Cybersecurity is an ever-expanding discipline, where every move is crucial, and the risks are unparalleled. Businesses must adapt to evolving threats, and this article provides an in-depth look into the key areas of concern, offering strategic insights specifically for enterprises.

As an industry analyst with firsthand insights from Blackberry’s reports, I’m pleased to present this article in collaboration with Blackberry. Over the years, I have seen the increased sophistication of cyberattacks on a global scale and regularly offer insight and guidance through my writing, speaking engagements, and videos. Cybersecurity threats remain ever-present and intensifying; however, armed with the right insights, executives and key decision-makers can effectively counteract and navigate these challenges

BlackBerry Global Threat Intelligence Report

The BlackBerry Global Threat Intelligence Report has emerged as an essential resource for cybersecurity professionals, including CISOs, security managers, and decision-makers. Covering the period from March to May 2023, the report offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Highlights include:

Cybersecurity Attacks Stopped

Over 1.5 million cyberattacks were thwarted by BlackBerry Cybersecurity solutions during the 90-day 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 emphasizes 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.

Top 5 Countries Experiencing Cyberattacks

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. It also highlights the evolving nature of threats, emphasizing 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 unauthorized access and exposure of sensitive information continue to plague organizations, necessitating robust security measures.

Phishing:

The sophistication of phishing attacks is on the rise, with cybercriminals employing more refined tactics to deceive individuals and organizations. 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 defense strategy to combat them.

IoT Vulnerabilities:

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized 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 organization’s security chain.

Threats Identified by Roles

CISOs: The Guardians of Data Integrity

Primary Concern: Data Breaches

• For a CISO, the nightmare scenario is a data breach, where unauthorized access and information extraction can have catastrophic consequences.

Security Managers: The First Line of Defense

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 unauthorized access.

Decision Makers: The Strategists Behind Cybersecurity

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 of 2023 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. Read the full report to stay ahead of the curve.

By Ronald van Loon