When it comes to malware, 2017 saw a significant shift in attack methodology, a distinct evolution in the predominant attack tools and a distinct divergence in the types of attacks against businesses from attacks against consumers, according to research from Malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes’ Cybercrime Tactics and Techniques: 2017 State of Malware report shows sharp increases in malware-based cybercrime, including ransomware, banking Trojans, spyware, adware, cryptocurrency miners and others. Ransomware was the tool of choice, though, spiking more than 93% against consumers and 90% against businesses.
“Between July 2017 and September 2017, there was a 700% increase in ransomware, with just two families making up most of that statistic,” states the report, which is based on the company’s internal data from its systems and customers. The first, GlobeImposter, increased 341% from July to August 2017, while the second, WannaCry, increased 375% from August to September 2017.