Security News > 2024 > August > Email attacks skyrocket 293%

Email attacks have surged by 293% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to Acronis.

Of note, attack vectors including phishing and social engineering, vulnerability exploits, credential compromises and supply chain attacks were highlighted as the most successful techniques used to breach MSPs' cybersecurity defenses.

The most common AI-generated attacks that were detected include malicious emails, deepfake business email compromise, deepfake extortions, KYC bypass, and script and malware generation.

MSPs were under consistent attack from January to May 2024, with data revealing email phishing campaigns were the most used by attackers.

Organizations experienced a surge in email communications, with the number of emails per organization increasing by 25%. The rise in email volume coincided with a 47% increase in email attacks targeting organizations.

Cybercriminals continue to leverage malicious AI tools like WormGPT and FraudGPT. While AI can assist attackers at every stage of the cyberattack kill chain, it can also be used as a defense mechanism as it allows for around the clock detection of attacks and reports them to experts to take appropriate response actions to ensure smooth business continuity.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/08/06/email-attacks-h1-2024/