VPNs Under Siege 2024: Review of Cyber Attacks & Major Data Breaches

Attacks Against Networks and VPN Infrastructure in 2024?

2024 witnessed a surge in attacks targeting networks and VPN infrastructure, exploiting vulnerabilities, and employing sophisticated techniques to compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations.??

Key observations include:?

Zero-Day Exploits:?

• Zero-day vulnerabilities in VPN appliances from major vendors like Palo Alto Networks Check Point and Ivanti were actively exploited allowing unauthorized access to private networks, potentially affecting thousands of organizations1.?

• One notable example is the Check Point Quantum Gateway vulnerability (CVE-2024-24919, which attackers exploited to steal Active Directory credentials, facilitating lateral movement within networks1.?

• The severity of these vulnerabilities prompted the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to issue an emergency directive to federal agencies, urging them to disconnect affected VPN devices2.?

• This trend highlights the increasing challenge of securing against zero-day exploits and the need for proactive security measures that go beyond traditional reactive approaches1.?

Brute-Force Attacks and Anonymization:?

• Threat actors launched brute-force attacks against VPN and SSH providers, often using anonymization tools like TOR and various proxy services to obfuscate their origins3.?

• These attacks demonstrate the persistence of attackers and their ability to leverage readily available tools to mask their activities.?

Exploitation of VPNs for Ransomware and Other Attacks:?

• VPNs became a primary attack vector for ransomware campaigns, with attackers exploiting vulnerabilities to gain initial access and move laterally within networks4.?

• In addition to ransomware, attackers exploited VPN vulnerabilities to deliver malware and launch DDoS attacks, highlighting the diverse range of threats associated with VPNs2.?

Targeting of Network Infrastructure:?

• Internet-facing management interfaces of network devices, including firewalls, were increasingly targeted by attackers seeking to gain administrative control and exploit vulnerabilities1.?

• DDoS attacks also targeted network infrastructure, aiming to disrupt services and potentially compromise data5.?

China-Backed Cyberattacks:?

• Reports indicate an increase in cyberattacks attributed to China-backed actors, targeting critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and high-value targets1.?

• These attacks highlight the growing threat from nation-state actors and the need for robust security measures to protect against sophisticated adversaries.?

Statistics on Network and VPN Attacks in 2024?

The following table presents statistics that highlight the growing impact of cyberattacks targeting networks and VPNs:?

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What should you do??

Based on the provided statistics, security practitioners should take the following steps:?

1. Prioritize VPN security: With 56% of organizations experiencing VPN-related cyberattacks and 91% expressing concerns about VPN security, it is essential to implement robust next-generation VPN security measures that Dispersive provides.?

1. Implement zero-trust strategies: As 78% of organizations plan to implement zero-trust strategies, this is an excellent opportunity for practitioners to adopt a more secure approach by verifying the identity of all users and devices before granting access to sensitive resources, ask Dispersive sales how we can help.?

1. Monitor for ransomware attacks: With ransomware being one of the top threats exploiting VPN vulnerabilities (42%), it is crucial to stay vigilant in monitoring networks for signs of ransomware activity, such as unusual network traffic or suspicious user behavior.?

1. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing: The 30% increase in malware attacks between 2023 and 2024 indicates a growing threat landscape. Regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited by attackers.?

1. Educate users about phishing threats: Phishing is the primary cause of data breaches (80-95%), so it is essential to educate users on how to recognize and avoid phishing attacks, including those that may be launched through VPNs.?

1. Invest in incident response planning: With over 7 billion records exposed in data breaches, having a robust incident response plan in place is crucial for minimizing the impact of a breach when it occurs.?

1. Implement security measures to prevent DDoS attacks: As DDoS attacks are another top threat exploiting VPN vulnerabilities (30%), consider implementing security measures such as rate limiting and IP blocking to mitigate these types of attacks.?

1. Monitor data breaches closely: The average cost of a data breach in 2024 is $4.88 million, highlighting the importance of monitoring for signs of data breaches and taking swift action when they occur.?

