Malware distribution refers to the methods and techniques used by cybercriminals to spread malicious software (malware) to victims. Cybercriminals target individuals, businesses, and even governments.
Understanding malware distribution methods helps organizations protect themselves from potential cyber threats.
Phishing emails
Phishing emails remain one of the most effective methods for distributing malware. These emails often appear legitimate, mimicking trusted sources such as banks, online services, or even colleagues. They typically contain malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, download malware onto the victim's device.
According to Astra, “Nearly 1.2% of all emails sent are malicious, which in numbers translated to 3.4 billion phishing emails daily.”
How to protect yourself
- Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those asking for personal information or containing unexpected attachments.
- Verify the sender's email address and look for inconsistencies.
- Use email filtering tools to detect and block phishing attempts.
Related: Tips to spot phishing emails disguised as healthcare communication
Malicious websites
Cybercriminals create fake websites designed to trick users into downloading malware. These sites often mimic legitimate websites or offer enticing content such as free downloads, pirated software, or counterfeit products. Over the second half of 2022, Palo Alto Networks collected more than 67 million domains and URLs that were malicious, reflecting a growth rate exceeding 52% compared to the first half of the year.
How to protect yourself
- Avoid downloading software from untrusted or unofficial sources.
- Use a reputable web browser with built-in security features.
- Employ browser extensions that block malicious sites and advertisements.
Drive-by downloads
Drive-by downloads occur when malware is automatically downloaded onto a user's device without their knowledge, simply by visiting a compromised or malicious website. This attack often exploits vulnerabilities in web browsers, plugins, or operating systems.
How to protect yourself
- Keep your browser, plugins, and operating system up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Use security software that provides real-time protection against drive-by downloads.
- Disable unnecessary plugins and features in your web browser.
Social engineering
Social engineering attacks rely on psychological manipulation to trick individuals into disclosing personal information or downloading malware. Tactics include posing as technical support, sending urgent messages requiring immediate action, or exploiting current events and trends.
How to protect yourself
- Be skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information or urgent actions.
- Educate yourself about common social engineering tactics.
- Implement security awareness training for employees in a business environment.
Exploits
Exploits take advantage of vulnerabilities in software or operating systems to install malware. These vulnerabilities can be in widely used applications, such as web browsers, office software, or even the operating system itself.
How to protect yourself
- Regularly update all software and operating systems to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Use vulnerability management tools to identify and address security weaknesses.
- Employ a robust firewall and intrusion detection/prevention system.
Learn more: Software updates to prevent cyberattacks
Malicious software updates
In some cases, malware is distributed as a fake software update. Users may be prompted to download what appears to be a legitimate update for their software, but in reality, they are installing malware.
How to protect yourself
- Download updates only from official and trusted sources.
- Verify update prompts by checking the software's official website or contacting the vendor.
- Use automatic update features where possible, as they usually come directly from the vendor.
Software bundling
Malware can be bundled with legitimate software, often when downloaded from unofficial or compromised sites. Users may unknowingly install the malware along with the desired program.
How to protect yourself
- Download software only from reputable and official sources.
- Pay attention to the installation process and opt-out of additional software bundles.
- Use anti-malware tools that can detect and block potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
Infected removable media
Removable media such as USB drives, CDs, or external hard drives can spread malware when used on multiple devices. Cybercriminals may deliberately leave infected media in public places, hoping someone will pick them up and use them.
How to protect yourself
- Avoid using unknown or suspicious removable media.
- Scan all removable media with antivirus software before accessing their contents.
- Disable the autorun feature on your computer to prevent automatic execution of files from removable media.
Peer-to-peer networks
File-sharing networks can be a breeding ground for malware. Users may unknowingly download infected files while using peer-to-peer (P2P) networks to share music, movies, software, or other content.
How to protect yourself
- Use P2P networks with caution and avoid downloading from untrusted sources.
- Employ security software that scans downloads in real time.
- Consider using alternative, legal methods for obtaining digital content.
Network attacks
Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in a network to distribute malware across connected devices. Once inside a network, malware can spread rapidly, affecting multiple systems and causing significant damage.
How to protect yourself
- Implement strong network security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
- Segment networks to limit the spread of malware.
- Regularly update and patch all network devices and software.
Spam campaigns
Cybercriminals use spam campaigns to send large volumes of unsolicited emails containing malicious links or attachments. These campaigns aim to reach as many potential victims as possible to spread malware widely.
How to protect yourself
- Enable spam filters in your email client to automatically detect and block spam messages.
- Avoid opening emails from unknown senders, and be wary of unexpected attachments or links.
- Check the sender’s email address and look for inconsistencies or signs of spoofing.
Advanced persistent threats (APTs)
Advanced persistent threats (APTs) distribute malware through targeted, prolonged attacks. They often use sophisticated techniques, including social engineering, exploits, and custom malware, to infiltrate and remain undetected in a network.
How to protect yourself
- Use firewalls, intrusion detection or prevention systems (IDS/IPS), advanced endpoint protection, and network segmentation to limit the spread of threats.
- Keep all software, including operating systems and applications, up to date with the latest security patches to close vulnerabilities.
- Monitor network traffic and system activity for signs of unusual behavior or potential breaches.
FAQs
What are some common signs of a malware infection?
Common signs include:
- Slow computer performance
- Unexpected pop-up ads
- Programs opening or closing automatically
- Unexplained changes to settings or files
- Frequent crashes or error messages
- Unusual network activity
What types of malware are most commonly distributed?
Common types of malware include:
- Viruses: Attach themselves to clean files and spread throughout a system.
- Worms: Spread across networks without needing to attach to files.
- Trojans: Disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users.
- Ransomware: Encrypts files and demands payment for their release.
- Spyware: Monitors user activity and steals personal information.
- Adware: Displays unwanted advertisements.
- Rootkits: Give attackers remote control over a system.
Tshedimoso Makhene
