Ransomware, use of AI, and rise in cybercrime-as-a-service key threats in the first half of 2023: Report

Summary: Ransomware attacks, the use of AI, and the rise of cybercrime-as-a-service were prominent trends in the cybersecurity space in the first half of 2023, with LockBit ransomware being the most used and AI tools being misused by threat actors to launch cyberattacks.

thehindu.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/23/2023

Artificial Intelligence and USBs Drive 8% Rise in Cyber-Attacks

The 2023 Mid-Year Security Report from Check Point Research reveals an 8% surge in global weekly cyber-attacks during Q2, with an increase in ransomware attacks and the fusion of advanced AI technology with traditional tools being used for disruptive cyber-attacks.

8/28/2023

International ransomware gangs are evolving their techniques. The next generation of hackers will target weaknesses in cryptocurrencies

Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated, with the average ransom payment rising to $1.5 million in the past year, according to a survey by Sophos, while attacks on city governments and police forces often go unnoticed; researchers are now focusing on the next generation of ransomware that may exploit vulnerabilities in cryptocurrencies, such as the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism used in Ethereum, which could be targeted for extortion.

9/4/2023

The chilling rise of AI scams – podcast

Scammers are using AI technology to replicate voices and trick people into thinking their loved ones have been kidnapped in order to extort money from them.

9/8/2023

UK Warns of AI Chatbot Attacks; Global Data Breaches Skyrocket as Cyber Threats Mount

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre has warned against prompt injection attacks on AI chatbots, highlighting the vulnerability of large language models to inputs that can manipulate their behavior and generate offensive or confidential content. Data breaches have also seen a significant increase globally, with a total of 110.8 million accounts leaked in Q2 2023, and the global average cost of a data breach has risen by 15% over the past three years. In other news, Japan's cybersecurity agency was breached by hackers, executive bonuses are increasingly tied to cybersecurity metrics, and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance has detailed how Russian state-sponsored hackers are using Android malware to attack Ukrainian soldiers' devices.

9/17/2023

Las Vegas Casinos Face Ongoing Security Threats from Hackers, Criminals

The recent cyberattack on MGM Resorts and the payment of ransom by Caesars Entertainment highlight the evolving methods used by cyber criminals to target casinos, emphasizing the need for constant evolution of security systems and protocols in the gaming industry.

9/18/2023

FBI Warns of Growing Threat from Criminals and Adversaries Exploiting AI While U.S. Struggles With Ethical Use

Adversaries and criminal groups are exploiting artificial intelligence (AI) technology to carry out malicious activities, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray, who warned that while AI can automate tasks for law-abiding citizens, it also enables the creation of deepfakes and malicious code, posing a threat to US citizens. The FBI is working to identify and track those misusing AI, but is cautious about using it themselves. Other US security agencies, however, are already utilizing AI to combat various threats, while concerns about China's use of AI for misinformation and propaganda are growing.

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Posted 8/23/2023, 8:45:00 AM