Ransomware, IoT Threats, and Malware Surge in 2020: SonicWall Cyber Threat Report
Last year marked a significant increase in cyber threats, with ransomware, IoT attacks, new malware, and cryptojacking all on the rise. SonicWall’s latest 2021 Cyber Threat Report has highlighted these alarming trends, calling it a “tipping point” in the ongoing cyber-arms race.
Ransomware on the Rise
Ransomware attacks saw a staggering 62% increase globally, with a 158% surge in North America alone. Sophisticated variants like Ryuk targeted larger organizations with multi-staged attacks, impacting sectors such as retail (365%), healthcare (123%), and government (21%) during the pandemic.
IoT and Malware Threats
IoT malware detections surged by 66%, as attackers aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities in home networks and remote workers. Additionally, there was a 74% increase in previously undetected malware variants, posing a significant challenge for organizations.
Cryptojacking and Office Files
The report also highlighted nearly 82 million cryptojacking detections, a 28% increase from the previous year. This surge was largely driven by the rising value of digital currencies. Malicious Office files saw a 67% increase, surpassing malicious PDFs as the top threat vector, possibly due to the shift towards remote work.
The Need for Vigilance
SonicWall’s CEO, Bill Conner, emphasized the importance of organizations remaining vigilant and proactive in enhancing their cybersecurity defenses. He warned that cyber-criminals operate without any code of conduct and are constantly evolving their tactics to target vulnerable entities.
Conner stated, “Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, with threats that were once considered distant becoming a harsh reality. Cyber-criminals now have access to sophisticated tools that rival the capabilities of nation states or large criminal enterprises.”
Evolution of Intrusion Attempts
The report also noted a shift in intrusion attempts in 2020, with directory traversal tactics taking the top spot at 34%. This marked a significant change from the previous year when remote code execution tied with directory traversal at 21%.
As cyber threats continue to evolve and grow in complexity, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive data and operations in an increasingly digital world.