How frequently do cyberattacks occur? How often do threat actors target organizations and governments globally?
Analyzing Real-World Cyberattacks
BlackBerry threat experts examined the flurry of malware-based attacks from December 2022 to February 2023 in their most recent quarterly report. In that time, BlackBerry’s AI-powered endpoint security solution discovered and prevented 1,578,733 malware-based incursions that targeted customers.
90 Days of Cyberattacks# The BlackBerry Threat Research and Intelligence Team compiled the following data from an examination of cyberattacks that were discovered and stopped during the 90-day window:
- Total number of malware-based attacks: 1,578,733
- Number of unique attacks (using previously undetected malware): 200,454
- Average number of cyberattacks per day: 17,280
- Average number of cyberattacks per hour: 720
- Average number of attacks per minute: 12
- Average number of new malware variants per minute: 1.5
Throughout the study period, the number of new malware variants discovered remained largely stable. Many organizations have switched to AI-based EPP (endpoint protection platform) solutions because legacy signature-based antivirus products are only marginally effective against this constant barrage of previously unheard attacks. This has been demonstrated by independent testing.
Most-Targeted Industries
During the study period, the following industries were the most targeted:
- Financial institutions Healthcare facilities, including clinics, hospitals, and medical equipment
- Retailers of food and essentials, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and firms that supply food to other businesses
According to the research, these vertical industries were responsible for 60% of all attacks. Threat experts at BlackBerry also examined the different kinds of malware used against these industries.
According to the research, CylanceEDGE stopped 231,510 malware assaults aimed at the financial services sector, with 2,601 malware-based attacks being attempted daily on average. Unknown malware types were used in 34 different attacks every day.
Of the attempts thwarted, 93,000 were directed at the healthcare sector. These comprised 5,246 different malware samples targeted at the healthcare industry, with BlackBerry technology successfully blocking 59 previously unknown variations every day on average.
The Emotet Trojan, the adversary simulation tool Cobalt Strike, and pervasive ransomware versions like BlackCat were all used more frequently against the healthcare sector during the reporting period, according to the report.
12% of attempted breaches blocked by BlackBerry endpoint security solutions targeted retailers and their supply chains.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Cybersecurity professionals continue to fight an increasing flood of sophisticated, quick-moving cyberthreats across a variety of industries. Shishir Singh, chief technology officer at BlackBerry, claims that the third generation of cybersecurity will be beneficial since it will bring forth more proactive defensive capabilities driven by continued advancements in AI and ML. However, companies are urged to increase their attention on prioritizing current defenses based on contextualized cyber threat information (CTI) as these technologies develop.
Found this article interesting? Follow us on YouTube and Instagram to read more exclusive content we post.