The latest computer viruses are powerful than ever to steal your sensitive data and harm your PC. Read on to know about them and shield yourself well in advance.

Do you feel you are at a risk while surfing the internet or using your computer?  Most people think the same. Rising cyber crimes have made people aware of how important it is to keep their data protected from external threats. Well, cybercrime is not a new phenomenon. It has been in existence for ages. But, now it can have even more severe consequences. You can become a victim of cyber attacks anytime.

Further, the attackers can get access to any confidential information and use it as per their wish, including planning terrorist attacks. Knowing about the latest Computer Viruses and preparing to remove them is the only way through which you can stay protected. Thus, know about them and keep the antivirus ready to fight these malicious computer viruses.

Top 25 Latest Computer Viruses 2021 You Need Protection From

New Year has in its store some dangerous viruses. If they enter your system, then they can severely damage it and misuse your data.  Here they are. Take note of them.

1. Cyborg Ransomware

This computer virus is also known by the name AIDS (Aids Info Disk Trojan). Earlier floppy disks were safer. But, this Trojan horse made them highly unsafe. Yes, the floppy disk you use can introduce this virus into your computer and corrupt it. To hamper the system’s working, it replaces AUTOEXEC.BAT and counts the number of times the system reboots. If you have Windows 10, then you need to be more careful as recently its new variant is found in fake Windows 10 software updates. To protect yourself from this ransomware, do not click on any unknown attachment coming with .jpg extension.

2. CryptoMix Clop Ransomware

This Computer virus poses a threat to not only your confidential data but also the data of other people connected with the same network. Yes, instead of targeting an individual computer, this powerful ransomware targets the whole network. The first thing this virus does is, disable the antivirus present in your PC. Therefore, if you have a weak antivirus, then change or empower it to fight this harmful virus. This is not the end. The virus also encrypts the files existing on your computer and changes their extension to. Clop or .Clop extension. After doing all this, it displays a note informing you about the attack and demanding ransom. Its authors also threaten you to disable the protection tools if they fail to reach you.

3. GoBrut

This is also one of the latest computer viruses. Although this virus is a bit technically weaker than its counterparts, still you should not take it lightly. After invading your device, it can crack passwords, make your internet slow, and harm the PC. It is based on Golang and uses brute force to spread itself on various computer systems. To stay protected from this virus, use a strong password and progressive delays.

Also Know: Best Password Manager Software for Windows 10

4. Jokeroo

Jokers are funny, but this one is not. It is a harmful computer virus you must safeguard your data from. This virus works as ransomware, and its authors have only one goal, i.e., to spread it in all the systems of the world. To attain this objective, they encourage other hackers to pay them $90-$600 and get the membership. Further, once this virus enters a computer, it leaves the user with nothing. Neither money is left with the users nor the key to decrypt the data. To protect yourself, make sure to browse safely, update the security applications and operating system regularly, and always have a backup of essential files.

5. Trojan Glupteba

This is perhaps one of the computer virus names in the world. It enters the system through other malware or exploit kit. Once it becomes a part of the system’s software, you cannot even know that your computer is virus infected. It pretends to be a legit software and communicates directly with the IP address and ports to collect your confidential information. In addition to this, it also directs you towards other harmful and unknown domains such as travelsreview.wo, sportpics.xyzkinosport.top, etc. If you want to stay safe, then enable email and web filters, restrict macros, and browse safely.

6. Thanatos Ransomware

This ransomware is similar to the famous ILOVEYOU virus. It spreads through spam emails, malicious attachments, and advertisements. If this virus enters the system and encrypts your files, then decrypting them is impossible as it creates a new key every time without saving the keys. To protect your data from Thanatos Ransomware, disable macros, update the operating system, and backup files regularly.

7. ILOVEYOU

Are you thinking someone just confessed his feelings? No, it’s a virus trying to make its way into your PC. It comes disguised as a confession and once you click on it your computer becomes unbootable. Further, it also uses your mail list as a medium to create havoc for other users. Beware of this highly malicious virus. As per reports, it even forced many corporate giants and Governments to take their mailing systems offline. The fact that it caused damage worth $10 billion worldwide is also a reason for calling ILOVEYOU one of the most dangerous recent computer viruses.

