Technology

Over 100 Million Malware Infections Detected on Windows in 2020

Published

3 years ago

March 9, 2021

Malware, a malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system, is one of the most common cyber threats computer users face today. While malware can affect any operating system, Windows users are among the most vulnerable.

According to the data analyzed by the Atlas VPN team and based on the State of Malware report by Malwarebytes, in 2020 alone, devices with Windows operating systems were affected by over 111 million malware infections.

Out of all of the Windows malware threats detected last year, 83% or nearly 92.3 million were found on consumer devices, while 15% or 16.7 million were discovered on business devices. The remaining 2% of the malware cases were unspecified.

Despite the impressive number of Windows malware detections in 2020, such threats actually dropped by 12% compared to 2019.

Malware infections affecting consumer devices fell by 11%, from 103.5 million in 2019 to 92.3 million in 2020. As workers traded their corporate offices for home ones, business device infections decreased by 24%, from 22 million in 2019 to 16.7 million in 2020.

The decline in malware infections might signify that cybercriminals have found other more effective methods to exploit victims online.

HackTool is the fastest rising malware threat

In 2020, we saw a fall in malware infections affecting Windows operating systems. However, despite a general decline, certain types of malware thrived last year.

HackTool, a type of malware used by hackers to gain unauthorized access to a user’s computer, saw the biggest increase in new cases detected on Windows last year when compared to 2019. Infections with HackTool spiked by 150%, from 7.4 million to 18.4 million in a single year.

Businesses experienced the most significant rise in HackTool detections last year. In total, 2.6 million Windows HackTool infections were found on business devices in 2020 — a 173% growth from 937.9 thousand cases in 2019.

In the meantime, consumer devices were affected by 15.9 million HackTool infections last year. It represents a 147% growth from 6.4 million such cases in 2019.

Other malware types that saw a surge last year include Rogue (117%) and Spyware (28%), which help criminals track and collect information on the victim.

However, the most common Windows malware threat last year was adware — software that displays unwanted advertisements on people’s computers. It accounted for 32% or 35.5 million Windows malware cases in 2020, a 22% drop from 45.7 million in 2019.

Windows adware threats were the most prevalent on consumer devices, where 31.5 million adware infections were recorded last year. Simultaneously, businesses had close to 4 million infections with adware malware in 2020.

Trojan malware, which disguises itself as legitimate software and helps hackers take control of the infected computer, also continued to plague Windows operating systems in 2020.

In total, 29.9 million Trojan infections were detected on devices running Windows, which made up 27% of all such infections last year. However, compared to 2019, when 38.5 million Trojan cases were discovered, Trojan infections dropped by nearly 23%.

While 23.7 million Trojan infections affected consumers, 6.1 million infections targeted businesses. In fact, Trojan was the most common malware threat faced by businesses last year.

How to guard against malware

Malware is one of the most common threats. As such, it is easy to catch, while its repercussions can be devastating. However, there are a few things you can do that can help you protect your devices from malware.

Keep your software up to date. Updated software contains all the latest security patches making it harder for cybercriminals to exploit system vulnerabilities.
Be careful about your downloads. Downloads are one of the main ways to spread malware. Therefore, before pulling a file from the internet, always ask yourself two questions: do you really need it, and do you trust the website or the person you are about to download the file from.
Do not click on suspicious links. Never click on pop-ups and links you are unsure of. They may lead to malicious websites that can install malware on your device.
Limit file-sharing. Be wary of file sharing sites as they offer little protection against malware, which might be hiding in files, such as movies, games, and other programs.
Use a VPN. Virtual private networks, such as Atlas VPN, have security features in place that block malicious ads and protect you from entering unsafe websites. This way, you have less chance of cashing unwanted viruses while online.

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Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Technology

Biden Set to Quadruple Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles in Defense of American Workers

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2024

Samed Olukoya

President Joe Biden is preparing to quadruple tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a broader strategy aimed at safeguarding American workers and industries.

The decision, expected to be announced imminently, reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to confronting perceived unfair trade practices and protecting domestic interests.

According to sources familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations, the Biden administration will unveil measures to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese EVs and other key sectors.

The total tariff on Chinese electric vehicles is set to soar from 27.5% to 102.5%, marking a substantial escalation in trade barriers.

The impending tariff hike comes after nearly two years of review and deliberation, during which the Biden administration scrutinized the economic implications and strategic importance of various industries.

The decision to quadruple tariffs underscores the administration’s determination to address what it perceives as unfair trade practices that undermine American competitiveness and jeopardize vital sectors.

President Biden and his advisors have meticulously crafted the tariff measures, balancing the imperative to protect American industries with the need to avoid disruptions to the supply chain.

While specific details of the tariff adjustments remain undisclosed, the overarching objective is clear: to shield American workers from unfair competition and bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The 2024 presidential race looms large over the flagship announcement, as Biden seeks to differentiate his approach to trade policy from that of his predecessor, Donald Trump.

While Biden is poised to largely renew Trump’s original tariffs, he aims to strike a delicate balance, eschewing widespread hikes that could trigger retaliatory measures and exacerbate global economic tensions.

The decision to quadruple tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles is not without its critics and potential repercussions.

