The Rising Tide of Cyberattacks: Insights from BlackBerry’s Latest Analysis
Recent insights into the frequency of cyberattacks reveal a concerning trend affecting businesses and organizations globally. The BlackBerry Threat Research and Intelligence Team conducted a comprehensive analysis covering a three-month period, from December 2022 to February 2023, utilizing real-world data to highlight the alarming statistics surrounding malware-based threats targeting various sectors. Their findings, compiled in the latest Global Threat Intelligence Report, depict a landscape rife with increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
During the 90-day analysis, BlackBerry’s AI-powered endpoint protection system identified and mitigated an astounding 1,578,733 malware-based attacks aimed at its customers. This surge in attempted attacks underscores the persistent threat posed by malicious actors, encompassing various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and retail. The report indicates that, on average, 17,280 cyberattacks were blocked each day, illustrating the relentless pace of these threats.
The analysis reveals a notable trend regarding the emergence of unique malware variants, with the researchers noting a staggering 200,454 unique attacks utilizing previously undetected malware. This underscores the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals in their attempts to bypass traditional security measures. The data further highlights an average of 1.5 new malware variants surfacing each minute, emphasizing the challenge businesses face in keeping their defenses updated.
The report also illustrated fluctuations in cyberattack activity throughout the study period. A significant peak in attacks was recorded in early December 2022, followed by a dip during the holiday season, suggesting that some threat actors may have paused their activities. However, this lull was short-lived, as cybercriminal activities surged once more in the new year. These trends indicate a dynamic threat landscape, where attackers continually adapt their strategies to take advantage of vulnerabilities in organizational defenses.
Among the most targeted industries, financial services emerged as a primary victim, experiencing 231,510 blocked malware attacks, averaging 2,601 attempts each day. The healthcare sector also faced considerable threats, with 93,000 blocked attacks related to 5,246 unique malware samples reported. Specifically, the increased activity of tools like the Emotet Trojan and Cobalt Strike, which are often leveraged against the healthcare industry, signifies a concerning shift in tactics as adversaries exploit critical vulnerabilities in these services.
The MITRE ATT&CK framework provides valuable context for analyzing these attacks. Tactics such as initial access, where threat actors find a way into target networks, and exploitation of vulnerabilities fall within the spectrum of methods likely employed in these incidents. The ability of adversaries to persist within networks and escalate privileges further complicates the security landscape, as businesses must remain vigilant against evolving techniques that are designed to circumvent traditional defenses.
As organizations continue to grapple with the growing threat of cyberattacks, industry leaders, including BlackBerry’s CTO, Shishir Singh, emphasize the importance of leveraging advanced cybersecurity measures. The rise of predictive defensive capabilities, driven by innovations in artificial intelligence and machine learning, is vital in establishing robust defenses against these sophisticated threats. Businesses are encouraged to focus on contextualized cyber threat intelligence to enhance their preparedness against attacks, facilitating quicker recovery and adaptation to the ever-changing threat landscape.
The findings from the BlackBerry Global Threat Intelligence Report lay bare the challenges that businesses face regarding cybersecurity. With the rapid advancement of cyber threats, understanding the breadth of risks and the methods employed by attackers is crucial for organizations aiming to fortify their defenses and safeguard their operations against the persistent specter of cyberattacks. For continuous updates on new cyber threats and strategic insights, organizations are encouraged to engage with the latest findings from BlackBerry’s threat intelligence updates.
This article was contributed by Bruce Sussman, Sr. Manager of Editorial at BlackBerry, who has extensive experience in cybersecurity journalism and analysis.