8. Code Red

“Red” color symbolizes passion and dangers. One danger that it indicates is the Code Red virus. This virus first appeared in 2001 and then spread like fire. After infecting your PC, it eats up its entire disk space. Moreover, it doubles up faster than you could imagine. It also tries attacking websites. As per reports, it even attacked the White House website. Talking numbers, it infected 1-2 million servers and caused a loss of productivity worth approximately $2 billion. Thus, if you see the red-colored message “Hacked by Chinese”, run to save your PC’s life from this one of the top current virus threats.

Also Know: Best Free VPN for Windows 10 to Protect your Privacy

9. Storm Worm

Though the name gives an illusion of a worm virus, Storm Worm is a Trojan. It uses news-like headings to trap users. Thus, whenever you see mail headings like “Saddam Hussein alive!” resist the temptation to read further and run away from the mail. Once it infects your PC, it uses it as a source to attack other PCs.

10. Melissa

Here comes another dangerous virus that enters your PC in the form of a word document. The doc file tempts you with an illusion of passwords to open a few restricted sites. Once you open it, your system gets infected. After infecting your PC, it spreads to other PCs via your mail list.

11. Sasser & Netsky

Both of these viruses are the brainchild of Sven Jaschan, a computer science student. While Netsky enters your PC through mails, its stronger sibling takes advantage of the Windows vulnerability to enter the system. Once they move into your PC, it won’t shut down unless you cut off the power.

12.  Anna Kournikova

Here comes another annoying virus. It was created by a student to irritate the users. The virus spreads through an email having an image of the famous tennis player Anna Kournikova. It is not meant to harm your system. Its goal is to annoy you. Further, it uses your mail list for spreading to the other PCs.

13. Slammer Worm

This is a computer worm that replicates and spreads faster than you could think. The worm is capable of infecting more than 75000 PCs in merely 10 minutes. It is known to slow down the internet. Once it infects your system, it spreads to other PCs via replicating itself.

14. Conficker

It is also called Downup or Downadup. This largest known worm of all times has infected over 9 million computers within a short span. It uses the unpatched flaws in Windows software to enter your system. Once it enters, the PC converts into a botnet slave and is used to extort money from the user. Thus, update your Windows software to keep it secured.

15. Stuxnet

Though viruses are illegal, still it was legally created by the American government in collaboration with the Israeli Defense Force. They aimed at disrupting the nuclear efforts in Iran. Through this virus, they managed to ruin approximately one-fifth of the total nuclear centrifuges in Iran. While most of the other recent computer viruses attack computers to steal sensitive information, it primarily aims at invading robotic processes in industries. Along with this, its other targets include oil and gas pipelines, water treatment, and power grid. As per the available details, it infected over 44000 devices.

Read Also: 14 Best Password Manager Software for Windows 10

16. Mydoom

First identified in 2009, Mydoom is the fastest spreading virus after ILOVEYOU. It spreads through email that contains the message “andy; I’m just doing my job, nothing personal, sorry”. Once it infects a PC, it enters other PCs through the user’s email address book. Reportedly, this one of the widely spread new computer viruses caused a damage of whopping $38 billion.

17. CryptoLocker

This is Trojan ransomware that spreads through various means such as email. Once it infects a PC, it encrypts certain crucial files on the hard drive. The encrypted files remain locked even after you remove Trojan from the PC. The only way to unlock them is to pay a ransom before the deadline. In case you fail to pay the ransom, the amount significantly increases. Infecting around 500000 devices, it managed to extort nearly $30 million in just 100 days.

Also Know: Best Uninstaller Software for Windows 10 

18. Flashback

First identified in 2011, this Trojan enters your PC disguised as a flash install. It uses weak JavaScript codes to spread itself. Once your PC gets infected, it uses it as a medium to infect other PCs. Further, this Trojan has not even spared the so-called immune Mac and has infected approximately 6, 00,000 Macs within a short span.

19. WinRAR Code Execution Bug

This nasty virus has affected over 500 million users across the globe. WinRAR has certain security gaps that the attackers use to introduce malicious applications in your PC. A third party code database, namely UNACEV.DLL is believed to be the cause of this vulnerability. Once the virus enters the PC, it controls it completely. Thus, be cautious while using WinRAR.

