Category: Cybersecurity
The State of Backup and Disaster Recovery in 2024
Evolving technology also means evolved digital threats, and naturally, businesses today grapple with an increasingly complex threat landscape for their data. With cybercriminals and other disruptive forces growing more sophisticated, ensuring effective data protection and disaster recovery has never been more important. Recent data reveals а troubling reality: 79% of companies have experienced at least one cloud data breach, and 43% have faced 10 or more breaches. Furthermore, 76% of organizations have experienced critical data loss, with 45% losing their data permanently. Despite the growing adoption of cloud solutions—92% of organizations are currently hosting some data in the cloud—traditional backup practices often fall short. Only 57% of backups are successful, and 61% of restores meet the desired outcome. This article examines the latest statistics and market research to outline where organizations stand today in these crucial areas. A Troubling Rise in Security Incidents and Data Loss Recent surveys indicate а troubling increase in security incidents and data loss. According to the 2024 State of the Backup survey, approximately 78% of companies use up to 10 different solutions for data security, yet cyberattacks and downtime persist. Hackers targeted backup repositories in 93% of ransomware incidents in 2022, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current protective measures. Preparedness is also lacking. Only 54% of companies had а documented disaster recovery plan in 2021, and many test their plans infrequently. 7% of organizations conduct no testing at all, which leads to inadequately documented processes and increased risk. Ransomware Remains the Gravest Threat Ransomware continues to be а significant threat. The 2024 State of Ransomware report highlights that а business was attacked every 11 seconds in 2023. Total ransom payments exceeded $20 billion USD. Despite paying ransoms, 60% of victims reported incomplete data recovery or further system breaches. The average ransom payment exceeded $150,000, yet victims typically recover only about 60% of their data. Backup Effectiveness Lags Behind Traditional backups often fall short. A survey of 300 IT decision-makers revealed that only 56% of recoveries using backups were successful. 84% of organizations rely on cloud drives, and 70% use sync services, which are not true backups. This insufficiency means that many businesses struggle to protect and recover their data effectively. Human Error Remains а Core Vulnerability Human mistakes are а significant factor in data loss. Analysts report that 51% of outages are due to preventable human errors. Inadequate disaster recovery documentation and poor security practices exacerbate these issues. Comprehensive training and regular testing can mitigate these risks. Proper Planning and Testing Is Critical Proper planning and testing of disaster recovery capabilities are essential. The 2024 Business Backup Survey found that 73% of organizations paid ransoms in 2023 but only recovered 60% of their data. Organizations with frequent disruptions face costs up to 16 times higher than more resilient firms. Proper documentation and frequent testing can help avoid these costly disruptions. Common Data Protection Fallacies Many companies rely on misguided approaches. The 2024 Business Backup Survey found that 84% of companies primarily use cloud sync services for offsite backups, which do not qualify as true backups. Furthermore, hackers targeted backup repositories in 93% of ransomware attacks in 2022. Selecting а proper mix of solutions is crucial for effective data protection. Additional research reveals concerning trends: The Risks of Cloud Failures and Downtime The widespread adoption of cloud infrastructure introduces new risks. IDC predicts that by 2030, half of global GDP will be digitized and stored in the cloud. However, cloud outages pose severe risks, with major providers suffering over 500 hours of downtime in 2022. Businesses must prepare for cloud-based incidents with the same diligence as other threats. Critical Gaps in Data Backup Practices A 2024 Business Backup Survey included 300 IT decision-makers across the U.S. One of the most striking findings is that 84% of IT decision-makers report their organizations utilize cloud drive services, which rely on syncing data to the cloud, for off-site data backup. Cloud drives, while useful for file storage and sharing, may not protect against file corruption or accidental deletion. 39% of IT decision-makers report that their organizations need to restore data from backups at least once а month. Top reasons include requests for archived or deleted data (62%), backup software failure (54%), hard drive failure (52%), and accidental file deletions (45%). Frequency of Cloud Data Breaches Causes of Data Loss Account Takeover and Ransomware Hard Drive Failure and Service Outages Natural Disasters Backup and Recovery Practices Cost and Effectiveness of Backups Market Trends Managed Services Providers: A Crucial Partner Faced with such widespread weaknesses and growing dangers, it is clear that disaster recovery and data protection demand renewed attention. For most firms, achieving robust, thoroughly tested solutions can be an arduous undertaking—but one with major impacts on resilience and the bottom line. This is where managed security services providers (MSSPs) play an indispensable role. MSSPs specialize in delivering managed backup, disaster recovery and cybersecurity capabilities through expert guidance, oversight of technologies and processes, and ongoing maintenance. With 22% of SaaS data loss attributed to service outages and 76% of organizations experiencing critical data loss, the role of MSSPs becomes increasingly vital. ATSG’s Disaster Recovery as а Service (DRaaS) offering is powered by а best-in-class global infrastructure, with deep security and compliance skills. This enables even resource-constrained firms to institute enterprise-grade protections with minimal long-term costs or administrative burdens. Looking Ahead The threats to organizations’ data show no signs of abating. The cost of data breaches remains high, with the average breach cost at $3.86 million USD, and 59% of ransomware incidents involve data in the public cloud. However, with greater awareness of deficiencies as highlighted by the statistics above, as well as intelligent partnerships with capable MSSPs, businesses stand to emerge far better defended. Continued diligence applying lessons from the latest research, coupled with offloading routine security tasks, provides а scientifically-proven path for strengthening protections today and driving resiliency goals of the future.
