Over 10 million devices were infected with data-stealing malware in 2023

One of the biggest threats to smart devices is they can get infected with malware that can steal data. While many experts continuously warn tech users of the dangers, devices infected with malware are becoming more common. Sure, it may be due to inexperienced users. However, the tools hackers use are becoming more sophisticated as the defenses used against them improve.

There are several types of malware, and the bad actors aren’t only interested in your banking details or cryptocurrency logins. Some just want the common WhatsApp or other social media details. Hackers usually sell the data so what they go after depends on what their client requires. Data can also be stolen and leaked to sabotage a business or company.

Over 600% rise in devices infected with malware in the last year years

According to a study by a cybersecurity firm called Kaspersky, over 10,000,000 devices were infected with malware in 2023 with a 643% rise in the last 3 years. On average, 50.9 login credentials are stolen by hackers per infected device. The stolen credentials can then be sold by the perpetrator on the dark web or used for their benefit. As mentioned above, the credentials targeted aren’t always highly sensitive bank or other money-related logins.

Many inexperienced users only worry about and take precautions for their banking apps, and consider other data on their devices safe. However, that is not the case as all data on a device is useful for someone. This can be emails, pictures, or random files that we consider useless.

Websites aren’t safe from this either

The threat of malware doesn’t only extend to devices. Kaspersky’s data further elaborated that in the last 5 years, 443,000 websites globally have been compromised. A whopping 326 million of these websites had the .com domain. In second place was the Brazil (.br) domain with 29 million compromised accounts, and third place was the India (.in) domain with 8 million compromised accounts. Fourth and Fifth places went to Columbia (.co) and Vietnam (.vn) with 6 and 5.5 million compromised accounts respectively.

With the number of data-stealing infections estimated to reach 16 million, it’s more important than ever to take every step required to safeguard your data and devices. The best way to do this is to use a comprehensive security solution like anti-virus software. This solution will protect your device from malware infections and notify you of any dangers. For instance, if you open any shady site or phishing email the security solution can be your first line of defense.

Companies can also use this method on the devices they give out to their employees to protect any sensitive material from leaking out. Moreover, companies can be more proactive, and as soon as they spot a leak, they can change the password to contain the leak. With tools like Android Safe Browsing popping up, the best precautions should be taken for data safety.