PUP, or potentially unwanted programs, are another of the threats most frequently detected by Malwarebytes. According to the company, this type of malware appears, for example, in tools that promise to clean the computer and improve its performance.
More companies targeted by cybercriminals
The Malwarebytes report reveals that hackers have been changing their strategies and are now focusing more on attacking the business world. In all, the volume of threats aimed at consumers decreased by 2%, while those targeting companies increased by 13% compared to 2018.
There are also changes in relation to the sectors most affected. According to the cybersecurity company, the services area registered a greater number of threats in 2019. In 2018, the table was led by the education sector, with this one ranking second in the ranking, followed by commerce.
Malwarebytes also points out that North America was the region of the world most affected by cyber attacks, corresponding to 48% of all recorded occurrences. This is followed by the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) with 26%, Latin America with 14% and Asia Pacific with only 12%.
Regarding forecasts for 2020, the company predicts an increase in ransomware attacks, which may evolve faster than in the past. E-commerce platforms may also be increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Election times and biometric data security are two other areas at risk in this new year.
