Nuspire's Cyber Threat Report for Q4 2024 Sees a Surge in Ransomware Activity
In its latest report on cyber threats for the fourth quarter of 2024, Nuspire, a leading managed security service provider under PDI Technologies, reveals alarming trends in ransomware operations. The report indicates a staggering 46% rise in reported ransomware extortions compared to the previous quarter, with the Clop ransomware group emerging as the most active player, outpacing RansomHub. Clop is notorious for its double extortion tactics, exploiting multiple zero-day vulnerabilities which has caused notable impacts on the professional services and technical sectors, remaining the most targeted industries.
Justin Heard, Nuspire's Chief Security Operations Officer, commented on this escalation: "The rise in ransomware extortions signals a concerning evolution of cybercriminal activities. As malicious actors adapt and refine their strategies, organizations need to enhance their proactive threat detection capabilities and incident response strategies. We will continue to monitor this trend into 2025."
- A total of 2,247 ransomware extortion incidents were reported, marking a 46% increase from Q3 2024.
- Clop has surpassed RansomHub to become the most active ransomware group, with Akira, Funksec, and Bashe joining the top five most notorious groups.
- The finance and insurance sectors now rank as the third-most targeted areas, up from fifth place in the prior quarter.
- Exploitation attempts have surged by 72%, with over 29 million events recorded.
- Vulnerabilities linked to Hikvision cameras (CVE-2021-36260) and Bash (CVE-2014-6271) saw significant increases in exploitation attempts by 56% and 77%, respectively.
- Firewall and VPN technologies remain prime targets as cybercriminals attempt to bypass perimeter defenses.
- Listings on dark web marketplaces decreased by 32% compared to Q3 2024, totaling 1,316,660 listings for raw logs and 590,762 listings for credit card information available for purchase.
- The malware information thief, Lumma Stealer, continues to thrive, gathering sensitive data to sell on illicit marketplaces.
Josh Smith, Nuspire's senior threat intelligence analyst, pointed out, "Cybercriminals continue to hone their attack strategies by targeting critical infrastructures and high-value data sources. Organizations must stay vigilant by employing a combination of AI-driven threat intelligence, robust patch management, and employee security training to mitigate these evolving risks."
To assist businesses in countering the latest cyber threats, Nuspire offers the following recommendations:
- Enhance endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to quickly identify and contain ransomware attacks.
- Implement dark web monitoring to catch compromised credentials and data before they can be abused in attacks.
- Timely application of system patches to safeguard against the latest exploitation tactics—especially in remote access technologies.
- Boost cybersecurity awareness to reduce risks associated with phishing-based ransomware infections.
Nuspire's comprehensive examination of cyber threats in Q4 2024 provides invaluable insights for organizations looking to strengthen their defenses in an increasingly hostile digital landscape. To read the full report, visit the Nuspire website or contact their security specialists for tailored advice on improving cybersecurity strategies.
With over 25 years of expertise, PDI Security and Network Solutions (formerly known as Nuspire) is redefining cybersecurity and network management through intelligent unification and unparalleled protection. They offer fully managed security and network services, including managed detection and response (MDR), endpoint detection and response (EDR), firewall as a service, and both 5G and Wi-Fi services. Their technology-agnostic platform integrates human expertise, advanced AI, and innovative technologies, providing holistic visibility into security and network infrastructure. PDI’s highly skilled security experts work continuously to help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats while optimizing their technology investments.
Justin Heard, Nuspire's Chief Security Operations Officer, commented on this escalation: "The rise in ransomware extortions signals a concerning evolution of cybercriminal activities. As malicious actors adapt and refine their strategies, organizations need to enhance their proactive threat detection capabilities and incident response strategies. We will continue to monitor this trend into 2025."
Key Findings of the Q4 2024 Cyber Threat Report
Ransomware Trends
- A total of 2,247 ransomware extortion incidents were reported, marking a 46% increase from Q3 2024.
- Clop has surpassed RansomHub to become the most active ransomware group, with Akira, Funksec, and Bashe joining the top five most notorious groups.
- The finance and insurance sectors now rank as the third-most targeted areas, up from fifth place in the prior quarter.
Exploit Activities
- Exploitation attempts have surged by 72%, with over 29 million events recorded.
- Vulnerabilities linked to Hikvision cameras (CVE-2021-36260) and Bash (CVE-2014-6271) saw significant increases in exploitation attempts by 56% and 77%, respectively.
- Firewall and VPN technologies remain prime targets as cybercriminals attempt to bypass perimeter defenses.
Dark Web Activity
- Listings on dark web marketplaces decreased by 32% compared to Q3 2024, totaling 1,316,660 listings for raw logs and 590,762 listings for credit card information available for purchase.
- The malware information thief, Lumma Stealer, continues to thrive, gathering sensitive data to sell on illicit marketplaces.
Josh Smith, Nuspire's senior threat intelligence analyst, pointed out, "Cybercriminals continue to hone their attack strategies by targeting critical infrastructures and high-value data sources. Organizations must stay vigilant by employing a combination of AI-driven threat intelligence, robust patch management, and employee security training to mitigate these evolving risks."
Recommendations for Mitigation and Security
To assist businesses in countering the latest cyber threats, Nuspire offers the following recommendations:
- Enhance endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to quickly identify and contain ransomware attacks.
- Implement dark web monitoring to catch compromised credentials and data before they can be abused in attacks.
- Timely application of system patches to safeguard against the latest exploitation tactics—especially in remote access technologies.
- Boost cybersecurity awareness to reduce risks associated with phishing-based ransomware infections.
Nuspire's comprehensive examination of cyber threats in Q4 2024 provides invaluable insights for organizations looking to strengthen their defenses in an increasingly hostile digital landscape. To read the full report, visit the Nuspire website or contact their security specialists for tailored advice on improving cybersecurity strategies.
About PDI Security and Network Solutions
With over 25 years of expertise, PDI Security and Network Solutions (formerly known as Nuspire) is redefining cybersecurity and network management through intelligent unification and unparalleled protection. They offer fully managed security and network services, including managed detection and response (MDR), endpoint detection and response (EDR), firewall as a service, and both 5G and Wi-Fi services. Their technology-agnostic platform integrates human expertise, advanced AI, and innovative technologies, providing holistic visibility into security and network infrastructure. PDI’s highly skilled security experts work continuously to help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats while optimizing their technology investments.
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