Security News > 2023 > March > Covert cyberattacks on the rise as attackers shift tactics for maximum impact

Global malware volume increased 2% year-over-year, but it was jumps in IoT malware and cryptojacking that offset the decline of overall global ransomware volume, signifying a strategic shift.

Threat actors have embraced slower and more stealthy approaches to achieve financially-motivated cyberattacks.

In addition to cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and covert, threat actors are showing clear preferences for certain techniques, with notable shifts toward weak IoT devices, cryptojacking and potentially soft targets like schools and hospitals.

While ransomware continues to be a threat, SonicWall Capture Labs threat researchers expect more state-sponsored activity targeting a broader set of victims in 2023, including SMBs and enterprises.

Ransomware - Although overall ransomware numbers saw a 21% decline globally, the total volume in 2022 was higher than 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Cryptojacking - Use of cryptojacking as a 'low and slow' approach continued to surge, rising 43% globally, which is the most SonicWall Capture Labs threat researchers have recorded in a single year.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/03/01/shifting-attack-strategies/