The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with AI now empowering hackers to breach systems faster than ever, often in under an hour, according to a new report from ReliaQuest. This alarming trend, coupled with a shift from ransomware to data theft, poses significant challenges for businesses striving to protect sensitive information. The report also highlights the increasing prevalence of phone-based scams and phishing attacks, forcing organizations to rethink their security strategies.
ReliaQuest’s research reveals a notable shift in hacker tactics. Rather than encrypting data and demanding ransoms, attackers are increasingly focused on stealing and selling data, finding it a more profitable approach. The report indicates that 80% of breaches now involve data theft, while only 20% include data encryption. This change suggests that companies are becoming less willing to pay ransoms, especially given the low data recovery rate of around 7%. Phishing remains the primary method for data theft, with 30% of attacks involving credential theft. The use of AI allows hackers to steal data in as little as four hours and encrypt it in six.
Another growing threat is voice phishing, also known as vishing, which now accounts for 14% of breaches. This tactic primarily targets the manufacturing sector, likely due to frequent IT interactions and potentially more permissive help desk policies. The report underscores the need for increased vigilance and robust security measures to combat this rising threat.
However, the report also offers a glimmer of hope. Defenders are making strides in leveraging AI and automation to counter these sophisticated attacks. ReliaQuest reports that its AI-driven solutions enable customers to contain threats in a mere three minutes. As attack methods evolve, it’s crucial for organizations to continually improve their defenses.
To enhance cybersecurity posture, ReliaQuest recommends three key steps: integrating AI and automation into security operations, fortifying common entry points, and eliminating security blind spots. By adopting these measures, organizations can bolster their security strategies and improve their ability to detect and respond to threats effectively.
The report emphasizes the importance of proactive security measures in today’s dynamic threat landscape. ReliaQuest’s commitment to helping organizations strengthen their security and improve threat detection and response provides a valuable resource in the ongoing battle against cybercrime. The increasing speed and sophistication of AI-powered attacks necessitate a proactive and adaptive approach to cybersecurity.
