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WatchGuard Report: Zero-Day Malware, Network Attacks Increase in 4Q18

Zero-day malware and network attacks increased during the fourth quarter of 2018, according to the "Internet Security Report – Q4 2018" from network security solutions provider WatchGuard Technologies.

Key takeaways from the report include:

  • Zero-day malware attacks rose 4 percent quarter over quarter and accounted for 37 percent of all cyber threats in 4Q18.
  • Network attacks increased 46 percent quarter over quarter.
  • Over 1,200 unique network attacks were launched during 4Q18; this is more than double the number of unique network attacks launched during any prior quarter.
  • Overall malware declined 28 percent quarter over quarter and 51 percent year over year.
  • Mimikatz topped all malware attacks and accounted for 18 percent of all malware campaigns.
  • WatchGuard Fireboxes blocked over 16 million malware variants (382 per device) and 1.2 million network attacks (29 per device) in 4Q18.

    • In addition, WatchGuard offered several tips to help organizations combat cyberattacks in 2019, including:

    • Beware phishing attacks. Offer phishing security awareness training to teach employees how to identify phishing scams.
    • Download apps from official marketplaces. Avoid free apps from mobile depositories; instead, only download apps from official marketplaces.
    • Deploy advanced anti-malware solutions. Use machine learning- and artificial intelligence-based anti-malware solutions that offer threat intelligence and other advanced features to quickly identify and address malware attacks.

      • MSSPs can help organizations keep pace with cyberattacks, too. If MSSPs provide phishing security awareness training, anti-malware solutions and other security offerings, they can protect organizations against evolving cyber threats.

      Dan Kobialka

      Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.

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