Kaspersky systems detected an average of 467,000 malicious files every day in 2024, a 14% increase from the previous year, according to the cybersecurity company.
The cybersecurity company explains that this rise is mainly driven by an increase in Trojan malware, which saw a 33% jump compared to 2023. These findings were part of Kaspersky’s annual report, the Kaspersky Security Bulletin (KSB), which looks at key developments in the cybersecurity industry.
Kaspersky says that Windows continued to be the top target for cyberattacks, with 93% of malware aimed at these systems. Kaspersky also found that many attacks use malicious scripts and Microsoft Office documents to spread malware, which accounts for 6% of the files detected.
Kaspersky says that Windows continued to be the top target for cyberattacks, with 93% of malware aimed at these systems. Kaspersky also found that many attacks use malicious scripts and Microsoft Office documents to spread malware, which accounts for 6% of the files detected.
Kaspersky: Rise of Trojan malware causing surge in cybersecurity threats
“Kaspersky’s detection systems discovered a significant increase in Windows malware – 19% from 2023 to 2024,” Kaspersky notes in an email seen by Technology Times, “The most widespread type of malware continues to be Trojans – malicious programs that disguise themselves as legitimate software – with a surge of 33% from 2023 to 2024. There has also been a 2.5-fold (150%) increase in the use of Trojan-droppers – programs designed to deliver other malware to a victim’s computer or phone without the victim noticing”.
Vladimir Kuskov, Head of Anti-Malware Research at Kaspersky, explains that cybercriminals are constantly creating new malware and refining their techniques each year.
“This year was no exception to this, and there were dangerous trends observed, such as attacks on trusted relationships and supply chains, including those on open-source packages (e.g., the XZ case). There were massive phishing and malicious campaigns targeting social media users and a rise in banking malware,” Kuskov says.
He also points out that cybercriminals are now using AI tools to generate new malware and improve phishing attacks.
To protect against these growing threats, Kaspersky advises both individuals and businesses to take extra care. For individuals, it is important to avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, use two-factor authentication, and keep software updated.
The tech security company also advises users to “create strong and unique passwords using a mix of lower-case and upper-case letters, numbers, and punctuation,” and to install updates when they become available as they contain fixes for critical security issues.
“Ignore messages asking to disable security systems for office or cybersecurity software,” Kaspersky warns.
For businesses, Kaspersky recommends updating software regularly, limiting access to remote desktop services, and backing up corporate data making sure they are isolated from the network.
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