April 25, 2024 at 05:42PM
Microsoft conducts extensive analysis of cybersecurity trends, identifying five key attack trends: stealth using existing tools, combining cyber and influence operations, targeting SOHO network edge devices, adopting publicly disclosed POCs for access, and specializing within the ransomware economy. Understanding these trends can help organizations prevent future breaches by staying vigilant.
Based on the meeting notes, here are the five attack trends end-user organizations should be monitoring regularly:
1. Achieving Stealth By Avoiding Custom Tools and Malware
– Some threat actor groups are prioritizing stealth by leveraging tools and processes that already exist on their victims’ devices, allowing them to go undetected.
2. Combining Cyber and Influence Operations for Greater Impact
– Nation-state actors are combining cyber operations and influence operations to enhance the impact of their attacks.
3. Creating Covert Networks By Targeting SOHO Network Edge Devices
– Threat actors are abusing small-office/home-office (SOHO) network edge devices to create covert networks, complicating attribution.
4. Rapidly Adopting Publicly Disclosed POCs for Initial Access and Persistence
– Certain nation-state subgroups are rapidly exploiting vulnerabilities in Internet-facing applications by adopting publicly disclosed proof-of-concept (POC) code.
5. Prioritizing Specialization Within the Ransomware Economy
– Threat actors are specializing in specific capabilities and services within the ransomware economy, spreading a ransomware attack across multiple providers.
These trends highlight the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for organizations to stay vigilant and adapt their cybersecurity measures to address these emerging challenges.