20. CDPwn

This latest computer virus should not be taken lightly. It exploits the loopholes in Cisco devices to enter your system. The attackers introduce four remote codes and a denial service through the security gaps in Cisco devices. The remote codes are termed as CVE-2020-3119, CVE-2020-3118, CVE-2020-3111, and CVE-2020-3110. These vulnerabilities snatch the device control from your hands after entering into it.

21. Gustuff

Not only viruses but Trojans have also started to trouble PC users. One such troublesome Trojan is Gustuff. It uses social engineering to attack cryptocurrency applications. It deceives the users and gets access to the Android Accessibility service. This service automates the UI interaction. Thus, be cautious of this latest virus attack as it can rob you out of funds.

22. BOrOntOK Ransomware

This one of the latest viruses comes under the category of the most dangerous types of computer virus. It encrypts your files and adds an extension .rontok to them. In addition to this, it also makes changes to the system’s startup settings, registry entries, and data or programs stored in it.  Further, it also destroys the security features present in your computer so that they cannot stop it from harming the system settings. Moreover, to decrypt the files, attackers demand 20 bitcoins, which you must pay within three days from the date of the attack.

Also Read: Best Free Internet Security Software for Windows 10

23. Kuik Adware

Are you thinking of updating the Adobe Flash Player? If yes, then make sure that the update is legitimate. Otherwise, your system may become a victim of one of the highly dangerous malicious computer viruses, known as, Kuik Adware. This virus enters the system in the form of a seemingly original and legal Flash Player. After entering the device, it communicates with the network interfaces and adds an extension DNS 18.219.162.248. Then, it begins collecting your personal information and forwards it to its hosting domain, i.e., Kukidelivery.com. Once the data reaches the domain’s server, it activates other harmful tasks such as coin miners, unknown chrome extensions, etc. on the system. To prevent this virus from entering your computer, regularly back up crucial data and restrict spam emails.

24. Zeus

This is the work of real criminal minds as the Trojan aims at making your PC perform illegal tasks. Once this latest virus enters in computer, it steals your confidential data such as passwords of social networks, email, and banking account. It then uses it to do criminal activities like keylogging and form grabbing.

25. ShadowHammer

Are you thinking of updating your Asus device? If yes, then do it cautiously. Notorious hackers are using Asus updates as a medium to invade the PC. ShadowHammer comes disguised as an Asus update. Once the user updates his device, the malware takes the complete PC control. Thus, be cautious while upgrading your Asus PC. 1 million people have already fallen prey to it.

Having talked about the latest threats, below are the new computer viruses from which you need to shield your PC.

Beware! The Latest Malware Threats of 2021 are Here to Harm your PC

The latest threats to your PC are even more powerful than their earlier counterparts. Here we talk about the same so that you can protect the PC and your valuable data in advance.

1. WinRAR Malware

WinRAR, the most popular software to extract zip files has a hidden loophole. The notorious minds take advantage of these vulnerabilities to introduce malware to your PC. This malware can corrupt your system and lead to the loss of valuable data. Therefore, if you use WinRAR, then update it to keep the PC secure

2. Fake Asus updates

Asus is a widely used computer brand across the globe. The tech giant Asus recently stated that its update software was hacked. This implies that the latest Asus update you are about to install has a hidden malware. If that malware enters your device, then it can cause serious harm and data loss. The hidden virus has already infected approximately 1 million Asus devices.

3. Widespread IoT attacks

IoT devices are the weakest in terms of security. They don’t have an in-built firewall. Further, their control can also be exploited easily. The attackers are taking advantage of this shortcoming, and the IoT attacks have already reached 32.7 Million. Thus, ensure that your IoT device is safe and secure.

4. Gustuff Robs Bank Accounts

Another virus known as Gutstuff has entered the world of Android devices. This malware breaks into the banking and cryptocurrency apps to steal funds from your bank account. Some of the banks, payment, and social media apps that it has recently targeted include Bank of America, PayPal, J.P. Morgan, WhatsApp, Skype, and more. Therefore, do not click on any unusual message related to the bank accounts.

5. NVIDIA Graphics Software gets Patched

A graphics management software is the core of every gamer’s computer. Most of the gamers have NVIDIA graphics software installed on the PC. If you are also one of them, then patch it as soon as possible. In an official statement, NVIDIA’s spokesperson confirmed that earlier a bug existed in the software that could be misused by the attackers.

