to recover the information.
"Once you have your identity stolen it's very difficult to get it back," said Australian Border Force acting assistant commissioner David Nockels, after four men in Sydney were charged with identity theft in December last year(6).
In order to reduce the effects that these malware have on digital lives, it is important to be vigilant in 2016. The technology to steal personal information is constantly evolving, so awareness is the key to staying safe in the cyber world. Keeping in mind these three examples of malware could well save bank details, company email addresses or even something as simple as a Facebook account.
With all of the potential threats to your identity out there, having a company in mind that will look for movement of your personal assets online is a simple solution. Contact Identity Watch today to learn how they can offer protection where it is needed.
1. Deloitte. Accessed January 2016.
2. Lookout. Accessed January 2016.
3. Check Point. Accessed January 2016.
4. Australian Communications Media Authority. Accessed January 2016.
5. Australian Cyber Security Centre. Accessed January 2016.
5. Sydney Morning Herald. Accessed January 2016.