Ransomware Detections Drop in Q3 2022, But Geographical Shifts Pose New Threats
In the third quarter of 2022, the volume of ransomware detections reached its lowest point in two years, according to data from SonicWall. While this is a positive development, certain geographical regions are now experiencing an increase in attacks as cybercriminals shift their focus away from US organizations.
Global Threat Landscape Revealed
SonicWall, a leading security vendor, utilized its extensive threat detection network, which includes over one million security sensors across more than 200 countries, to provide insights into the current cybersecurity landscape. Despite the decrease in ransomware detections, global malware volumes have remained steady over the past three quarters, totaling over four billion detections so far in 2022.
Although ransomware activity is on the decline compared to the record-breaking numbers seen in 2021, SonicWall still identified 338 million compromise attempts in the first nine months of the year. This total already surpasses the full-year figures from most of the previous five years, indicating that ransomware remains a significant threat.
Geographical Trends in Cyberattacks
While attacks on US organizations decreased by 51% year-on-year, other regions experienced a rise in cyber incidents. The UK saw a 20% increase, EMEA reported a 38% uptick, and APAC witnessed a significant 56% surge in attacks during the same period.
SonicWall’s President and CEO, Bob VanKirk, highlighted the challenges faced by security professionals in the current cyber warfare landscape. He emphasized the evolving nature of threats, the expanding attack surface, and the complexities of the geopolitical environment, all of which contribute to the strain on IT teams.
Emerging Threats: Cryptojacking and IoT Malware
Aside from ransomware, other forms of cyber threats are also on the rise. Cryptojacking detections increased by 35% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2022, with EMEA experiencing a staggering 377% spike and APAC seeing a 160% rise in incidents.
Furthermore, IoT malware detections surged by 92% globally during the same period, with APAC and North America recording increases of 82% and 200%, respectively. These trends underscore the growing complexity and diversity of cyber threats facing organizations worldwide.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, businesses and IT professionals must remain vigilant and proactive in defending against these threats. By staying informed about the latest developments and implementing robust security measures, organizations can mitigate the risks posed by ransomware, cryptojacking, IoT malware, and other cyber threats.