Cybercriminals are spreading malware using... Google Search
A new attack campaign that spreads malware through Google search results has been discovered by security experts from Palo Alto Networks.
Modern malware has more sophisticated ways of hiding
You may recall a time when malware would create pop-up windows, delete data, or even crash your PC. However, modern malware is much more stealthy and tries to have as little impact on the victim’s PC as possible.
But why is new malware being developed to hide from users, and what does that say about the current cybercrime world?
Why is modern malware more stealthy than old malware?
While old malware was often focused on destroying data, this changed when cybercriminals learned that they could monetize their creations. Why cause damage when you can use your skills to earn extra income?
To maximize the amount of money malware can make from its owners, it is often designed to be hidden from users. The longer the malware stays on a PC, the more money its creators make.
That’s not to say that all malware designed to make money is designed to be stealthy. When a malware strain is designed to instill fear in users, it will often make itself very visible. Examples include ransomware and fake virus scans that make it very clear that it wants you to pay. However, most of the time, they will try to stay undetected for as long as possible.
Cryptojacking malware wants to stay secret because that’s how it makes money for the developer. It sits on your PC and uses its resources to mine cryptocurrency, which is sent to the malware developer. The more unchecked Cryptojacking malware is, the more money it makes.
Botnet malware remains hidden because that’s how its owners send commands to your PC. Left unchecked, a PC “recruited” into a botnet could send spam emails or launch DDoS attacks on services. As long as the malware remains on your PC, it remains part of a larger botnet.
Stealing sensitive information
Some types of malware collect information from you. These include keyloggers that sit dormant on your computer and relay your keystrokes to cybercriminals, or banking Trojans designed to steal login credentials for sensitive services. Everything from your credit card information to your account logins is transmitted back, and as long as that information isn’t deleted, it can collect as much as it wants.
How does modern malware evade detection?
It may seem strange that malware goes undetected, as antivirus programs have never been better. However, cybercriminals use a number of tricks to get past your defenses.
Using Fileless Malware
Fileless Malware can bypass antivirus programs because it doesn't place any files on your computer. Instead, it all runs in your computer's memory (RAM), where antivirus programs don't look. From there, it can stage further attacks without being detected.
Fileless Malware can be difficult to detect and remove, so the best way to prevent infection is to be extremely careful around common malware sources.
Impersonating a legitimate application
Cybercriminals sometimes create apps that appear legitimate. They either copy a real app or find a popular service that doesn’t have one and create a fake one. For example, a malicious Google Play Store app stole $70,000 by pretending to be the official app for a cryptocurrency service.
To avoid falling into the trap of cybercriminals, check out how to spot fake Android apps so you can better protect yourself.
Find unsafe targets using Internet connection
Sometimes, cybercriminals don’t need to do anything fancy to spread malware. With the rise of smart homes and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, we’re seeing a wave of gadgets accessing the internet without properly securing their connections. Cybercriminals can then hijack these devices for their own purposes without being detected, such as with IoT botnets.
Always remember that connecting devices to the Internet is a two-way street. If you buy an Internet-connected gadget, make sure it's from a brand you trust. This is especially important for any device that could potentially compromise your privacy if it falls into the wrong hands, such as a smart home camera. And if the thought of hackers gaining access to your device makes you shudder, it's best to opt for an alternative that doesn't connect to the Internet, such as a gadget that runs on your local network.
Now that bad actors are using their skills to make money, much of the malware is much stealthier than it used to be. The best way to avoid having to deal with a stealthy virus is to make sure you don’t get infected in the first place, and with a little knowledge, you can protect yourself from these new strains.
How to know if a link is safe or not?
Nowadays, malicious links appear more and more and are shared through social networks at a dizzying speed. Just clicking on a malicious link can bring potential dangers to you.
Scammers are spreading malware through... physical mail
Some crafty scammers have figured out how to trick people into installing malicious apps that steal their banking details, and it all starts with a hand-delivered letter in the post.
New ransomware strain discovered that specializes in stealing login information from Chrome browser
A new strain of ransomware called Qilin has been discovered using a relatively sophisticated, highly customizable tactic to steal account login information stored in the Google Chrome browser.
Microsoft Outlook Contains a Critical Vulnerability That Could Easily Spread Malware
Microsoft has just officially warned users about the existence of a vulnerability that could allow hackers to easily spread malware through the Outlook email application.
