The number of incidents involving malware has increased dramatically. Since the beginning of 2026, the number of requests related to the spread of malicious software in RuNet has significantly increased compared to last year. Experts attribute this surge to the fact that attackers have begun to actively use artificial intelligence technologies.
The number of complaints about the spread of malware has increased in recent months
In February 2026, 2,718 reports of malware distribution were recorded. This is 3.6 times more than in January. And in total, from January 1 to March 10, the number of complaints reached 7,778 — this is 7.7 times higher than in the same period in 2025.
Experts explained that this growth is associated not only with technology, but also with an increase in the number of vulnerabilities, especially in corporate networks.
The main goal of hackers is to gain access to the user's device. After infection, attackers can steal personal data, gain access to banking applications, and in some cases completely control the device.
How attackers spread malware
According to experts, malware is becoming one of the main threats in RuNet and is already overtaking phishing in the number of detected cases. The latter, however, also remains a common method of attack. (Phishing is a method of deception in which attackers send messages with malicious links or files). In addition, malicious code is often distributed through pirated software.
Separately, experts point to the increase in attacks via messengers. Attackers create bots and fake company websites that are almost impossible to distinguish from real ones.
Attackers are increasingly using complex scenarios. For example, they send files disguised as contracts or technical specifications. Inside there may be documents with a double extension that look like PDFs, but run a malicious program.
How hackers operate through messengers
One typical scenario looks like this: a message with an alarming title and a link comes to the chat, for example, "look urgently." The user opens a file with the .apk or .exe extension, after which the device becomes infected with Trojans that steal payment data by intercepting push notifications and SMS.
Artificial intelligence accelerates the creation of malware
Artificial intelligence has become one of the factors that is fueling the growth of cyberattacks. Experts said that new technologies make it possible to create malicious tools and scale existing schemes, which increases the total number of incidents.
At the same time, experts emphasized that neural networks do not completely replace human participation and do not create turnkey attacks. AI lowers the barrier to entry for attackers.
Similar schemes are used in various types of cyber threats — from financial fraud to cyber espionage.
How to protect yourself from malware
Experts recommend using antivirus solutions, regularly updating software, and making data backups.
They also advise not to download pirated software, not to open files from unknown senders, and to carefully check links.
It is also important for companies to control access to services, use strong passwords, and regularly update systems.
