The H1 2024 Cybersecurity Trends & Insights report from Perception Point sheds light on the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, highlighting a surge in both the sophistication and frequency of attacks. With a 24% increase in attacks per user compared to H1 2023, organizations are facing growing challenges in safeguarding their digital environments. This article delves into the key findings of the report, offering a detailed analysis of the latest trends, statistics, and the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
One of the most significant threats identified in the report is Business Email Compromise (BEC), where cybercriminals impersonate high-level business figures to deceive employees into transferring funds or divulging confidential information. BEC attacks have grown by 42% year-over-year, accounting for 21% of all email attacks in H1 2024, up from 15% in H1 2023. Moreover, Vendor Email Compromise (VEC), a specific type of BEC attack targeting vendor and supply chain communication, has seen a 66% increase over the past year, comprising 2% of all malicious email attacks. These attacks exploit social engineering techniques, emphasizing the need for organizations to bolster their defenses against human vulnerabilities.
Phishing remains the dominant threat across multiple channels, constituting 75% of all malicious emails in H1 2024. Advanced phishing tactics like multi-step phishing have become more prevalent, rising by 175% in 2023. In web-based threats, phishing accounted for 89% of all browser-based attacks, underscoring the critical role of the browser as a vector for cybercriminals to steal personal information from users.
The report also highlights a shift in attack strategies, with a decline in traditional malware attacks and a rise in social engineering tactics like BEC and VEC. Malware-related email threats decreased to 4% of all email attacks in H1 2024, indicating a greater focus on exploiting human vulnerabilities rather than deploying malicious software. Cloud collaboration tools like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Zendesk have become prime targets for cybercriminals, with phishing attacks on these platforms on the rise.
Advanced detection technologies play a crucial role in mitigating these evolving threats. Perception Point’s AI-powered threat prevention platform leverages tools like the Recursive Unpacker and the HAP™ (Hybrid Analysis Pipeline) to identify and neutralize sophisticated email and web-based attacks. These technologies are instrumental in detecting and preventing the most sophisticated cyber threats before they can cause harm.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2024, phishing is expected to remain the most significant threat, while BEC and VEC attacks are projected to continue increasing. As organizations face evolving challenges in cybersecurity, the report underscores the urgency of enhancing defenses to protect against the diverse and complex threats in today’s digital environments. By adapting cybersecurity strategies and implementing robust, multi-layered security solutions, organizations can mitigate risks and safeguard their digital assets effectively.