Are You Ready For Cyber Threats?

As an industry analyst with firsthand insights from Blackberry's reports, this article is presented in collaboration with Blackberry. Over the years, the increased sophistication of cyberattacks on a global scale has been notable — and executives and key decision-makers need the right insights to effectively counteract these challenges.

Cybersecurity Attacks Stopped

Over 1.5 million cyberattacks were thwarted by BlackBerry Cybersecurity solutions during one 90-day reporting period. On average, 11.5 attacks were deployed per minute, marking a 13% increase in novel malware samples compared to the previous quarter.

Most Targeted Industries

Healthcare and financial services are the most vulnerable sectors. In healthcare, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting patient data and essential medical services. Financial institutions are also at risk due to the rise in mobile banking malware and ransomware attacks.

Remote Access and Cyber Risk

The report emphasises that remote access significantly increases cybersecurity risks, especially for financial institutions. The sector faces challenges like commodity malware and ransomware attacks targeting digital and mobile banking services.

Country-Specific Cyberattacks

State-sponsored threat actors like APT28 and the Lazarus Group, linked to Russia and North Korea respectively, have been particularly active. They mainly target the United States, Europe, and South Korea across various sectors, including government and financial institutions.

The United States continues to be the most targeted country, followed by growth in the Asia-Pacific region, specifically South Korea and Japan. New Zealand and Hong Kong have also entered the top 10 list of countries facing the most cyberattacks.

The BlackBerry Global Threat Intelligence Report serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities of the current cybersecurity landscape, highlighting the evolving nature of threats and the importance of staying updated and vigilant — especially in a world increasingly reliant on remote access.

Key Challenges in Cybersecurity

Data Breaches

Data breaches are a persistent issue, standing as the most common threat to businesses in diverse sectors. The unauthorised access and exposure of sensitive information continue to plague organisations, necessitating robust security measures.

Phishing

The sophistication of phishing attacks is on the rise, with cybercriminals employing more refined tactics to deceive individuals and organisations. The threat is no longer confined to emails but extends to various digital platforms.

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware has transformed from a straightforward menace into a multifaceted problem. The complexity and persistence of these attacks are growing, requiring a more comprehensive defence strategy to combat them.

IoT Vulnerabilities

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionised connectivity but also introduced new security challenges. The interconnected nature of IoT devices demands innovative solutions to ensure that these connections do not become vulnerabilities in an organisation's security chain.

Threats Identified by Role

CISOs: The Guardians of Data Security

Primary Concern: Data Breaches. For a CISO, the nightmare scenario is a data breach, where unauthorised access and information extraction can have catastrophic consequences for an organisation's reputation and finances.

Security Managers: The First Line of Defence

Primary Concern: Phishing & Social Engineering. Security Managers often find themselves combating the human element of cybersecurity. Phishing and social engineering attacks prey on human vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access.

Decision Makers: The Strategists

Primary Concern: Ransomware Attacks. Decision Makers are often held accountable for the financial repercussions of a ransomware attack. Their primary focus is on creating a cybersecurity budget that allocates sufficient resources for ransomware prevention and recovery.

Are You Ready?

Navigating the cybersecurity landscape requires careful planning, innovation, and alignment with business objectives. The challenges are significant, but a concentrated strategy, collaboration, and vigilance can secure a business's digital future.