6. Attackers Target SMBs

Since small and medium businesses, i.e., SMBs neither have enough resources nor time to fight ransomware attacks, they are being increasingly targeted. Thus, take protective measures such as installing a power-packed antivirus shield if you are an information technology manager or own a SMB.

7. Your Facebook Account is at a Stake

Facebook recently admitted that due to a technical glitch, it stored millions of passwords in plain text. This could easily give the attackers access to your Facebook and Instagram accounts. Once they get access to your accounts, they can use it for their illegitimate purposes. However, you don’t need to panic as Facebook informs users if there is a risk to their accounts.

8. TP-Link SR20 Router May get Attacked

If you have TP-Link SR20 Router, then you must be cautious. The developers at Google confirmed that the router contains loopholes that the attackers may take advantage of. Before making a public disclosure, Google informed about the vulnerabilities to the router manufacturer. But, it seems that they have no plans to fix the issue.

9. Office Depot’s Scanning Software Faked Results

Office Depot recently agreed to pay users $35 for engaging in deceptive acts. Its scanning software always showed that your computer is malware-infected even if it is not. The motive behind the act was to coerce the users to get a $300 consumer protection plan.

10. Several Vulnerabilities are set to Affect your Utilities

This is not going to affect your computer, but the essential utilities such as power, water, and sewage may be severally affected. As per reports, industrial control systems are vulnerable to malware attacks. If the authorities do not take notice of the issue, then attackers may remotely control the utilities.

11.  Fake Windows Update

Yes, you read it right. The Windows update that you are thinking to install might contain hidden ransomware. As per the recent reports, hackers send an email that instructs users to get the Windows updated. These fake updates are ransomware with .exe extension. Once it enters your PC, it encrypts the files and demands a hefty amount to decrypt them. Thus, be sure of an update’s authenticity before installing it.

12. RaaS is here to Attack your PC Sophisticatedly

RaaS is an abbreviation for Ransomware as a Service. It is a growing trend in the hacking industry. Here, the hackers who don’t have sufficient knowledge to carry out attacks in a sophisticated manner hire other attackers to do the needful. The pace at which RaaS is spreading is a cause of worry for the entire world.

13. The news Link that you Received could be a Malware

We all get tempted to read about any topic that has taken the world by storm. Hackers know this. And, this is the reason for which they are now sending you emails with fake news links. These so-called pieces of information are actually malware waiting to attack your device. Thus, before clicking on any link relating to the latest news about Coronavirus or such other topics, ensure that it is not a trap laid by the attackers.

14. Hackers Know the Human Psychology

Hackers nowadays have become smarter. They can now get all your details even without knowing anything about coding or malware development. What they do is, use human psychology to fetch the details they need to con you. They contact the customer support team of various companies and then trick them into revealing the details about the customers. Thus, make sure you stay protected.

15. Cryptojacking Empowers Hackers

Hackers are installing malware, named Cryptojacking that uses your computing power to mine cryptocurrencies. The mining process generates a lot of new crypto coins using computing power. And, this slows down your PC. As per the reports, since the price of cryptocurrencies continues to rise in 2021, Cryptojacking attacks will also continue to increase.

16. Artificial Intelligence (AI) aids Malware Development

As the trend of using AI in software development continues to grow, hackers are also using the same technologies to develop malware. Now, we see malware infused with artificial intelligence to attack your PC. We must say, hackers have become a lot more technologically advanced than they used to be in the past.

17. Hackers send fake Coronavirus

When the whole world is fighting Coronavirus, hackers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to fulfill their malicious objectives. It has recently been found that the hackers sent spam mails to Japanese users. These emails claim to provide information to protect them from the deadliest Coronavirus.

Gullible users who fear Coronavirus open these so-called informational emails and fall prey to the hacker’s tactics. If you see any such mail, then do not open it. They inject Emotet malware in your device and turn it into a botnet.

18. Bogus Bitcoin QR Code Generators

With bitcoin QR code generators, you can easily convert the bitcoin address to QR codes and get money quickly. But, recently it has been reported that the hackers are using bogus QR code generators to steal bitcoins. As per the current reports, they have already stolen 7 BTC worth approx. $45000. Thus, be cautious while making payments through any BTC or QR code website.

Above was the list of the latest computer viruses in 2021. Now, we talk about how you can stay protected from them. As said earlier, the best way to shield yourself is to get a powerful antivirus like malwarebytes. Apart from this, below are some additional tips for you to protect the device from computer viruses in 2021.

