ESET Threat Report H1 2025: Unmasking the Cyber Threats Shaping Our Digital Future

Imagine waking up one morning to find your smartphone crawling with pop-up ads, your work laptop suddenly displaying a mysterious error message, and your inbox brimming with phishing emails that almost—almost—seem legitimate. Sound far-fetched? Not in 2025. According to the latest ESET Threat Report H1 2025, this is the new digital reality for individuals and organizations worldwide.

Curious what’s really happening behind the headlines? You’re not alone. The first half of 2025 has been a whirlwind of cyber innovation—not just from defenders, but from attackers, too. From explosive new malware techniques to infighting among ransomware gangs, the landscape is more unpredictable than ever. Let’s unpack what ESET’s threat detection telemetry and security researchers have uncovered, and what it all means for you.

The H1 2025 Threat Landscape: Why This Matters More Than Ever

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s answer the big question: Why should you care about the latest threat trends?

Because cyber threats are no longer the stuff of IT nightmares—they’re real, daily risks for everyone. Whether you’re a business owner, a tech enthusiast, or someone who just wants to protect family photos, understanding these developments is crucial. The tactics cybercriminals use today can impact your finances, privacy, reputation, and even your peace of mind.

So, with that in mind, let’s break down the headline trends from ESET’s H1 2025 report—and, more importantly, what you can do to stay ahead.

ClickFix: The Deceptive Attack Vector Taking Off in 2025

What is ClickFix?

Picture this: You’re browsing the web or opening a routine application when a pop-up warns of a “critical error.” Frustrating, right? But what if the “fix” is actually a trap?

ClickFix is exactly that—a new social engineering technique that manipulates users into clicking a button or entering commands to “fix” a fake error. But instead of resolving an issue, you’re unknowingly letting malware into your system.

How Big Is the Problem?

Let’s put it into perspective:

Skyrocketed by 500% compared to late 2024, according to ESET’s telemetry.
Now the second most common attack vector after phishing.
Payloads vary: infostealers, ransomware, and even advanced nation-state malware.
Affects all major platforms—Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Here’s why that matters: ClickFix’s versatility and deceptive design make it exceptionally dangerous. It preys on our natural urge to resolve problems quickly, often sidestepping even the most vigilant users’ suspicions.

Protecting Yourself from ClickFix

Pause before you click: Double-check error messages and prompts, especially those that urge immediate action.
Use reputable security software: Tools like ESET provide proactive detection for emerging threats.
Educate your team or family: Many ClickFix attacks start with a simple click—awareness is the first line of defense.

Infostealer Evolution: SnakeStealer’s Rise & Major Disruptions

If 2024 was the year of infostealer proliferation, H1 2025 is the year the leaderboard shifted.

Agent Tesla Fades, SnakeStealer Surges

For years, Agent Tesla dominated the infostealer scene, siphoning off credentials, screenshots, and keystrokes. But ESET’s latest data tells a different story:

Agent Tesla detections plummeted as its codebase aged and defenders caught up.
SnakeStealer (aka Snake Keylogger) exploded in prevalence, now ranking as the most detected infostealer in ESET telemetry.

SnakeStealer isn’t just a one-trick pony. Its modular design allows attackers to tailor what it grabs from victims, and it’s distributed via everything from spear-phishing emails to compromised websites.

Major Operations: Lumma Stealer & Danabot Disrupted

Good news, though: 2025 also saw major disruption ops that rattled the infostealer underworld.

Lumma Stealer: Once a popular malware-as-a-service tool, faced takedowns disrupting its distribution and support.
Danabot: Another infamous service severely crippled by coordinated law enforcement and security vendor actions.

Bottom line: The infostealer market is volatile. As law enforcement and security researchers like those at Europol crack down, new contenders like SnakeStealer fill the gaps.

How Can You Stay Safe?

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Even stolen credentials are harder to use with MFA in place.
Be vigilant with downloads: Only install software from trusted sources.
Stay updated: Keep your security solutions and operating systems patched.

Android Under Siege: Kaleidoscope Adware & NFC Fraud

Let’s shift to the device you probably use most—your smartphone. The Android threat landscape in H1 2025 has been nothing short of dramatic.

Kaleidoscope: A New Breed of Mobile Adware

Imagine installing an innocent-looking app, only to have your screen bombarded with unskippable ads and your device performance tanking. That’s Kaleidoscope in action.

The “Evil Twin” Tactic

Kaleidoscope’s ingenuity lies in its “evil twin” strategy: – Cybercriminals clone or closely mimic popular legitimate apps (think banking, productivity, or games). – Unsuspecting users download the lookalike versions from third-party stores or misleading ads. – Once installed, these apps unleash a torrent of intrusive ads, draining battery and data, and sometimes opening the door for more dangerous malware.

