The first quarter of 2024 saw an evolution and continuation of the cyber security challenges that had emerged in 2023, with a marked increase in cyber attacks in various sectors and regions.
Check Point Research shares these new trends and data on the rise of these cyber threats around the world:
- Significant increase in cyber attacks: 28% increase in cyber attacks worldwide in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the last quarter of 2023, with a 5% increase from the corresponding period in 2023. This shows a worrying trend of rapidly escalating cyber threats.
- Similar industries targeted: The Education/Research sector ranks first in targeting with 2454 attacks per organization on a weekly basis, followed by the Government/Military and Healthcare sectors. It is worth noting that the hardware vendor industry saw a 37% increase in attacks year-on-year, which demonstrates a worrying strategic shift in targeting.
- Opposite Geo-Cyber Attacks: Africa saw a 20% year-over-year increase in attacks, while Latin America reported a corresponding 20% decrease, suggesting a changing focus of cybercriminals or regional defense improvements.
- Its impact Ransomware goes on: Europe (64%) and Africa (18%) saw a significant increase in ransomware attacks YoY, but North America remains the most affected, accounting for 59% of the nearly 1000 published attacks from ransomware-shaming sites.
- Puzzle in the field of processing and communications in attacks ransomware: The manufacturing sector was the most affected globally by ransomware with a 96% increase in attacks year-on-year, followed by the healthcare sector with a 63% increase year-on-year. The Communications sector showed the highest annual growth of 177%, likely due to its rapid digital transformation and critical role.
In GREECE 1.104 cyber attacks have been observed in Q1. Compared to last year, there is a 43% increase in the number of attacks, which shows a significant upward trend in the country's cyber security. This trend is an indication of the increased need to strengthen security measures and the preparedness of organizations.
Omer Dembinsky, Data Research Group Manager at Check Point Software:
“As we look at the dynamic cyber threat landscape in the first quarter of 2024, it is clear that our approach to cyber security must be equally dynamic and proactive. The significant increase and volume of cyber attacks in regions such as Europe, Africa and particularly North America, where 59% of known ransomware attacks were concentrated, signals the urgent need for increased vigilance and strong cyber security measures.”
“The impressive 96% year-over-year increase in ransomware attacks in the manufacturing sector and the unprecedented 177% year-over-year increase in the communications sector are indicative of the vulnerabilities introduced by rapid digital transformation and the critical nature of these industries. These figures are not just statistics – they are an urgent call to organizations across all sectors to strengthen their defenses and prioritize cyber security, highlighting the need for adaptive AI defense strategies.”
More information can also be found at Check Point Software blog .
