In a very delicate socio-economic context, 2022 has been a very complicated year also for cybersecurity. Attacks related to the Ukrainian war and ransomware have been undisputed protagonists.
Ransomware has been in the limelight in 2022 and will continue to be so next year
So says the security firm Check Point, which warns about the increase in threats that has occurred this year and will continue to occur in 2023 for sure. In this regard, we can outline five trends that have marked 2022 and that will undoubtedly have to be taken very much into account in the face of 2023. They are as follows:
1. Increase in ransomware. One in 40 companies is impacted by ransomware as of July 2022 on average worldwide. This is an increase of 59% over the previous year, and the trend is set to continue. Both small businesses and large companies recorded attacks of this type, with an alarming 182% increase compared to the same period last year.
The education/research sector is the most targeted sector globally, with an average of more than 2,300 attacks per agency each week, up 53% compared to Q2 2021. Therefore, in the coming year precautions must be taken to avoid the impact of this type of attack, which is becoming increasingly widespread and is managing to do greater damage. To mitigate its effects, it is important to back up data, keep systems updated and train employees in cybersecurity.
2. Cloud environment at risk: Managing the complexity of securing their cloud infrastructures across multiple platforms is a challenge for enterprises, which are also suffering from a shortage of knowledge and skills in this area. As the transition to the cloud accelerates, the ability to streamline their security becomes vital. 75% of companies would like to have a single platform with a dashboard to protect their data, but the reality is that 80% of companies have to juggle three or more separate solution dashboards to configure cloud infrastructure.
3. Increase in constant cyber-attacks: In 2022 there has been a 28% increase in weekly cyber-attacks. It is increasingly important to have a good cybersecurity system in place to avoid any type of risk.
4. Phishing continues to increase: Microsoft, DHL or Google have been among the most impersonated brands in Spain throughout the year, likewise, social networks have consolidated this year among the three most impersonated sectors, as WhatsApp and LinkedIn have been placed at the top of the list of the 10 most plagiarized brands.
5. The hybrid workspace: Since the introduction of teleworking, the intensity of cyber-attacks has increased, exposing companies to new vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals are well aware that most institutions and companies do not have the necessary tools and may be slow to identify and remediate any type of threat with the benefit that this entails for them.
