Check Point Software unveils 2024 Security Report

Highpoints from the report include an analysis on the pervasiveness of ransomware and how defenders are fighting back against AI-powered cyberattacks.

  • Monday, 26th February 2024 Posted 1 year ago in by Phil Alsop

Check Point Research (CPR) has released its much-anticipated 2024 Annual Security Report. This year's edition delves into the increasing complexity of cyber threats, with a special focus on the dramatic rise in ransomware incidents and the strategic use of AI in cybersecurity defences.

Reflecting on a year marked by significant cyber turmoil, the report highlights a 90% increase in publicly extorted victims of ransomware attacks. Such ransomware attacks now account for 10% of all malware detected by Check Point’s sensors. The Check Point Incident Response Team (CPIRT) observed that nearly half of their cases involved ransomware, with the number of publicly shamed victims soaring to approximately 5,000, doubling from the previous year.

Key Findings of the 2024 Security Report include:

• Ransomware Evolution: Attackers have refined their strategies, leveraging zero-day vulnerabilities and enhancing Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) with new extortion tactics. High-value targets are increasingly in the crosshairs, demonstrating the need for robust defence mechanisms.

• Targeting Edge Devices: The report identifies a growing trend in attacks on edge devices, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive security measures that encompass all network elements.

• Rise in Hacktivism: State-supported hacktivism has escalated, with notable increases in cyber activities tied to geopolitical conflicts. The use of destructive wipers for maximum impact underscores the evolving nature of cyber warfare.

Maya Horowitz, VP of Research at Check Point commented, “In an era of relentless innovation in cybercrime and accumulating tensions involving nation-state threat actors and hacktivists globally, organisations must adapt. Investing in stronger defences with robust AI-powered and cloud-delivered cyber security measures, and proactively fostering collaboration, is key to effectively safeguarding against these evolving dangers.” 

Abzorb launches a Mobile Masterclass to empower UK channel partners to integrate mobile as a core business offering.

Tool sprawl: The quiet culprit behind MSP burnout

Posted 1 day ago by Aaron Sandhu
A Heimdal study reveals how the proliferation of security tools overwhelms and exhausts North American MSPs, leading to significant operational...
StorONE's platform allows Storage Guardian to consolidate its infrastructure and boost efficiency, dramatically reducing its data centre footprint.
New research indicates organisations face hurdles in securing applications across diverse cloud environments, highlighting a need for unified...
Flexera introduces a new platform for comprehensive SaaS discovery, optimisation, and control, addressing challenges such as shadow AI and fragmented...
SolarWinds report suggests IT leaders underestimate the impact of broken processes and limited staff.
CISPE appeals Broadcom's VMware acquisition approval, citing competition risks and exclusion of smaller providers.
Red Hat introduces updates to streamline partner interactions, focusing on specialisation and demand generation for enhanced synergy.