In 2025, cyberattacks aren’t just smarter—they’re personal. AI-written phishing emails, deepfake scams, and ransomware that paralyzes entire businesses have become the new normal. Let’s explore the most dangerous malware trends of the year and how you can protect yourself with proactive security tools.

This report draws on research from leading cybersecurity firms, including Rapid7, Recorded Future, Sophos, Keepnet Labs, and Commvault, to uncover the most alarming malware trends shaping the digital world this year — and what you can do to stay protected.

IRS-Themed Phishing and Malware Attacks

Tax season remains a prime target for cybercriminals deploying sophisticated malware campaigns. In 2025, scammers are leveraging AI and advanced social engineering to trick taxpayers through multiple attack vectors:

  • Phishing Email Malware: Fraudulent IRS emails contain malicious attachments (.pdf, .xls files) embedded with macros—small code snippets that execute when you enable content. These can install spyware, keyloggers that record your passwords, or ransomware that locks your files.
  • Smishing with Drive-by Downloads: Text message scams use shortened URLs to disguise fraudulent websites. These phishing sites often trigger “drive-by downloads,” where malware automatically installs on your device the moment the page loads—no click required.
  • AI-Generated Phishing Sites: Cybercriminals now use AI to create convincing fake IRS websites through typosquatting (domains like “irs-gov.com“). These sites harvest sensitive data like Social Security numbers and banking information.
  • Deepfake Social Engineering: AI voice cloning enables scammers to impersonate IRS agents with realistic robocalls, adding a human element to traditional phishing attacks.

Protection Tips:

  1. Never enable macros in unexpected email attachments
  2. Verify URLs before entering information
  3. Use multi-factor authentication
  4. Install antivirus software that scans for phishing links and malicious downloads

Phishing scams are no longer riddled with obvious spelling mistakes. Thanks to AI tools, attackers now create convincing emails, texts, and websites that are harder to spot.

📌 Source: Point Wild 

Ransomware Keeps Evolving

Ransomware remains one of the most profitable cybercrimes, but the tactics are shifting.

  • Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): Criminals can “rent” ransomware kits to launch attacks without technical skills.
  • Double extortion: Hackers not only encrypt your files but also threaten to leak sensitive data unless paid.
  • More groups, more attacks: The number of active ransomware gangs has risen, making detection harder.

📌 Sources: Akamai, Rapid7

Mobile & Legacy Threats

Mobile devices are now a bigger target, and old malware is making a comeback.

  • Android banking trojans trick users into entering login details on fake overlays.
  • Legacy malware reused: Old malware tools are being updated and combined with new techniques.

📌 Source: Recorded Future

Exploiting Vulnerabilities & Supply Chains

Hackers continue to look for weak spots in popular software and trusted suppliers.

  • Software vulnerabilities: Especially in devices like firewalls and gateways.
  • Supply chain attacks: A single compromised vendor can infect thousands of customers.

📌 Source: Recorded Future

Why It Matters

Cybercrime in 2025 isn’t just targeting big corporations; it affects everyone. From fake text messages to ransomware disrupting hospitals, the risks are real. Protecting yourself doesn’t require deep technical knowledge, but it does require smart habits:

  • Keep software updated.
  • Use strong, unique passwords.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA/MFA).
  • Think twice before clicking links or downloading attachments.
  • Use a trusted Antivirus and security suite to catch threats before they spread. Modern AV solutions also block phishing websites and detect ransomware activity early.

Sources & Further Reading

Point WIld: IRS Scams in 2025 reveals how tax-season fraud has evolved into an AI-enhanced operation. Smishing texts, phishing emails with malicious macros, and AI-generated fake IRS sites now mimic official channels with alarming accuracy. Deepfake robocalls add pressure by impersonating agents demanding urgent payment. With threats spanning identity theft, bogus refunds, and fraudulent tax software, vigilance is essential. Double-checking URLs, avoiding unsolicited links, using MFA, and relying on verified preparers are now critical to staying safe during tax season

Recorded Future’s H1 2025 Malware & Vulnerability Trends report highlights that malware and vulnerability disclosures rose 16% in H1 2025, with 161 actively exploited CVEs, many requiring no authentication. Legacy malware like Sality resurged, while flexible RATs (AsyncRAT, XWorm, Remcos) and mobile threats using virtualization and NFC relay techniques expanded. Recorded Future urges faster patching, improved C2 monitoring, and stronger mobile security education.

The sixth-annual Sophos “State of Ransomware 2025” report draws on responses from 3,400 cybersecurity leaders, who cited exploited vulnerabilities and unknown security gaps as the leading causes of attacks. Only half of the incidents resulted in encryption, and ransom payments fell significantly (median: ~$1M). Recovery times improved, but human tolls—stress, guilt, and burnout—remained high.

Keepnet Labs – 2025 Phishing Stats – report highlights phishing continues to dominate 2025, with billions of AI-generated and deepfake-enabled messages sent daily. Frequent attacks and human error make multi-layered defenses, employee training, and real-time monitoring essential to combat smishing, vishing, and impersonation threats.

Commvault – Ransomware Trends 2025 explains that ransomware has entered an AI-driven, automated phase. Self-learning malware exploits identities and supply chains at machine speed. As prevention alone falters, resilience—measured by “Mean Time to Clean Recovery (MTCR)”—becomes the new standard. Continuous testing, automated rebuilds, and immutable backups are key to surviving AI-powered attacks.

Final Thoughts

Malware in 2025 is faster, stealthier, and powered by artificial intelligence — but your protection can be smarter too.

With UltraAV, you get next-generation antivirus protection that detects ransomware, blocks phishing websites, and shields your devices from evolving cyber threats.

👉 Stay safe, stay smart, and stay protected with UltraAV. Visit UltraAntivirus.com to learn more.