Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve at an alarming rate, with AI-enhanced phishing attacks emerging as a significant concern for organisations worldwide.
According to the latest cyber threats report from Acronis, a leading cyber protection firm, a staggering 91.1% of organisations across 15 key countries have been impacted by AI-enhanced phishing attacks. This surge in sophisticated cyber threats underscores the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against emerging challenges.
AI-Enhanced attacks surge by 54%
The Acronis report reveals a concerning trend of escalating cyber attacks, with organisations experiencing a 54% increase in the number of attacks per organisation. Since the public release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and similar generative AI systems, the use of AI for cyber-attacks has seen a considerable uptick.
AI-enhanced phishing attacks alone contributed to a 222% surge in email attacks in 2023 compared to the previous year. Candid Wüest, VP of product management at Acronis, warns that bad actors are leveraging AI technology to enhance the efficiency and sophistication of their cyber attacks, posing a significant threat to businesses worldwide.
Unique threats facing MSPs
Managed service providers (MSPs) face unique challenges in combating cyber threats, including the risk of ‘island hopping’ and ‘credential stuffing’. Island hopping involves attackers exploiting an MSP’s infrastructure to target its clients, while credential stuffing exploits an MSP’s broad access to systems.
As these tactics become more prevalent, MSPs must preparefthemselves with comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to mitigate risks and protect their clients’ data.
Continued profit for bad actors
Michael Suby, research VP at IDC, underscores the profitability of cybercrime, with bad actors leveraging AI-enhanced techniques to create increasingly convincing phishing schemes.
Despite efforts to combat cyber threats, the report highlights a lack of strong security solutions to detect the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities, leaving organisations vulnerable to attacks.
This vulnerability is further exacerbated by delays in patching vulnerable software, enabling threat actors to gain domain administrative rights and infiltrate sensitive information.
Addressing concerns through training and certification
In response to growing cybersecurity challenges, Acronis is taking proactive steps to empower organisations and MSPs to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities.
Through its MSP Academy, Acronis offers training and certification programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively combat cyber threats. By investing in cybersecurity training and education, organisations can bolster their defenses against evolving cyber threats and safeguard their critical assets
