13 Cyberthreats to Beware This Halloween: A Haunting Guide to Cybersecurity
As the eerie whispers of Halloween fill the air, a chilling reality lurks in the shadows of cyberspace. The latest statistics from the BlackBerry Global Threat Intelligence Report reveal 13 cyberthreats that are bubbling to the surface, ready to haunt organizations of all sizes. But fear not! There are powerful ways to repel these digital phantoms, regardless of your security team’s size. Let’s dive into the spine-tingling world of cyber threats this Halloween.
1. Malware Madness
Every time the clock strikes midnight, BlackBerry threat researchers identify an average of 11,500 unique malware hashes from the previous day. This staggering statistic reflects a 53% spike in unique malware creations, indicating a rapid evolution in cybercriminal tactics. These attackers are leveraging powerful, publicly accessible tools to create new methods that bypass traditional security measures. To combat this witch’s brew of malware, the CylanceENDPOINT™ solution has been identified as the most effective defense against these evolving threats.
2. Ransomware Rampage
Ransomware groups are akin to movie monsters—seemingly invincible and constantly reinventing themselves. According to Canada’s NC3, ransomware is the top cybercrime threat, accounting for nearly 60% of reported incidents. The healthcare sector is particularly vulnerable, as attackers exploit the urgency of medical services to extort payments. The BlackBerry Incident Response Team highlights that unprotected or poorly configured internet devices often serve as gateways for these attacks. Timely security updates and solutions like CylanceMDR Pro can help organizations fortify their defenses against this rampage.
3. Diabolical Deepfakes
Forget about masks; cybercriminals are now employing deepfake technology to create convincing digital impersonations. A recent incident saw a finance worker unwittingly transfer $25 million to attackers after being fooled by a deepfake video call. As deepfakes become more sophisticated, organizations must remain vigilant and employ detection strategies to identify these deceptive tactics.
4. Critical Infrastructure Attacks Increase
In the most recent quarter, BlackBerry cybersecurity solutions thwarted over 800,000 attacks targeting critical infrastructure, with a significant portion aimed at the financial and healthcare sectors. The lucrative nature of critical infrastructure data makes it a prime target for cybercriminals, especially amid geopolitical tensions. Managed services that offer real threat detection and proactive threat hunting can illuminate the darkness surrounding these threats.
5. Eerie Espionage
Espionage and information gathering are on the rise, with threat actors targeting ports and maritime facilities. The SideWinder group recently launched a campaign using falsified documents to distract employees and compromise their systems. By leveraging familiar logos and emotional triggers, these attackers aim to divert attention from early warning signs of malware infections.
6. Infostealer Invasion
Infostealers like RisePro are increasingly prevalent, often sold as malware-as-a-service on underground forums. Once deployed, these infostealers can exfiltrate sensitive data and drop additional malware onto victims’ devices. Organizations must remain vigilant and implement robust security measures to combat this invasion.
7. Total Attack Jump-Scare
From April to June 2024, BlackBerry solutions stopped a staggering 3.7 million cyberattacks, averaging 43,500 attacks per day. This relentless cycle of attacks has prompted many organizations to turn to managed detection and response services for enhanced protection.
8. APAC Assault
Countries in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia, are facing intense cyberattacks, making APAC the second most targeted region globally. The establishment of the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence aims to bolster regional defenses against these pervasive threats.
9. Social Engineering Shenanigans
Phishing remains a dominant method for cyber intrusions, exploiting human psychology to gain unauthorized access. Alarmingly, only 13% of targeted employees report phishing attempts, limiting organizations’ ability to respond effectively. Raising awareness and training employees to recognize phishing attempts is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity.
10. Haunted Communications
Cyber threat actors often exploit communication channels during incidents. The BlackBerry Incident Response Team warns against using cleartext email for sensitive communications, as attackers can intercept these messages. Utilizing out-of-band, encrypted communication methods is essential for maintaining security during incidents.
11. Insider Intrigues
Insider threats pose a significant risk, with malicious insider incidents costing organizations an average of $701,500 per incident. Implementing strict access controls and continuous monitoring can help detect and prevent these threats, ensuring a more secure environment.
12. Supply Chain Sabotage
Supply chain cyberattacks are on the rise, with organizations reporting financial loss, data loss, and reputational damage as consequences. BlackBerry’s research highlights the importance of securing the supply chain to mitigate these risks effectively.
13. Monstrous Manufacturing Attacks
Manufacturers are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, with 43% of successful ransomware attacks causing a week or more of disruption. Organizations must prioritize endpoint protection platforms that can effectively defend against threats in both connected and disconnected environments.
Conclusion
In the eerie landscape of cyberspace, organizations are not alone in their fight against cyber threats. With the right tools and awareness, it is possible to exorcise these threats from your network or keep them at bay. Utilizing managed services that combine human expertise with AI can provide robust protection against the dark forces of malware, ransomware, and other threats. This Halloween, don’t just prepare for trick-or-treaters at your door—fortify your digital doorstep as well.
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About the Authors
Bruce Sussman is the Senior Managing Editor at BlackBerry. Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn.
Taha Aziz is the Senior Growth Marketing Manager at BlackBerry. Connect with Taha on LinkedIn.