Check Point Study Reveals Surge in Cybercrime

Check Point Software, a San Carlos, California-based cybersecurity company, has issued its mid-year security report uncovering an 8% surge in global weekly cyberattacks in the second quarter: the most significant increase in two years, according to the company’s market research arm. The report highlights how attackers have combined next-gen AI technologies with long-established tools like USB devices to conduct cyberattacks. It also showcases how ransomware attacks have escalated in the first half of the year with new ransomware groups coming into the scene.

During the first half of the year, 48 ransomware groups breached more than 2,200 victims, with Lockbit3 being the most active, reporting a 20% increase in victims compared to H1 2022.

Ransomware groups have exploited vulnerabilities in commonly used corporate software and are shifting their approach from data encryption to data theft. USB Devices have resurfaced as significant threats, with both state-affiliated groups and cybercriminals deploying USB drives as vectors for infecting organizations globally.
Hacktivism has seen a rise, with politically motivated groups launching attacks on selected targets.

Artificial Intelligence misuse has also been amplified, with generative AI tools being used to craft phishing emails, keystroke monitoring malware, and basic ransomware code.

The 2023 Mid-Year Security Report 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. The research team consists of over 100 analysts and researchers cooperating with other security vendors, law enforcement and various CERTs.

Channel Impact^®
Channel partners have a solid opportunity to help organizations build a cyber resiliency strategy and strengthen their defenses by adopting a prevention-first, integrated approach to cybersecurity.