2023 Mid-Year Cyber Security Report: Report Reveals 48 Ransomware Groups Have Breached Over 2,200 Victims

Old meets New as USB Devices and Artificial Intelligence are Exploited by Cybercriminals

The world of cybersecurity is constantly in flux, and understanding this ever-changing landscape is essential for businesses aiming to stay one step ahead of potential threats. The release of our 2023 Mid-Year Security Report shows some alarming trends, and novel insights into the ongoing war between cyber defense and cybercrime. The findings are based on data drawn from the Check Point ThreatCloud Cyber-Threat Map, which looks at the key tactics cybercriminals are using to carry out their attacks between January and June 2023.

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A Major Surge in Cyber Attacks

In the report, the Check Point Research (CPR) team points to a notable resurgence in cyber-attacks across the globe. The second quarter of the year alone saw an 8% rise in weekly cyber attacks – marking the most significant surge in the last two years. This startling trend illustrates the persistent and evolving nature of cyber threats, underscoring the need for businesses to continually adapt their security strategies.

Cybercriminals: Masters of Old and New

CPR’s report also sheds light on the fact that cybercriminals are not only exploiting the latest technologies but also turning to well-known vulnerabilities in established software to carry out their malicious activities. It´s not just the latest technology like AI that we need to be concerned about when it comes to cybersecurity. Cybercriminals are skillfully blending old and new techniques, creating a formidable challenge for security teams worldwide.

The Unsettling Evolution of Ransomware

One of the most chilling revelations from the report is the evolving landscape of ransomware. Data derived from over 120 ransomware “shame-sites” revealed that in the first half of 2023, a total of 48 ransomware groups reported breaching and publicly extorting more than 2,200 victims. It’s not just the veterans like Lockbit, Alphv, and Cl0p that are behind these attacks. New groups, including Royal, Play, BianLian, and BlackBasta, have emerged, increasing the threat landscape complexity.

Despite these concerning trends, CPR’s report isn’t all doom and gloom. It also offers hope, highlighting how AI-driven defenses can help organizations protect against both old and new threats. AI has the potential to identify anomalies and detect previously unseen attack patterns, mitigating potential risks before they escalate.

Cybersecurity: A Dynamic Battlefield

The key takeaway from CPR’s 2023 Mid-Year Security Report is that cybersecurity is a dynamic battlefield. It underscores the need for organizations to evolve their security strategies in tandem with the shifting threat landscape, employing a combination of the latest AI-driven defenses and a deep understanding of older vulnerabilities.

Check Point’s commitment to providing end to end cybersecurity solutions remains unwavering. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, so will our strategies and technologies to protect organizations worldwide. The full report is available here.

For more insights into cybersecurity, follow Check Point Research via Twitter.

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