Security News > 2021 > December > Cybercriminals shifting focus: IT sector most targeted in 2021

Darktrace reported that the IT and communications sector was globally the most targeted industry by cybercriminals in 2021.

Attackers could then launch ransomware attacks against the clients of the backup vendor, preventing recovery and forcing payment.

In 2020, the most attacked industry was the financial and insurance sector, showing that cyber-criminals have shifted their focus over the last 12 months.

"Over the last 12 months, it is clear that attackers are relentlessly trying to access the networks of trusted suppliers in the IT and communications sector. Quite simply, it is a better return on investment than, for example, going after one company in the financial services sector. SolarWinds and Kaseya are just two well-known and recent examples of this. Sadly, there is likely to be more in the near term," commented Justin Fier, Darktrace Director for Cyber Intelligence and Analysis.

Over the last 12 months, there has been a continued spate of attacks against the IT and communications sector, including the high-profile attacks on Kaseya and Gitlab.

The most common attempted break-in method was through email, with organizations in the sector receiving an average of 600 unique phishing campaigns a month in 2021.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2021/12/22/cybercriminals-it-sector/