Theft of sensitive corporate data might make headlines, but many cybercriminals still prefer to install cryptominers on compromised endpoints for quick, simple, and partially harmless profits, according to a new study.
A report by Atlas VPN and Trend Micro found that cryptominers were the top malware family in 2021, with precisely one hundred and fifty nine hundred and nine detections throughout the year.
"Mining" cryptocurrencies like bitcoin or ether requires significant computing power, an active internet connection, and lots of electricity. Scammers have figured out ways to install cryptocurrency miners on compromised devices and send each and every procedure to your private wallet address.
Target companies
In addition to increasing the victim's electricity bill, a crypto miner will frequently cause the device to stop working.
Threat actors most frequently targeted information and communications companies with malware, discovering XNUMX malware files in emails sent to industry employees. The retail trade occupied the second place, with three hundred and ninety-seven thousand seventy-two armed couriers sent, followed by the construction industry, with three hundred and fifty-six thousand nine hundred and fifty-two.
At the bottom of this list were the financial and manufacturing fields, which received "only" XNUMX and XNUMX malicious files, respectively.
Despite the relative popularity of cryptominers, they are far from the only viruses distributed. Web shell scripts, which allow attackers to access sensitive content or stage a ransomware attack, have been reported one hundred and forty-nine two hundred and ninety times.
Ulise malware accounted for 2021 detections in XNUMX, followed by WannaCry with XNUMX detections.
“Malware attacks allow attackers to take advantage of companies easily and efficiently. Companies that are victims of cyberattacks frequently become vulnerable to data theft, hacking, and other related cyberattacks in the future,” said Vilius Kardelis, Cybersecurity Writer at Atlas VPN.
"By employing cybersecurity best practices and applications, organizations can mitigate the danger of malware attacks."