By MyCena | Posted on: 15 February 2023
Cyberattacks against Ukraine tripled in 2022
Ukraine has seen a threefold increase in cyber-attacks over the past year, with many of them originating from Russia. These attacks have sometimes been used in combination with missile strikes, according to Viktor Zhora, a leading figure in the country's SSSCIP agency. The attacks have often taken the form of destructive wiper malware and have been aimed at Ukraine's critical infrastructure. During a recent visit to the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, Zhora and Ukrainian colleagues discussed how to work together to tackle the Russian threat. A recent analysis by SSSCIP linked cyber-attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure last autumn to Russia's sustained bombing campaign, with the aim of causing maximum disruption to everyday life.
By MyCena | Posted on: 15 February 2023
How ChatGPT is aiding phishing attacks
As ChatGPT becomes more widely used, scammers are likely to apply the technology for phishing attacks, according to experts. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, restricts some misuse of the technology, but Microsoft's plans to incorporate it into Azure AI services could lead to wider use. Chester Wisniewski, a principal research scientist at Sophos, studied how easily ChatGPT can be manipulated for malicious attacks. He found that ChatGPT makes it easier for scammers to launch phishing attacks, writing often more believable phishing lures than real humans can. With the advancement of AI, it's important to consider the potential security risks and what needs to be done to combat malicious use of the technology.
By MyCena | Posted on: 15 February 2023
Cybercrime is the world’s third-largest industry
Cybercrime has become the world's third-largest economy after the US and China, driven by the availability of ransomware-as-a-service and malware sold on the dark web. Even those without technical skills can launch sophisticated attacks by easily accessing these tools online. The rapid adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) has also created security gaps that are being exploited by cybercriminals. The rise in ransom demands, due to high-profile attacks such as the Colonial Pipeline hack, has encouraged more people to enter the market, with cybercrime a growing global issue. According to recent research, the average ransom payout is now over $800,000, with the cybercrime industry set to cost up to $10.5 trillion per year by 2025.
By MyCena | Posted on: 17 January 2023
Cybersecurity the biggest risk for businesses
In 2022, the consequences of the Ukraine-Russia war dominated cybersecurity news. There were attacks on critical infrastructure and corporations, leading to higher energy prices, monetary losses and a less robust supply chain. Overall, it highlighted the potential impact that cyber-attacks can have on the world. As such, as we head into 2023, businesses should take as much care as possible to limit their exposure to potential cyber-attacks. To emphasise the risk, a recent survey found that UK businesses are 85 per cent more likely to suffer a hack now than they were in 2019. Likewise, with insurers offering fewer cyber products and ransoms increasing, the potential for financial damage is greater than ever – making cyber the greatest risk that many companies face in 2023.
By MyCena | Posted on: 17 January 2023
Guardian newspaper hit by ransomware
One of the UK’s most prestigious newspapers has spent weeks trying to recover from a major security incident. Security staff at the Guardian newspaper have been working since mid-December when the breach was found. Since then, the Guardian Media Group’s chief executive, Anna Bateson, has confirmed that they suffered a ransomware attack which stole staff data and took critical services offline. Bateson also explained that the breach was probably caused by stolen credentials from a phishing attack, allowing unauthorised access to specific sections of the Guardian network. While news production was unaffected, staff are still anxiously awaiting investigations into where their personal data may have ended up.
By MyCena | Posted on: 17 January 2023
Companies urged not to overlook corporate network access
The year 2022 was a landmark year for data breaches, and companies could face the same trajectory in 2023 if they overlook corporate network access. In an article for Strategic Risk Europe, MyCena CEO Julia O’Toole presents attacks at Uber, Optus and Medibank as a cautionary tale. She notes the perils of employees having the keys to an organisation’s most valuable assets, and the human error involved in phishing attacks. For 2023 and beyond, organisations should reassess how employees can access their networks.