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.” 

Over 40% of agentic AI projects will be cancelled by the end of 2027, due to escalating costs, unclear business value or inadequate risk controls,...

AI use is outpacing policy and governance, ISACA finds

Posted 20 hours ago by Phil Alsop
The majority (83%) of IT and business professionals in Europe believe employees in their organisation are using AI.

AI and offshore outsourcing on the rise

Posted 23 hours ago by Phil Alsop
Whitelane Research, an independent organisation specialising in IT sourcing research across Europe, has released its 2025 IT Sourcing Study for the...
55% report cloud environments are more complex to secure than on-premises infrastructure.
As demand for data-driven insights increases, data overload could render UK businesses operationally ineffective.

AI use is outpacing policy and governance

Posted 5 days ago by Phil Alsop
The majority (83%) of IT and business professionals in Europe believe employees in their organisation are using AI.

Fierce competition in global AI leadership

Posted 5 days ago by Phil Alsop
More than four out of five of CEOs and IT executives surveyed are driving AI growth for their companies.
Distributor looks to the future and shares channel growth and transformation drivers as it celebrates its 40th birthday.