Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) and Adware as a Vehicle for Ransomware: Given the free and widespread reach of the internet, adware has become a cash-generating machine for hackers. Adware and PUAs are now being laced with destructive functionalities and are capable of damaging or crashing boot-sector records of infected computers. Additionally, adware is increasingly used for delivering ransomware into targeted systems.

Ransomware Variants on the Rise: If you think ransomware won’t affect you or your customers, think again. The European police agency Interpol recently released a report stating that ransomware is now the leading form of cybercrime, surpassing all other online threats. And ransomware variants will keep rising in the coming quarters, according to our report. For example, CryptXXX ransomware is now hitting targets with new and more advanced variants, and Locky ransomware is being continuously updated with new internal coding and obfuscation techniques. In addition, Domain Generation Algorithms (DGAs) could become a menace in the remainder of 2016 as more ransomware families take advantage of them. DGAs help malware evade security detections because they are not hard coded. Locky uses DGA.

The Ransomware-as-a-Service Trend: In line with the rise in ransomware, we’re seeing malware authors sell ransomware along with a customizable kit through the online black market. Interested cybercriminals can register and download these kits for free or for a nominal fee. Once the ransomware file is customized, it is then spread through a variety of infection vectors.

Targeted Security Attacks on Major World Events: Targeted attacks are typically performed with a goal of stealing sensitive information for monetary or political gain. The upcoming U.S. presidential election is expected to be a major focus for these attacks as cybercriminals look to spread malware with destructive capabilities.

Vulnerabilities Tied to Mobile Wallets: Mobile wallets and other new payment technologies have simplified online shopping. But, at the same time, they have opened up new avenues for hackers. Credit card data theft and fraud are expected to rise in the months ahead as a result of the increased use of these payment practices.

Internet of Things (IoT) Security Issues Advance: IoT devices are making personal and business operations more convenient than ever. But, as the IoT market grows, security gaps are beginning to open up new opportunities for attackers.