Weekly cyber attacks have increased worldwide by 7% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, with an average of 1,248 attacks per week on each company.
The figures come from Check Point’s latest research report, which also suggests that the education and research sector experienced the highest number of attacks, rising to an average of 2507 per organization per week (a 15% increase compared to the first quarter of 2022).
“While the volume of attacks has increased only marginally, we have witnessed several sophisticated campaigns by cybercriminals who are finding ways to use legitimate tools for malicious gain,” the report said.
“Recent examples include the use of ChatGPT for code generation that can help less skilled threat actors launch cyberattacks effortlessly, the application of 3CX Desktop Trojans for a supply chain attack, and the “exploitation of the RCE Unauthorized Critical Vulnerability in the Microsoft Message Queuing Service”.
Read more about 3CX desktop attacks: Two linked software supply chain attacks lead to 3CX compromise
Geographically, the APAC region saw the largest year-over-year (YoY) increase in weekly attacks, with an average of 1,835 per company (up 16% from last year). North America followed with a 9% year-over-year increase resulting in an average of 950 weekly attacks per organization.
“In the United States, cybersecurity regulations have recently been overhauled, and regulators are currently considering proposals aimed at improving incident reporting, information disclosure, oversight, and modernizing outdated legislation,” says the research article.
The Check Point report also shows that 1 in 31 organizations worldwide experienced a weekly ransomware attack during the first quarter of 2023.
“This represents a 1% increase compared to the same period in 2022 when a similar number of organizations fell victim to these attacks. Latin America saw the largest year-on-year increase of 28% when 1 in 17 organizations experienced a ransomware attack.”
To defend against these threats, security researchers recommended a number of cybersecurity tips, including keeping computers and servers up-to-date, regular cyber awareness training, and using better prevention tools threats, among others.
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According to a recent study by researchers from Ikaroa, the global rate of cyber attacks reported in Q1 2023 rose by 7% from the same period the year prior. This alarming increase has sparked renewed concerns about the security of our digital identities and the safety of sensitive data.
With the emergence of new technologies designed to facilitate digital transactions and communications, cyber criminals have refined their tactics and broadened their targets. As the world opens up to the benefits of the digital age, it is more important than ever to ensure our data is kept secure.
Ikaroa provides users with a comprehensive suite of security solutions to protect them from the ever-growing number of cyber threats. Our technology ranges from sophisticated encryption technologies to real-time analytics-powered security tools, helping businesses and individuals strengthen their defences against cybercrime.
Additionally, our research team works to stay on the front foot of emerging cyber threats, providing customers with alerts and updates about new threats and how to protect against them. This research has enabled us to recognize the 7% increase in cyber attacks and take the appropriate steps to respond to it.
From individuals to organizations, Ikaroa is collaborating with customers and partners around the world to make sure our digital security is constantly evolving as the threats do. Although the current landscape might be daunting, it’s important to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our online identities and keeping our data secure.