1. Stay up to date with security patches and updates: With an increase in malware attacks between 2023 and 2024 (30%), it is essential to stay current with the latest security patches and updates for all systems, including the latest generation of preemptive defense VPNs that Dispersive provides, to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.?

1. Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy: By addressing these statistics and implementing robust security measures, organizations can reduce their risk exposure and protect against diverse types of cyber threats.?

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Biggest Breaches and Attacks From 2024?

Ivanti VPN Zero-Day Exploits (January 2024):?

• Exploit: Two high-severity zero-day vulnerabilities were disclosed in Ivanti's Connect Secure VPNs. Threat actors exploited these vulnerabilities to compromise thousands of devices, including those used by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Mitre.?

Microsoft Executive Account Breach (February 2024):?

• Exploit: Attackers used password-spray attacks and OAuth application exploitation to gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, including internal email. The threat actor identified was Midnight Blizzard (NOBELIUM), a Russian state-sponsored group.?

Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack (February 2024):?

• Exploit: A ransomware attack disrupted the U.S. healthcare system by preventing pharmacies and hospitals from processing claims and receiving payments. The attackers demanded a $22 million ransom.?

Ascension Health System Ransomware Attack (May 2024):?

• Exploit: The health system was forced to divert emergency care from some of its hospitals due to a ransomware attack. The attackers aimed to extort money by causing significant disruption.?

CDK Global Ransomware Attack (June 2024):?

• Exploit: This attack disrupted thousands of car dealerships that rely on CDK Global's platform. The attackers demanded a ransom to restore services.?

? 8 Telecoms Breached by Chinese Hackers (December 2024)?

• The White House announced that hackers had breached at least eight US telecommunications provider’s networks with a focus on espionage, spying on specific political targets and spanning across at least 12 countries worldwide. Further warnings from FBI and CISA recommended no longer to use SMS messaging.?

What should you do??

“Dispersive Stealth Networking and Safe Haven Access for Enclaves, DMZs and Zones can help protect against these types of attacks.” ?

- Lawrence Pingree - VP Technical Marketing??

Ivanti VPN Zero-Day Exploits (January 2024)?

• Zero-Trust Architecture: Continuously verify remote access users and devices to ensure only authorized access.?

• Quantum-Resistant Encryption: Secure data against future quantum computing threats.?

• Dynamic Multipath Routing: Route data through multiple paths simultaneously, reducing interception risks.?

Microsoft Executive Account Breach (February 2024)?

• Zero-Trust Architecture: Continuously verify remote access users and devices to ensure only authorized access is made to sensitive systems and administrative or development applications.?

• Secure Remote Access: Provide secure and resilient remote access to critical systems.?

Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack (February 2024)?

• Secure Cloud and On-Premises OT/IoT Protection: Create secure zones in the cloud and strengthen network security measures on-premises.?

• Zero-Trust Architecture: Continuously verify remote access users and devices to ensure only authorized access to sensitive environments.?

• Isolate Identity systems to only required trust relationships, not the entire network.?

Ascension Health System Ransomware Attack (May 2024)?

• Secure Cloud and On-Premises with better OT/IoT Protection: Create secure zones in the cloud and strengthen network security measures on-premises.?

• Zero-Trust Architecture: Continuously verify remote access users and devices to ensure only authorized access.?

CDK Global Ransomware Attack (June 2024)?

• Secure Cloud and On-Premises OT/IoT Protection: Create secure zones in the cloud and in your premises environments.?

• Isolate key systems and strengthen user authentication: Move to MFA and consider moving to password-less options like Windows hello.?

What does the CISO have to do??

CISO’s and Security Practitioners Must Replace IPSEC and Eliminate the Attack Surface?

Dispersive can significantly enhance network security amidst the 2024 surge in attacks targeting VPN infrastructure by offering a robust, next-generation alternative to traditional VPNs. Leveraging advanced stealth networking techniques, Dispersive encrypts multiple split data paths and conceals traffic patterns, making it increasingly difficult for attackers to detect and intercept sensitive information. ?

This proactive security posture aligns with the shift towards:?

