Both Windows-based and mobile malware continue to grow. Research has revealed that in the third quarter, malware samples targeting the Windows platform tripled; ransomware continues to be highly problematic, as does the Android platform, with 220 new Android malware samples.
According to Quick Heal Technologies’ Quarterly Threat Report, Windows and Android continue to be the most vulnerable to attacks and continue to present problems for corporate networks.
Over the third quarter of 2015, millions of new threats for Windows users were detected. Trojans are the most common types of malware affecting the Windows platform; and, adware is especially dangerous for PC-based corporate networks, particularly as the holiday season approaches.
Quick Heal labs expect adware malware authors to use more sophisticated tactics to trick Windows users going into 2016. This is evidenced by the fact that the number of spam emails categorized as malicious spiked, with approximately 36% of all emails including either a tracking cookie, attachment or malware designed to infect the receiver’s computer. Bombarding email inboxes with promotional offers and enticing subject lines, the emails threaten entire corporate networks if users click on URLs that redirect them to malicious websites.
According to the report, the news is slightly more positive for the Android platform in general. However, it is still highly vulnerable: threats over the third quarter decreased from 1,526,756 to 1,295,319, but variants and families proliferated.
Also, applications continue to pose new threats through CAPTCHA-bypassing malware from the Google Play store and fake malicious games that clone social media accounts, including Facebook, which opens the door to successful phishing expeditions.
“Our latest Threat Report for Q3 continues to shed light on the security problems impacting the Windows and Android platforms, two of the most widely used platforms in business today, “ said Sanjay Katkar, Quick Heal CTO and co-founder. “This report should put business owners and IT professionals on high alert, placing the spotlight on their security policies and whether they should be looking at additional safeguards to secure every endpoint. In addition, the report points to the need for companies to adopt Mobile Device Management solutions immediately to ensure their mobile workforces, many equipped with Android devices, are not putting sensitive corporate data into the wrong hands.”