More than 200 apps containing malicious code were discovered and downloaded millions of times on the Google Play Store.
A cybersecurity firm has discovered a huge number of Android apps containing malicious code (adware), a discovery that also raises big questions about how Google monitors its online store.
Should You Use Public Wi-Fi in 2025?
Nowadays, free wifi networks are installed everywhere, from coffee shops, amusement parks, shopping malls, etc. This is very convenient for us users to be able to connect to the network everywhere to surf Facebook and work. However, is using free wifi safe?
How do criminals use CAPTCHAs to spread malware?
Unfortunately, bad actors know this and have created fake CAPTCHAs that will infect your PC with malware.
Hackers Use Malicious Google Ads to Steal Users Microsoft Accounts
There is a dangerous trend being deployed by the global hacker community, which is abusing the Google Ads platform to spread malicious code.
Stuxnet: The Worlds First Terrifying Digital Weapon
Stuxnet is a malicious computer worm that was first discovered in June 2010 after it paralyzed Iran's nuclear facilities. And to this day, Stuxnet is still a terrifying obsession for the global Internet.
Why is Infostealer malware the biggest new malware concern?
Often distributed in a malware-as-a-service model, infostealer malware is often used to steal data, remaining hidden for as long as possible.
How to Protect Yourself from the Latest WordPress Malware Attack
As one of the most popular website building tools in the world, WordPress is once again a target for malware.
Nearly Half of Steam Gamers Still Use Windows 10
Even though Windows 10 will stop being supported after October 14, 2025, many Steam users are still using the operating system.
How to Find and Remove Keyloggers Completely from Your Computer
Keyloggers are extremely dangerous programs that hackers install on any user's system with the aim of stealing passwords, credit card information, etc. Keyloggers store all the keystrokes that users perform on the computer and provide hackers with important user information.
Top 5 best automatic home coffee makers
The automatic home coffee maker is a modern and professional product, bringing you and your family delicious cups of coffee with just a few quick steps.
Difference between regular TV and Smart TV
Smart TVs have really taken the world by storm. With so many great features and the ability to connect to the Internet, technology has changed the way we watch TV.
Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?
Refrigerators are familiar appliances in families. Refrigerators usually have 2 compartments, the cool compartment is spacious and has a light that automatically turns on every time the user opens it, while the freezer compartment is narrow and has no light.
2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi networks are affected by many factors beyond routers, bandwidth, and interference, but there are some smart ways to boost your network.
How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot
If you want to go back to stable iOS 16 on your phone, here is the basic guide to uninstall iOS 17 and downgrade from iOS 17 to 16.
What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?
Yogurt is a great food. Is it good to eat yogurt every day? What will happen to your body when you eat yogurt every day? Let's find out together!
Which type of rice is best for health?
This article discusses the most nutritious types of rice and how to maximize the health benefits of whichever rice you choose.
How to wake up on time in the morning
Establishing a sleep schedule and bedtime routine, changing your alarm clock, and adjusting your diet are some of the measures that can help you sleep better and wake up on time in the morning.
Rent Please! Landlord Sim Tips for Beginners
Rent Please! Landlord Sim is a simulation mobile game on iOS and Android. You will play as a landlord of an apartment complex and start renting out an apartment with the goal of upgrading the interior of your apartments and getting them ready for rent.
Latest Bathroom Tower Defense Codes and How to Enter Codes
Get Bathroom Tower Defense Roblox game codes and redeem them for exciting rewards. They will help you upgrade or unlock towers with higher damage.
Structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers
Let's learn about the structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers in the most accurate way.
4 Ways AI Is Making Smart TVs Better
From better picture and sound quality to voice control and more, these AI-powered features are making smart TVs so much better!
Why ChatGPT is better than DeepSeek
DeepSeek initially had high hopes. As an AI chatbot marketed as a strong competitor to ChatGPT, it promised intelligent conversational capabilities and experiences.
Meet Fireflies.ai: The Free AI Secretary That Saves You Hours of Work
It's easy to miss important details when you're jotting down other essentials, and trying to take notes while chatting can be distracting. Fireflies.ai is the solution.
How to raise Axolotl Minecraft, tame Minecraft Salamander
Axolot Minecraft will be a great assistant for players when operating underwater if they know how to use them.