Mobile malware infections and distribution rose during the first quarter of 2020, according to the "Q1 Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) Trends Report" from Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky. Interest in using mobile platforms during malware attacks also is expected to increase among APT groups in the foreseeable future.
Other notable findings from Kaspersky's Q1 APT Trends Report included:
- APT groups such as Kimsuky, APT27, Lazarus and ViciousPanda have used themes related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as lures to target victims.
- Cyberattacks are increasing in Asia, and APT groups are using new campaigns and established threat actors alike during their attacks.
- APT threat actors such as CactusPete and DarkHotel continue to exploit software vulnerabilities.
- Geo-politics is an important driver of APT activity globally, but financial gain also is a motive for some threat actors.
Cybercrime is evolving, and how organizations approach cybersecurity can have far-flung effects. If organizations prepare for known and unknown cyber threats, they may be well-equipped to limit the impact of cyberattacks.
Insider Threat Costs Increasing
Along with APT, insider threats are problematic for global organizations. In fact, the "2020 Cost of Insider Threats: Global Report" from IBM and ObserveIT revealed the average cost of insider threats for a global organization is $11.5 million.
Furthermore, IBM and ObserveIT offered recommendations to help organizations guard against insider threats, such as:
- Manage user access to data
- Perform a risk evaluation across all departments
- Establish consistent, repeatable security processes
MSSPs also can help organizations combat APT and insider threats. They can provide organizations with insights into cyber threats, as well as offer security services and recommendations.
