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 11 months 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.” 

Global AI adoption to surge 20%

Posted 3 days ago by Phil Alsop
AI adoption has skyrocketed over the past years as businesses and individuals increasingly integrate AI-powered tools into everyday life. In 2020,...

Sovereign Cloud market surges

Posted 3 days ago by Phil Alsop
Broadcom reveals new research on the state of sovereign cloud in Europe from Johan David Michels of Queen Mary University of London. Michels’...
Other key findings include a resurgence of cryptomining malware, an increase in signature-based and social engineering attacks, and increased malware...
Lack of expertise is the top barrier to AI adoption.

AI adoption hesitancy

Posted 4 days ago by Phil Alsop
A new industry report on compliance in the UK reveals a striking paradox: while 58% of businesses cite manual processes as their biggest challenge,...
Threats continue to increase from Q3 level – with manufacturing being most targeted industry.
Cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to fuel a 5 per cent rise in IT spending from European businesses during 2025, according to...

Too many organisations still have no data strategy

Posted 1 week ago by Phil Alsop
Data leaders recognise the need for flexible, department-specific governance to navigate the complexities of AI integration and escalating data...