78% of Organisations Hit by Cyber Attacks in 2024: Trends and Defence Strategies

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Digital Threats and Defences

The digital landscape in 2024 has been marred by an alarming increase in successful cyber attacks, with a staggering 78% of organisations falling victim to at least one such incident. This sobering statistic underscores the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures across all sectors.

Notable Cyber Attacks in 2024

Several high-profile attacks have made headlines this year, showcasing the diverse and evolving nature of cyber threats:

Ransomware Strikes Critical Infrastructure

In February 2024, Change Healthcare, a major US health technology firm, suffered a devastating ransomware attack. The incident caused widespread disruption to the American healthcare system, affecting pharmacies, hospitals, and other medical facilities. The attack prevented many healthcare providers from processing claims and receiving payments, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Exposed

The Ivanti VPN attacks in January 2024 demonstrated the potential for widespread damage through supply chain vulnerabilities. Thousands of Ivanti’s Connect Secure VPN devices were compromised, including those used by the US ?Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This breach underscored the importance of securing not just an organisation’s own systems, but also those of its vendors and partners.

State-Sponsored Threats

Government-backed cyber attacks continued to pose significant threats in 2024. The FBI reported that a China-linked group, known as Volt Typhoon, had compromised hundreds of small office/home office (SOHO) routers in the US. The group targeted critical infrastructure providers in sectors such as communications, energy, water, and transportation.

Common Attack Methods

The cyber attacks of 2024 have employed a variety of sophisticated techniques:

Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing remains the most prevalent form of cyber attack, with 84% of businesses and 83% of charities reporting such incidents. These attacks often involve impersonating organisations in emails or online, tricking recipients into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

Ransomware

Ransomware attacks have continued to evolve, with attackers not only encrypting data but also threatening to leak stolen information. This double extortion tactic puts additional pressure on victims to pay the ransom.

AI-Powered Attacks

The integration of artificial intelligence in cyber attacks has made them more sophisticated and harder to detect. AI-driven malware can adapt to defensive measures and find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities.

IoT Vulnerabilities

As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands, so do the potential entry points for attackers. Inadequately secured IoT devices have been exploited to gain access to broader networks.

Defending Against Cyber Attacks

To combat these growing threats, organisations must adopt a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity:

Implement Zero Trust Architecture

Moving beyond perimeter-based security, a zero trust model treats every access request as potentially hostile. This approach requires continuous verification of users, devices, and networks.

Enhance Employee Training

Given the prevalence of social engineering attacks, comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training for all employees is crucial. This should cover topics such as recognising phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, and reporting suspicious activities.

Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Many successful attacks exploit known vulnerabilities. Implementing a robust patch management system and regularly updating software can significantly reduce an organisation’s attack surface.

Employ Advanced Threat Detection

Utilising AI and machine learning for threat detection can help organisations identify and respond to potential attacks more quickly. These technologies can analyse vast amounts of data in real-time, spotting anomalies that might indicate a breach.

Secure the Supply Chain

Organisations must extend their security considerations to their entire supply chain. This includes conducting thorough vendor assessments and implementing stringent security protocols for all partners with access to sensitive data.

Develop and Test Incident Response Plans

Having a well-prepared incident response plan is crucial for minimising the impact of a successful attack. Regular testing and updating of these plans ensure that organisations can respond swiftly and effectively when breaches occur.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, organisations must remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts. By implementing these defensive measures and staying informed about the latest threats, businesses can better protect themselves against the ever-growing spectrum of cyber attacks in 2024 and beyond.

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Author:?Destiny Young, Chartered IT Practitioner (CitP), MCPN, MNCS, MNIM, MCIA, MIDPMN, MIAENG, Tech Infrastructure, IT Operations &??Cybersecurity?Engineer | Privacy Compliance and Governance – NIST, ISO 27001, SP 800-53 | Risk Management |?Threat Intelligence?| Incidence Response | Network &?Cloud Security?| IAM