Some industry observers warn of potential disruptions to supply chains and increased costs for consumers, while others question the effectiveness of tariffs as a tool for achieving broader economic objectives.

Nevertheless, the Biden administration remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting American interests and promoting fair and reciprocal trade practices.

By quadrupling tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, President Biden sends a clear message that the United States will vigorously defend its industries against perceived threats and ensure a level playing field for domestic businesses.

As the announcement of the tariff escalation draws near, stakeholders across industries are closely monitoring developments and assessing the potential implications for their operations. With tensions between the United States and China showing no signs of abating, the Biden administration’s tariff measures are likely to further shape the dynamics of global trade and economic relations in the coming months.

Only time will tell how China will respond to the Biden administration’s tariff escalation and whether it will impact broader efforts to foster constructive dialogue and cooperation between the world’s two largest economies. For now, the stage is set for a renewed intensification of trade tensions, with the fate of American workers and industries hanging in the balance.

Technology

ChatGPT Integration Set to Redefine iPhone User Interaction

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Apple Inc. is reportedly finalizing an agreement with OpenAI to integrate the startup’s ChatGPT technology into its upcoming iOS 18 operating system.

This strategic partnership signals Apple’s deepening commitment to infusing artificial intelligence (AI) features into its flagship devices, promising a significant evolution in user experience.

According to sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity due to the confidentiality of ongoing negotiations, Apple and OpenAI have been ironing out the terms of the pact, aiming to seamlessly integrate ChatGPT capabilities directly into the iOS ecosystem.

ChatGPT, renowned for its advanced natural language processing and conversational abilities, stands poised to revolutionize how iPhone users interact with their devices.

The inclusion of ChatGPT in iOS 18 heralds a new era of intuitive and personalized interactions for Apple device users.

Leveraging the power of AI, ChatGPT enables natural language understanding, enabling users to engage in more fluid and contextually relevant conversations with their iPhones.

From answering queries and providing recommendations to offering assistance with tasks and even engaging in casual conversation, ChatGPT’s integration promises to elevate the iPhone’s functionality to unprecedented levels.

Apple’s move to integrate ChatGPT into its operating system comes amid a broader industry trend towards embedding AI-driven features into consumer electronics.

With competition intensifying in the AI space, Apple aims to fortify its position by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experiences across its product ecosystem.

The impending announcement of ChatGPT integration underscores Apple’s strategic focus on AI innovation, a vision championed by CEO Tim Cook.

Cook, who has previously acknowledged using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has emphasized the company’s commitment to deploying AI features thoughtfully and responsibly.

The forthcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), slated for next month, is expected to serve as the stage for Apple’s grand unveiling of its latest AI-driven initiatives.

With rumors swirling about a flurry of new AI features poised to debut at the event, anticipation is mounting among tech enthusiasts eager to witness the next evolution of iPhone capabilities.

While the partnership between Apple and OpenAI represents a significant step forward in AI integration, challenges and concerns remain.

Chief among them are privacy considerations and ensuring that AI technologies are deployed in a manner that prioritizes user consent and data security.

As Apple prepares to usher in a new era of iPhone user interaction powered by ChatGPT, the tech world eagerly awaits the transformative impact of this landmark integration.

With the convergence of cutting-edge AI and Apple’s signature hardware-software integration, the stage is set for a revolution in how we engage with our devices.

Only time will tell how ChatGPT’s integration will redefine the iPhone experience, but one thing is certain: the future of smartphone interaction has never looked more promising.

Telecommunications

Naira Devaluation Spurs Airtel Africa’s $549 Million Forex Loss

Published

6 days ago

May 9, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Airtel Financial Results - Investors King

Telecommunications giant Airtel Africa Plc reported foreign exchange loss of $549 million that contributing to an overall loss after tax of $89 million for its full fiscal year ending March 2024.

The telecom company’s latest financial report, released on Thursday, highlighted the significant impact of currency devaluations on its bottom line.

The devaluations of both the naira in June 2024 and the Malawian kwacha in November 2023 resulted in substantial forex losses, exacerbating the financial challenges faced by the company.

The $89 million loss after tax was primarily attributed to the $549 million net of tax impact of exceptional derivative and foreign exchange losses.

This setback underscores the vulnerability of companies operating in economies with volatile currency markets.

Despite the forex challenges, Airtel Africa’s reported revenue decline by 5.3 percent to $4.98 billion. The depreciation of the naira played a significant role in this decline.

However, the company noted that its revenue in constant currency actually grew by 20.9 percent, with fourth-quarter growth accelerating to 23.1 percent.

Airtel Africa emphasized that Nigerian constant currency revenue growth saw a notable acceleration to 34.2 percent in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, despite the challenging economic backdrop marked by currency fluctuations.

The telecommunications sector, like many others, is sensitive to currency devaluations, as it impacts the cost of imported equipment, infrastructure, and services.

Airtel Africa’s experience underscores the importance for multinational corporations to navigate and mitigate currency risks effectively in markets prone to volatility.

As Nigeria and other countries grapple with economic uncertainties and currency fluctuations, companies operating within these environments must employ robust risk management strategies to safeguard against potential forex losses and maintain financial stability.