• Zero-Trust, Safe Haven architecture with Secure Remote Access?

• Mitigation of the risks associated with traditional VPN vulnerabilities by eliminating the exposed VPN attack surface?

• Advancing and upgrading your traditional IPSEC and SSL and moving to preemptive cyber defense-oriented solutions like Dispersive Stealth Networking.?

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Automated Moving Target Network Connectivity?

Dispersive incorporates automated moving target defense (AMTD) capabilities, which continuously adapts and rolls its multipath traffic splitting channels and cryptographic keys to evade potential threats. By dynamically reconfiguring traffic channels and encryption protocols, Dispersive creates a constantly shifting "moving target" that makes it challenging for attackers to launch successful attacks. This proactive approach not only provides enhanced protection against sophisticated threats but also enables higher throughput, lower latency, resilience, and operational continuity.?

Dispersive’s innovative solution is particularly effective in countering the growing threat of zero-day exploits, brute-force attacks, and ransomware campaigns. By combining stealth networking with automated MTD capabilities, Dispersive shields sensitive data from cyber threats while ensuring seamless network operations for organizations aiming to safeguard their networks, enclaves and secure remote access and maintain secure communication in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.?

Dispersive Conclusions?

Dispersive offers a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that addresses the growing concern about ransomware, identity systems, zero-trust infrastructure, and VPN security. Leveraging preemptive cyber defense strategies through real-time threat detection and response capabilities powered by advanced machine learning algorithms and AI-powered analytics, our system identifies potential threats before they materialize. Dispersive automated moving target defense feature ensures that sensitive data is constantly shifting across multiple locations, making it increasingly difficult for attackers to pinpoint a single vulnerability and reducing the attack surface. This layered security approach incorporates multiple layers of protection, including network segmentation, encryption, identity-based access control, anomaly detection, and response, providing a proactive and adaptable cybersecurity posture that reduces the risk of VPN-related attacks and promotes a more secure environment.?

Citations and References??

1. Zero-day exploits underscore rising risks for internet-facing interfaces - Security Intelligence, https://securityintelligence.com/news/zero-day-exploits-underscore-rising-risks-for-internet-facing-interfaces/?

2. Unveiling the 2024 VPN Risk Report: Key Vulnerabilities and the Shift to Zero Trust, https://www.cybersecurity-insiders.com/zcaler-threatlabz-2024-vpn-risk-report/?

3. April '24 Brute Force Attacks & VPN Vulnerabilities | OpenVPN Blog, https://openvpn.net/blog/april-2024-vpn-vulnerabilities/?

4. Security Gaps in VPN Infrastructure Drive Ransomware Surge | Cyber Magazine, https://cybermagazine.com/articles/corvus-insurance-vpn-attacks-drive-surge-in-ransomware?

5. 16th International Conference on Cyber Conflict: Over the Horizon 2024 - CCDCOE, https://ccdcoe.org/uploads/2024/05/CyCon_2024_book.pdf?

6. ESPI+ Report - Space, Cyber and Defence: Navigating interdisciplinary challenges, https://www.espi.or.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ESPI-Report_-Space-Cyber-and-Defence-Navigating-Interdisciplinary-Challenges.pdf?

7. Cybersecurity Statistics 2024: Key Insights and Numbers - NordLayer, https://nordlayer.com/blog/cybersecurity-statistics-of-2024/?

8. New VPN Risk Report: 56% of Enterprises Attacked via VPN Vulnerabilities - Zscaler, https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/new-vpn-risk-report-56-enterprises-attacked-vpn-vulnerabilities?

9. 90+ 2024 Cybersecurity Statistics and Trends - JumpCloud, https://jumpcloud.com/blog/cyber-attack-statistics-trends?

10. 47 Cybersecurity Statistics and Trends [updated 2024] - Varonis, https://www.varonis.com/blog/cybersecurity-statistics?

11. Cyber Attack Statistics for 2024: What They Mean for Your Business - Parachute, https://parachute.cloud/cyber-attack-statistics-data-and-trends/?