Common Malware Threats Affecting UK Internet Users in 2025
by Northern Life
Meta – Malwares are so advanced that they change form and nature as per the locations and demographics. This has meant newer cybersecurity challenges for UK internet users.
A recent UK cybersecurity breaches survey reported that 43% of companies experienced a breach in 2025. Malware risks and viruses are a growing concern for most businesses. Online criminals are smarter today and use AI tools and phishing to access accounts.
Rising ransomware attacks UK 2025 have led to an increase in cyber insurance claims. Infectious browser extensions are a common malware affecting UK users lately. Spyware and adware threats have also increased. Users must understand these emerging threats and take preventive measures.
Overview of cybersecurity threats in the UK
Recent surveys show that 93% of organisations in the UK reported phishing attacks. The malware threat environment is more complex than ever recorded in recent years. UK internet users must lead the way in building strong defences for their data. The UK cyber security regulations are helping control the situation. Fewer cases were reported in the past, but today’s cybersecurity landscape has changed.
The common malware affecting UK users enters user devices and data through the internet. Users often open malicious extensions and do unsafe downloads. Modern risks can be reduced by following the recommended process. As a macOS user, you can get cybersecurity tips from Moonlock. Strong awareness and knowledge go a long way in protecting you from online threats, so with this popular resource, you get easy steps to meet challenges like Google redirecting to Bing. Follow the UK cyber security regulations to reduce attacks. These regulations encourage advanced protection from the many malware types impacting the UK.
The common malware types impacting the UK
The common malware types impacting the UK include the following:
- Ransomware – Ransomware has increased multiple times lately. Attacks targeting government entities have grown. The UK government had to ban payment of ransom demands by government bodies.
- Identity theft – Identity theft targeting organisations and individuals has also increased.
- AI-powered cybercrime – AI and social engineering have increased. This has caused an increase in scam rates.
- Spyware – There is a growing rate of spyware and adware threats. Virus attacks are more complex today. These threats affect businesses and individuals.
The alarming recent increase in malware and spyware threats
Malware and adware threats have increased many times in the UK lately. These threats include keyloggers and many dangerous apps targeting devices. Spyware is designed to track user activities online. It steals personal data like passwords, bank accounts, and online history.
Malware and spyware attacks accounted for 8% of reported cases in the UK. Research shows emerging malware forms make the attack scenario complex. Attackers deliver them through insecure web pages, browsers, and attachments. Newer malware browser extensions make security controls harder. They bypass traditional security patches undetected.
The pain of phishing attacks
Phishing attacks accounted for 93% of all online crime in the UK in 2025. One of the recently highlighted incidents is the HM Revenue and Customs attack. These attacks mainly happen through impersonation of trusted sources. They are delivered through emails, websites, browsers, and texts.
AI-powered social engineering
AI has helped increase targeted ransomware attacks UK 2025. Attackers use advanced AI tools to implement social engineering threats. These tools help them refine mimicked language, writing style, and sources. The younger generation is more vulnerable to these attacks.
The threatening ransomware landscape
Ransomware attacks increased in 2025 compared to 2024. Attackers threaten to disclose sensitive data if the victim fails to pay compensation. Ransomware is one of the malware types impacting the UK and causing major disruptions. Businesses spend tens of thousands of pounds on data restoration. Most companies pay ransom and recovery costs.
How to prevent common malware affecting UK users
Learn about cybersecurity and share the knowledge with your community. Many resources, like online courses, offer advanced cybersecurity knowledge. Share this knowledge with workers, family members, and the community.
Update your devices and applications. Unpatched vulnerabilities in systems and apps increase attack space. Seal these gaps through regular device and app updates.
Identity phishing and ways to stop it. Phishing attacks affect users through emails and downloads. Learn how to test links, scan downloads, and identify infected emails.
Creates backups and updates them daily. Create a backup habit to make sure your backup databases contain the latest data. This allows you to recover your files without being forced to pay a ransom.
Improve your password strength. Create complicated passwords and use a password manager to secure them. Use one password for each account to secure them.
Use multifactor authentication to improve cybersecurity. Your passwords can be stolen, but it is harder to steal your MFA credentials. A hacker cannot steal your fingerprint, iris, voice authentication, etc.
Final thoughts
Internet users in the UK are currently dealing with many emerging cybersecurity threats. The latest 2025 data shows an increase in phishing, malware, ransomware, and scams. Cybersecurity awareness can help reduce spyware and adware threats in this region. Users should practice good online security habits. They require proactive protection and follow the UK cyber security regulations.
