New malware changes everything

October 7, 2025

By Kim Komando

Remember when viruses came from clicking on sketchy email attachments like “hotpics[.]exe”? Good times. Today’s malware doesn’t even need a file. It slips into your system’s memory like a digital ninja, using tools already on your computer like PowerShell, WMI or macros to do its dirty work. 

No download. No alert. Just boom, you’re compromised.

These are called fileless viruses, and they’re exploding. Security firms say they’re up nearly 40% this year. Why? Because your antivirus doesn’t see them coming. No file, no warning. But wait, it gets worse.

🎭 Shape-shifting viruses

Some of the newest malware doesn’t just sneak in, it learns. This next-gen code changes its form on the fly, adapting in real time to whatever security software it bumps into. Think of it like the T-1000 from Terminator, but instead of turning into liquid metal, it changes its signature to hide.

And it’s not being built in a basement. These tools are mass-produced and sold like Netflix subscriptions on the dark web. It’s called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), and yes, that’s as terrifying as it sounds. For a few hundred bucks, anyone with bad intentions can launch a full-blown cyberattack.

🎯 The new target

You’ve got a smart thermostat, maybe a printer, a tablet, a few security cameras. All it takes is one “forgot to update,” and they’re in.

Even developers aren’t safe. A few months ago, a virus slipped into a popular open-source library. Anyone who downloaded the update brought the malware into their own code. That’s how fast this stuff spreads.

🛡️ Your virus-proof checklist

• Turn on automatic software and firmware updates for everything.
• Don’t trust random pop-ups asking you to “run a security check.”
• Lock down your smart home devices with 2FA and unique passwords.
• Back up your files regularly, ransomware loves a hostage.

Most important: Use solid real-time antivirus with behavior monitoring, not just signature scanning. TotalAV, a sponsor of my nationally syndicated radio show, protects you in real time. It doesn’t just wait for a scheduled scan. 

It’s always watching in the background, blocking viruses, trojans, adware and other threats the moment they try to strike. TotalAV even checks for suspicious, virus-like behavior to catch threats that haven’t been cataloged yet. 

That means you’re protected not just from known attacks but also from brand-new ones cybercriminals are cooking. Right now, you can get TotalAV on up to five devices for $19 for the first year.

The malware game is leveling up. Time to do the same.