- NordVPN research reveals billions of malware incidents in 2024
- Nearly 85,000 false Google URLs have been identified
- Phishing remains a serious problem, so be on your guard
The United States has seen 1.9 billion malware incidents in 2024, said new research, showing the enormous scale of the cybersecurity problem with which companies and consumers face.
NordVPN research has also discovered nearly 85,000 False URLs imitating Google websites and services – and takes the place like the crook favorite, with Facebook taking second with 6,000 Falus URLs, and Microsoft in third with 5,000.
Interestingly, NordVPN has blocked more than 1.5 billion attempts at malicious infection from video accommodation sites – so be careful with these questionable streaming site ads.
Phishing is king
Malventy URLs are part of a phishing scam, in which the sites are usurped in the context of a harvesting of accredited. Social engineering attacks will encourage users to click on links, enter their contact details or put their sensitive information.
They will try to frighten the victims by making them think that their accounts have been compromised or that their contact details are necessary for reset – before delivering malware.
This tactic is not unusual, we have recently seen used Microsoft authentication systems via phishing attacks, and it is a fairly common tactic among cybercriminals.
“In fact, the majority of all phishing attacks use around 300 brand names for deception. The brands themselves are not at fault – these counterfeits also harm their reputation, forcing businesses to track them actively, “explains Adrianus Warmenhoven, cybersecurity advisor at NordVPN.
Experts recommend being very cautious when opening unexpected communications, in particular to avoid unlined links and check all downloads. This research describes the dangers of visiting dangerous websites, so it is always a good advice to avoid them, especially when using a corporate device that stores sensitive information.
