Today: Feb 12, 2025

BlackBerry reports alarming surge in cyberattacks: 600,000 strikes on critical infrastructure in Q3

BlackBerry’s latest report reveals a staggering 600,000 cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in just three months, with nearly half targeting the financial sector. Emerging threats like AI-driven scams and ransomware are on the rise, posing global risks to essential systems.
The Coyote banking trojan | Illustrations BlackBerry
4 weeks ago

Cybersecurity titan BlackBerry has sounded the alarm, revealing a staggering 600,000 cyberattacks on critical infrastructure between July and September 2024, as detailed in their latest Global Threat Intelligence Report. Even more unsettling, 45% of these attacks targeted the financial sector, underscoring the evolving methods of cybercriminals and the vulnerability of vital systems.

The report also shed light on the broader scope of cyber threats, detecting 430,000 attacks on commercial enterprises. These figures highlight a clear trend: cybercriminals are relentlessly targeting sectors critical to societal stability and economic health.

“It’s not just about the volume of attacks but the increasing sophistication behind them,” explained Ismael Valenzuela, Vice President of Threat Research & Intelligence at BlackBerry. “Our attack surface has never been wider, but we’ve also never been better prepared.”

Valenzuela’s optimism stems from the tools and technologies that are evolving to counteract these threats. However, the numbers paint a stark picture of the stakes involved. Critical infrastructure—encompassing energy grids, healthcare systems, transportation, and more—is the backbone of modern life. A successful attack on these systems could have catastrophic consequences, from widespread outages to economic destabilization.

This quarter’s report provides a closer look at some lesser-known, yet highly dangerous, cybercriminal groups. Names like RansomHub and Hunter’s International may not ring a bell for most, but their activities are raising red flags within cybersecurity circles. Additionally, threats like Lynx ransomware and the Coyote banking trojan represent the evolving arsenal of cyber adversaries.

One chilling revelation: deepfake threats are surging. These AI-driven scams are no longer confined to fake videos of celebrities; they’re being weaponized for fraud and infiltration. The report highlights emerging regulations, such as the U.S. No AI Fraud Act and Canada’s non-consensual media legislation, aimed at curbing these abuses.

Cybercrime isn’t limited to one region; it’s a global epidemic. According to BlackBerry’s telemetry, North America and Latin America remain the most targeted regions, facing both the highest volume of attacks and the most unique strains of malware. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions follow closely behind, reflecting the global reach of cybercriminal networks.

Adding to the complexity are geopolitical influences. The report highlights disturbing trends, including the use of cybercrime in human trafficking rings in Southeast Asia and North Korean operatives employing deepfakes to infiltrate Western IT companies.

The report emphasizes its continued collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (NC3). Together, they are pooling resources to tackle challenges like ransomware and the growing sophistication of cyber espionage campaigns.

This partnership underscores the importance of intelligence sharing. As Valenzuela pointed out, the fight against cybercrime requires a united front: “Threat actors are global, and so must our defenses be.”

Cybersecurity might seem like a problem for IT teams, but the reality is far more personal. From financial systems to personal devices, the ripple effects of these attacks touch us all. Consider this: the report also examines vulnerabilities in telecommunications infrastructure, including strategies to better protect personal devices. In an era of remote work and constant connectivity, these insights are more crucial than ever.

The good news? Progress is being made. Advanced cybersecurity tools, bolstered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), are helping organizations detect and mitigate threats faster than ever. However, as technology evolves, so do the methods of cybercriminals.

To learn more, BlackBerry is hosting a Global Threat Intelligence Report Deep Dive webinar on January 29, 2025. This event offers an opportunity to gain further insights and practical advice for staying secure in an increasingly connected world.

BlackBerry’s report is both a warning and a rallying cry. With critical infrastructure under siege and cyber threats growing in complexity, there’s never been a more important time to prioritize cybersecurity at all levels—government, corporate, and individual.

 

Fabrice Iranzi

Journalist and Project Leader at LionHerald, strong passion in tech and new ideas, serving Digital Company Builders in UK and beyond
E-mail: iranzi@lionherald.com

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