Checking out insights from the Acronis Cyberthreats Report, H1 2024
We will get a proper Acronis Cyberthreats Report for the first half of 2024 about the evolving cyber threat landscape. This report highlights significant trends and statistics that underscore the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks. Below, we break down the key findings from the report.
Malware and Ransomware Trends
1. Targeted Countries and Malware Statistics:
In the first quarter of 2024, Bahrain, Egypt, and South Korea emerged as the most targeted countries for malware attacks. This indicates a geographical shift in cybercriminal activities, possibly due to varying levels of cybersecurity defences and economic factors in these regions. Additionally, Acronis blocked nearly 28 million malicious URLs at the endpoint, marking a 3% increase from the previous quarter, which underscores the persistent threat of web-based attacks.
2. Email Threats:
Email remains a significant vector for cyber threats, with 27.6% of all received emails classified as spam. Notably, 1.5% of these emails contained malware or phishing links, highlighting the need for robust email security measures.
3. Ransomware Surge:
Ransomware continues to be a major concern, with 1,048 publicly reported cases in Q1 2024, representing a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Three highly active ransomware groups were responsible for about 35% of these attacks, with LockBit alone accounting for 20%. Despite the rise in ransomware activity, there was a notable 46% decrease in ransom payments, suggesting improved resilience and negotiation strategies among victims.
Emerging Threats and Attack Vectors
1. AI-Generated Attacks:
The report identifies six popular AI-generated attack methods, including malicious emails, deepfakes used in business email compromise, and malware generation. These AI-driven threats highlight the increasing use of advanced technologies by cybercriminals to enhance the effectiveness of their attacks.
2. Phishing and Malware
Phishing remains the top threat, particularly targeting collaboration apps, which are essential for remote work environments. Malware-based attacks constituted 82% of all cyberattacks in the first half of 2024, emphasizing the need for comprehensive malware protection strategies.
Defensive Measures and Education
1. Importance of Cybersecurity Training
Educating Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and business employees on cybersecurity best practices has proven to be an effective defence against the evolving threat landscape. Continuous training and awareness programs are crucial in mitigating the risks posed by sophisticated cyber threats.
Conclusion
The Acronis Cyberthreats Report for H1 2024 reveals a dynamic and increasingly complex cyber threat environment. With the rise in ransomware attacks, the emergence of AI-generated threats, and the persistent danger of phishing and malware, it is imperative for organizations to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures and invest in continuous education to safeguard their digital assets.