Malicious files detected daily increased in 2021

During 2021, the number of malicious files detected daily increased by 5.7% compared to the previous year, largely due to the increase in the number of mobile devices used around the world.

Kaspersky detailed that 380,000 new malicious files were detected every day and that the majority of threats (91%) came from WindowsPE, a file format specific to Windows operating systems.

In the past year, cybercriminals also spread threats to the Linux operating system, resulting in a 57% growth in the amount of malware and unwanted software.

While many types of malware decreased in volume in 2021 compared to the previous year, generic Trojans increased by 2.24%, accounting for more than half (54%) of the threats detected in the year. This type of Trojan is used to install sophisticated malware on victims’ devices.

Another threat that increased significantly is worms (117.5%), programs that can self-replicate and spread independently once they breach the system.

“It is essential that companies and individuals are aware of the new trends in online crime so that they know how to protect themselves effectively against any threats that arise”, advises Fabio Assolini, Kaspersky’s senior security analyst in Latin America.

Kaspersky offers these tips to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime:

• Download and install apps only from official sources.
• Don’t click on links posted by unknown or suspicious sources.
• Use strong and unique passwords, including a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and punctuation, and enable two-factor authentication.
• Always install updates. Some of them may contain critical bug fixes.
• Never accept requests to disable security systems or programs.
• Use a quality security solution to stay protected.

Tips for companies:

• Keep all software updated to avoid network intrusions that take advantage of program vulnerabilities.
• Create a strong password policy for corporate services. Use multi-factor authentication for remote services.
• Use security solutions that allow a proactive response and protection strategy so that you can detect and remediate, even new and evasive attacks.