The most dangerous PC viruses of 2018
There’s no denying that computer viruses are a big deal. In fact, they’re arguably one of the most serious threats to our online security. Every year, hundreds of millions of people around the world are affected by viruses, and the cost of damages is estimated to be in the billions.
What’s more, the threat is only growing. As our reliance on technology increases, so too does the opportunities for viruses and other malware to do their damage. And as the internet becomes more interconnected, it’s easier for viruses to spread.
So, what are the most dangerous viruses out there at the moment? Here’s a look at some of the most dangerous PC viruses of 2018.
1. WannaCry
Arguably the most famous virus of 2017, WannaCry is a ransomware virus that struck in May of last year. The virus encrypted the files on infected computers, demanding a ransom in order to decrypt them.
While the spread of the virus was eventually halted, it still caused major damage. It is estimated to have infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries, with damages totaling billions of dollars.
2. Petya
Petya is another ransomware virus, first appearing in 2016. However, it made headlines again in June of 2017 when a new variant, known as NotPetya, began spreading.
NotPetya was particularly damaging, causing more than $10 billion in damages. It primarily struck Ukraine but also affected other countries, including the US, UK, and Russia.
3. Locky
Locky is a type of malware known as ransomware. It first appeared in February of 2016 and quickly became one of the most active and widespread ransomware viruses.
Locky is typically spread through phishing emails, which contain a link or attachment that, when clicked, downloads and installs the virus. OnceLocky is installed, it will encrypt the files on the infected computer and demand a ransom for their decryption.
4. Zeus
Zeus is a type of malware known as a Trojan horse. It is typically spread through phishing emails, which contain a link or attachment that, when clicked, downloads and installs the virus.
Once Zeus is installed, it can be used to steal sensitive information, such as financial data and passwords. It can also be used to install other malware, such as ransomware, on the infected computer.
5. Cryptolocker
Cryptolocker is a type of ransomware that first appeared in September of 2013. It is typically spread through phishing emails, which contain a link or attachment that, when clicked, downloads and installs the virus.
Once Cryptolocker is installed, it will encrypt the files on the infected computer and demand a ransom for their decryption. Cryptolocker is particularly dangerous because it uses strong encryption, making it very difficult to recover files without paying the ransom.
These are just a few of the most dangerous viruses out there at the moment. Remember, viruses can be spread in a number of ways, so it’s important to be vigilant in order to protect your computer. Keep your antivirus software up to date, be careful what you click on, and never open attachments or links from unknown or untrustworthy sources.Official source
The most dangerous PC viruses of 2019
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the risk of malware and viruses spreads. Although there are many different types of malware, some are more dangerous than others. Here are the most dangerous PC viruses of 2019.
1. WannaCry
WannaCry is a ransomware virus that was first released in May 2017. It quickly spread around the world, affecting over 200,000 organizations in 150 countries. WannaCry encrypts files on an infected computer and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. Although the virus was relatively easy to stop, it caused a lot of damage. WannaCry ransomware is still active and continues to infect computers.
2. NotPetya
NotPetya is a virus that masquerades as ransomware but is actually a wiper. Wipers are a type of malware that destroys data on an infected computer. NotPetya was first released in June 2017 and quickly spread around the world, affecting over 10,000 organizations. The virus caused billions of dollars in damage and is considered one of the most destructive malware attacks in history.
3. Emotet
Emotet is a trojan horse that is primarily used to steal banking information. It first appeared in 2014 but has become increasingly sophisticated and dangerous over the years. Emotet is often spread through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments. Once a computer is infected, Emotet will download other malware to the system, including ransomware and keyloggers.
4. Zeus
Zeus is a malware that is used to steal banking information. It first appeared in 2007 and quickly became one of the most prevalent types of malware. Zeus is typically spread through phishing emails or drive-by downloads. Once a computer is infected, Zeus will collect sensitive information, such as bank account numbers and passwords. This information is then sent to the hackers who can use it to steal money from the victim’s bank account.
5. Cryptolocker
Cryptolocker is a type of ransomware that first appeared in 2013. It is spread through phishing emails or infected websites. Once a computer is infected, Cryptolocker will encrypt files on the system and demand a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. Cryptolocker is particularly dangerous because it uses strong encryption that is very difficult to break.
These are the most dangerous PC viruses of 2019. Although there are many other types of malware, these five viruses are the most dangerous and destructive. Be sure to install antivirus software and keep your operating system and software up-to-date to protect your computer from these and other malware threats.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about most dangerous pc viruses. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.