The Scale of the Problem

Adware detections soared by 160% in ESET telemetry.
Kaleidoscope is a major driver, but it’s part of a broader trend of increasingly sophisticated mobile threats.

NFC-Based Fraud: The Silent, Growing Threat

You tap your phone to pay for a coffee, send money, or pair a device. It feels safe—until it isn’t.

NFC (Near Field Communication) fraud isn’t just a theoretical risk anymore: – ESET saw a 35-fold increase in NFC-related malware incidents, driven by creative phishing and relay attacks. – Threats like NGate, GhostTap, and SuperCard demonstrate how quickly attackers adapt to new security layers.

Why Is This Worrying?

While the total number of cases is still relatively low, the rate of growth is staggering. Criminals are clearly eyeing NFC as the next frontier, leveraging: – Relay attacks: Intercepting communications between your device and payment terminals. – Phishing campaigns: Tricking users into enabling malicious NFC features.

How to Fight Mobile Threats

Download apps only from the official Google Play Store (and double-check the publisher).
Be cautious with NFC: Only enable it when needed, and be alert to unexpected prompts.
Run regular security scans on your devices.

Ransomware in Disarray: Gang Wars and Falling Ransom Payments

When you think “cyber threat,” ransomware is still the first word on many people’s lips. But the story in 2025 is more chaotic than ever.

Ransomware: More Attacks, Less Profit (for Now)

ESET’s research highlights a paradox: – Ransomware attacks and the number of gangs have increased. – Ransom payments, however, have dropped significantly.

What’s going on?

The Backstory: Takedowns, Exit Scams, and Turf Wars

2024 and early 2025 saw: – Law enforcement takedowns crippling major ransomware operations. – Exit scams: Gangs vanishing with victims’ money before delivering decryption keys. – Rival gangs sabotaging each other, notably in the RansomHub ecosystem.

The result? Many victims are now less willing to pay up, doubting that attackers will actually restore their data even if paid.

What This Means for You

Backups matter more than ever. Don’t rely on a ransom payment as your recovery plan.
Ransomware risk is still rising. Attackers innovate quickly, and targeting is more indiscriminate.
Trust in gangs is fading, but the pain for victims hasn’t gone away.

Actionable Takeaways: How to Protect Yourself in 2025

Seeing all these trends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But knowledge is power. Here’s what you can do right now:

Stay informed: Regularly read threat reports from trusted sources like ESET, CISA, and Europol.
Practice digital hygiene: Strong, unique passwords; multi-factor authentication; and regular software updates are non-negotiable.
Be skeptical: If something feels off—whether it’s an error message, a new app, or a payment prompt—pause and verify.
Backup everything: Ransomware can hit anyone. Make sure you have offline, regularly tested backups.
Use reputable security tools: Solutions like ESET provide layers of defense against the latest threats.

Remember, cybersecurity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ClickFix attack, and how do I avoid it?

ClickFix is a new cyberattack technique where fake error messages or prompts trick users into clicking or entering commands, which then install malware. To avoid it: never respond to unexpected error messages or follow instructions from unverified sources. Always use reputable security software and keep it updated.

Which infostealer is most dangerous in 2025?

SnakeStealer (aka Snake Keylogger) is currently the most detected and rapidly spreading infostealer. It’s known for its flexibility and ability to steal a wide range of sensitive data.

How are Android users being targeted in 2025?

The main threats are: – Kaleidoscope adware, which installs via fake lookalike apps and floods devices with ads. – NFC-based fraud, leveraging creative relay and phishing attacks. Only download apps from official stores and enable NFC sparingly.

Why have ransomware payments dropped despite more attacks?

Law enforcement takedowns, gang infighting, and a rise in exit scams have made victims less likely to trust attackers to deliver decryption keys—even if paid. Many now refuse to pay ransoms, relying instead on backups and professional recovery services.

Where can I read the full ESET Threat Report H1 2025?

You can access the complete report here.

Final Thoughts: Stay Curious, Stay Secure

If there’s one lesson from ESET’s H1 2025 Threat Report, it’s that cybersecurity is a moving target. Attackers never rest, but neither do defenders. The best thing you can do is keep learning, ask questions, and don’t let your guard down—whether you’re at work or at home.

Want more insights like these? Subscribe to ESET’s WeLiveSecurity blog or follow trusted security experts for regular updates. In the meantime, stay sharp, stay skeptical, and remember: every savvy click is a step toward safer digital living.

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ESET Threat Report H1 2025: Unmasking the Cyber Threats Shaping Our Digital Future

The H1 2025 Threat Landscape: Why This Matters More Than Ever