Canada is now the second most malware-affected country in the world, with over 256 million malware incidents blocked in Q2 2025, according to a recent report from NordVPN. For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), this is a critical signal: your clients are operating in one of the most targeted regions globally.
What the Numbers Say
- United States: 280 million blocked attacks (Q2 2025)
- Canada: 256 million
- United Kingdom: 103 million
The report, based on aggregated data from NordVPN’s anti-malware and anti-phishing tools, highlights a 6.4% increase in blocked malware threats compared to Q1 2025, peaking in May with 1.2 billion threats detected globally.
Cybercriminals are exploiting trust in well-known brands and everyday online habits to infiltrate systems and steal sensitive data. This means:
- Higher client risk exposure
- Increased demand for layered security solutions
- Greater need for user education and phishing awareness
Top Attack Tactics
- Brand Impersonation: Google tops the list with over 200,000 malicious websites, followed by Yahoo!, Telegram, Steam, and Amazon.
- File Types Most Targeted: .exe files lead with 181,008 threats, followed by .zip and .dll.
Phishing: The Gateway to Malware
Phishing remains the most common entry point. Attackers use deceptive misspellings (e.g., “Arnazon” instead of “Amazon”) to trick users into clicking malicious links. According to the report, 99% of phishing attacks rely on just 300 brands.
Actionable Tips
Keep Systems Updated
Regular patching closes vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.
Enforce Strong Passwords & MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
Unique passwords and MFA significantly reduce compromise risk.
Verify Links Before Clicking
Encourage clients to check URLs for spelling errors or suspicious domains.
Original article courtesy of CanadianUnderwritier.ca and NordVPN.com.
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