10 Tips to Prevent the Latest Computer Viruses in 2020

Below are the best web practices and tips to stay protected from recent computer viruses.

Get a Powerful Antivirus

The best way to keep your PC safe for that uninterrupted computing experience is to get robust antivirus software. One of such antiviruses is malwarebytes. It gives all the old as well as current computer viruses a tough fight and protects the PC.

Update the Windows

With every update, Microsoft patches the security loopholes in Windows. Therefore, install a genuine OS update to protect the PC from hackers.

Try avoiding third-party software or freeware

You must be cautious while downloading any third-party software or freeware. Try, as far as possible, to avoid them because many times they come with hidden malicious programs.

Avoid clicking on pop-up ads

Remember there is nothing like free rewards. The pop-up ads claiming to give you free rewards such as a new iPhone are mostly fake. Therefore, don’t click on such pop-ups and close the site immediately.

Do not open unknown emails

Most of the new computer viruses enter the device through email attachments. Therefore, to stay protected, do not open any suspicious email from an unknown source.

Use hard to guess passwords

The password is key to your sensitive data. If you use a weak password, then the hackers can easily break open the lock and steal your information. Therefore, always use passwords that are tough to guess and unique.

Backup the files regularly

If data loss is your topmost concern, then create regular file backups. Using an external cloud drive to backup the crucial files helps prevent data loss.

Turn on the Microsoft Defender Firewall

The firewall prevents hackers and suspicious programs from accessing your system. Therefore, activate the Microsoft Defender Firewall.

Avoid using open wifi

Resist the temptation to access free internet via open wifi. The non-password protected and unencrypted wifi can be a trap laid by hackers. Don’t fall prey to it.

Make your network secure

An unsecured wifi invites hackers to invade your PC. They can easily connect to it and access your data. Therefore, always secure your network with WPA or WPA2 encryption.

Have questions? Good, because we have answers for almost every question you have about the latest computer viruses in 2020 and 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the types of computer viruses?

The latest virus threats can take many forms. Below are the most common ones.

• Malware: This term is used to describe all codes that can harm your computer either intentionally or unintentionally. They can steal your crucial information and use it for fraudulent purposes. Some examples of malware include viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, spyware, and ransomware.

• Ransomware: This type of malware takes your data hostage by encrypting it and demands money in return for it. In the last few years, we have seen many cases of big companies and governments falling prey to ransomware attacks.

• Trojans: Such type of malware uses a perfectly legit-looking email attachment to invade your computer. Most commonly, they come as an email attachment that provides you a solution to a non-existent virus threat. Once you click on that attachment, Tojans attack your PC and steal the data stored in it.

Q2. Which is more dangerous worm or virus?

Worms can replicate themselves. Hence, a worm infection spreads to every nook and corner of the PC more quickly. However, it does not mean that you should take viruses lightly. They can be equally harmful too.

Q3. What is the most powerful computer virus in the world?

All computer viruses are destructive. However, ILOVEYOU was among the most dangerous viruses ever created. It caused damages worth over $10 million worldwide.

Q4. Does resetting PC remove viruses?

Factory resets clear out the virus’s hiding place. Hence, it is among the most effective ways to get rid of the old and current computer viruses. However, in addition to freeing your PC from virus threats, it also removes entire computer data. Thus, you must ensure that you have a data backup before going for a factory reset.

Q5. What are the signs of virus infection in the computer? 

If you notice any of the below symptoms, then there are high chances that your computer may be infected with a new computer virus.

• Frequent error notifications.
• Unanticipated shutdowns.
• Sudden slowdowns.
• PC taking an unusually long time to shut down/restart.
• Toolbars that you know nothing about.
• Homepage changes that you did not make.
• Fast battery drains.

Recent Computer Viruses 2021

The above were some of the latest computer viruses in 2021 and how to stay protected from them. This list of viruses is not the end. With each passing day, a new dreaded virus enters the domain of computers. If this seems to trouble you, then get a power-packed antivirus such as malwarebytes that can give these viruses a tough fight and shield your system. Lastly, before leaving, do not forget to join us in our newsletter for more such interesting tech updates.

The post Cyber Threat: List of Latest Computer Viruses 2021 appeared first on Innovana Thinklabs Limited.