Acronis, a prominent figure in the cyber protection industry, has recently unveiled its highly anticipated findings from the Acronis Cyberthreats Report for the second half of 2023. This comprehensive analysis, based on data collected from over a million endpoints across 15 countries, sheds light on the escalating threat landscape faced by organizations worldwide.
The report highlights a significant surge in AI-enhanced phishing attacks, affecting over 90% of organizations surveyed. This alarming trend has led to a staggering 222% increase in email attacks compared to the previous year. Despite efforts to combat cyber threats, the prevalence of sophisticated phishing techniques remains a major concern for businesses of all sizes.
Persistent threat of ransomware
While the number of ransomware variants and new groups may be declining, the report underscores the persistent threat posed by notorious ransomware families. These attacks continue to wreak havoc on companies globally, resulting in data breaches and financial losses. The absence of robust security solutions to detect zero-day vulnerabilities exacerbates the risk, leaving organizations vulnerable to exploitation by threat actors.
Managed service providers (MSPs) play a crucial role in centralizing services for numerous businesses. However, their scaling efficiencies also make them a prime target for cybercriminals. The report warns that MSPs are increasingly becoming a single point of failure, enabling threat actors to exploit multiple entities through a single attack. Advanced tactics such as supply chain attacks and AI-driven incursions pose unique challenges to MSP operations, necessitating heightened security measures.
Global impact and regional insights
The Acronis Cyberthreats Report provides valuable insights into the global impact of cyber threats while highlighting regional trends. Countries like Singapore, Spain, and Brazil have emerged as hotspots for malware attacks, underscoring the need for targeted cybersecurity measures. Despite a decrease in blocked URLs, a significant portion of received emails are still identified as spam, with some containing malware or phishing links. Notable ransomware cases attributed to groups like LockBit and Play further emphasize the need for vigilance against evolving threats.
Candid West, Acronis VP of Product Management, warns about cybercriminals’ increasing use of AI to automate and enhance attacks. He emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize comprehensive cyber protection solutions to ensure business continuity.
Michael Suby, Research VP at IDC, underscores the global threats businesses face and the continued profitability of bad actors in the cyber realm. He emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and implementing effective cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks effectively.
The Acronis Cyberthreats Report serves as an industry benchmark for cybersecurity intelligence, providing valuable insights for Acronis users and partners. Curated by the advanced Acronis Cyber Protection Operation Center, the report encompasses data on ransomware threats, phishing, malicious websites, software vulnerabilities, and a security forecast for 2024. As organizations continue to navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape, proactive measures and robust cybersecurity strategies are essential to ensure business continuity and mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats.
The findings of the Acronis Cyberthreats Report for H2 2023 underscore the urgent need for organizations to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. With cyberattacks on the rise and threat actors employing increasingly sophisticated techniques, proactive measures and comprehensive cyber protection solutions are crucial to safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining business continuity in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
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