Cloud intrusions have seen a significant increase, with a 75 percent rise and cloud-conscious cases up by 110 percent year-on-year, as per the CrowdStrike 2024 Global Threat Report. According to Roland Daccache, senior manager of systems engineering at CrowdStrike, targeted intrusion actors have been exploiting trusted relationships to gain access to organisations by compromising the software supply chain or leveraging access to vendors supplying IT services. Threat actors targeting third-party relationships are motivated by the potential return on investment, as one compromised organisation can lead to numerous follow-on targets.
AI’s continuous development poses a threat as it can increase the potency of its potential misuse, especially within the scope of information operations. Access brokers, who gain and sell access to organisations for criminal activities, have been a growing concern. These threat actors analyze organizations’ attack surfaces to find vulnerabilities or use social engineering techniques to steal credentials. In 2023, the number of accesses advertised by access brokers increased by 20 percent compared to the previous year. The academic, retail, and professional services sectors were among the most targeted sectors in 2023.
Cyber threats are rapidly increasing due to the widespread use of interactive intrusion techniques. The technology, telecommunications, financial, and government sectors are the most frequently targeted. Interactive intrusion involves cybercriminals impersonating expected user behavior, making it challenging for defenders to differentiate between legitimate and malicious activity. Organizations can protect themselves by prioritizing identity protection, investing in cloud-native application protection platforms, deploying a unified security platform with AI capabilities, fostering a cybersecurity culture among employees, and leveraging efficient cybersecurity solutions.
In conclusion, organizations need to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding against cyber threats by implementing robust security measures and training their employees to identify and mitigate potential risks. With the rise in cloud intrusions and sophisticated cyber attacks, businesses must stay ahead of the curve by investing in advanced security solutions and fostering a culture of cybersecurity within their workforce. By following the recommended tips and staying informed about the latest threat trends, organizations can better protect themselves against evolving cyber threats and minimize the risk of data breaches and financial losses.
