In the first half of 2024 [1] [2] [3], cyberattacks in the US have increased significantly, with a focus on various sectors such as manufacturing, professional services [1] [2] [3], healthcare [1] [2] [3], and technology [1].
Description
In the first half of 2024 [1] [2] [3], cyberattacks in the US saw a significant increase, with over 3438 high and critical alerts recorded [1], marking a 46.15% rise compared to the previous year [1]. The manufacturing and industrial products sector was the most targeted [1], with 377 confirmed incidents of ransomware and database leaks [2] [3]. Professional services [1] [2] [3], including legal services and supply chains [1], also experienced a rise in cyber-attacks. The technology sector saw a decrease in incidents [1], while healthcare and life sciences witnessed a surge in ransomware and database leaks [1], including attacks on Change Healthcare [1] [3].
Emerging threats include a continued increase in breaches and ransomware attacks [1], with a focus on healthcare [1], critical infrastructure [1], and supply chains [1] [2] [3]. Business email compromise attacks are shifting towards smaller businesses [1] [2], with a 3000% spike in deepfake fraud attempts [1] [2]. Open-source repositories are being abused for repo confusion and supply chain attacks [1].
To mitigate future attacks [1], organizations are advised to adopt a zero-trust security model [1], enforce least-privilege access [1], integrate real-time threat intelligence [1], and continuously monitor for vulnerabilities and threats [1]. SlashNext’s CTO [1], Stephen Kowski [1], predicts more targeted attacks on critical infrastructure [1], increased use of AI for evasion [1], and expansion of double extortion tactics [1].
Conclusion
The increase in cyberattacks in the US in the first half of 2024 poses significant risks to various sectors. Organizations must take proactive measures to enhance their cybersecurity defenses and prepare for more sophisticated and targeted attacks in the future.
References
[1] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/3400-high-threats-recorded/
[2] https://siliconangle.com/2024/08/22/cyberthreat-report-critical-start-shows-significant-uptick-ransomware-data-leaks/
[3] https://betanews.com/2024/08/22/manufacturing-and-industrial-sectors-most-targeted-by-attackers/
