Security News > 2023 > August > 1 in 100 emails is malicious

As a result of growing access to easy-to-use generative AI tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, malicious actors can now attempt more sophisticated attacks with alarming simplicity and regularity.

Email continued to be the main vector for delivering malicious content, with as many as 1 in every 100 emails sent in the first half of 2023 found to be malicious.

Phishing remains the most widespread threat type across all channels, accounting for 70% of all attacks.

Malware accounted for 20% of attacks, and BEC constituted 8%. "The continued rise in cyberattacks of all forms, particularly phishing and BEC powered by generative AI, emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to enhance organizations' defense mechanisms," said Yoram Salinger, CEO of Perception Point.

"We expect cybercriminals to continue sharpening their tools in order to target a wider range of communication and collaboration channels, which is likely to fuel an unprecedented surge in attacks in 2023. Organizations should adopt proactive security measures and embrace emerging technologies and holistic, managed services to strengthen their ability to prevent and remediate such pernicious cyber threats," added Salinger.

Attack patterns varied across industries, with phishing responsible for 94% of all attacks targeting the Oil & Gas sector, 24% of attacks on Industrial companies was malware related, while the technology sector was more likely than others to experience BECs and advanced attacks.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/08/02/h1-2023-phishing-bec/