Ransomware Roundup: Top Threats and Trends of 2024
As we leave behind the first half of 2024, the relentless rise of sophisticated ransomware attacks remains a persistent cybersecurity trend. Despite intensified law enforcement efforts and major crackdowns, the ransomware epidemic not only prevails but also evolves. According to the Verizon Security Report 2023, ransomware was implicated in 24% of all cybersecurity breaches last year, a trend that continues to escalate into 2024. A recent study by Thales reveals that ransomware and malware are seen as the fastest-growing cyber threats this year. About 42% of respondents identified them as the top concern. This rapid rise is clearly noticeable through an alarming spike in ransomware activity in May, where ransomware groups claimed nearly 450 victims. This is the highest level of activity in almost a year. A major hotspot for ransomware attacks, Europe experiences the highest number of attacks globally, constituting about 26% of all incidents. Despite significant disruptions, including the seizure of the LockBit group’s website by authorities, this notorious group and others like it continue to operate and contribute to the continued evolution of ransomware threats. As we move towards the second half of 2024, this article aims to explore the top ransomware threats, the industries most at risk, emerging trends, and what the future may hold. The ongoing development of new ransomware strains continues to challenge the digital world’s preparedness, making it imperative to stay informed and vigilant. Victims of Ransomware Attacks in 2024 So Far These attacks highlight the growing sophistication and aggressiveness of ransomware attacks in 2024 and emphasise the need for proactive measures to protect against them. Each targeted sector exhibits unique vulnerabilities that attackers exploit for maximum impact. Attacks on Critical Infrastructure In 2024, ransomware attackers continue to focus heavily on critical infrastructure, with significant disruptions noted across various sectors. For instance, In January 2024, Russian hackers initiated a ransomware attack on Sweden’s only digital service provider for government services. Healthcare Sector Healthcare remains a prime target for ransomware attacks, representing 16.32% of all cyber incidents. The sector’s reliance on immediate data access makes it particularly vulnerable to ransomware. Cybersecurity attacks can lead to severe disruptions in patient care and potential risks to patient safety. Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) reported a network breach by a ransomware gang in April 2024. The attackers stole documents containing personal and medical information of over 500,000 individuals. State Institutions and Political Systems State institutions encountered over 450 incidents in 2023, making them the second most common target. In March 2024, Russian hackers tried to infiltrate German political parties through concealed ransomware in a fake dinner invitation. These attacks are often politically motivated, aimed at espionage, or destabilising governmental functions. Education The education sector faces continuous threats due to its expansive and typically underfunded IT infrastructures. The most recent attack affected Canada’s largest school board, which manages 582 schools and about 235,000 students. In June 2024, Hackers tried to attack the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) technology testing environment with ransomware. Schools and universities are particularly susceptible to attacks, disrupting educational operations and data integrity. Corporate Targets Corporate entities experienced a notable increase in ransomware attacks, with significant incidents reported in both 2023 and 2024. Attackers are drawn to these businesses’ valuable data and substantial financial assets, leveraging ransomware for financial gain and corporate espionage. April 2024 – A ransomware attack on GBI Genios has disrupted operations and caused a multi-day outage. The incident has impacted the critical WISO database used by universities and libraries throughout Germany. Financial Organizations Financial organisations managing sensitive financial data accounted for 8.3% of attacks. The high value of financial information makes this sector a lucrative target for cybercriminals seeking ransom payments or direct financial exploitation. A recent attack by the CL0P ransomware group has exposed severe vulnerabilities, leading to substantial leaks of personally identifiable information (PII) from customers, including a significant Social Security data breach at a U.S. bank. Emerging Sectors New targets have emerged, including the telecommunications, transportation, and energy sectors, each seeing a surge in incidents due to their roles in national infrastructure. January 2024—The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) reported a ransomware attack affecting all communication systems. The attackers demanded $2,000,000 and offered a $100,000/day extension to delay publishing stolen data. Emerging Trends in Ransomware Attacks Briefly discuss each of the ransomware trends mostly likely to affect organisations in 2024: Form a Resilient Digital Core with IMS Nucleii The first half of 2024 has made it clear that bad actors will continue to leverage ransomware to disrupt critical sectors and compromise sensitive data. At IMS Nucleii, we understand the complexities of these threats and are dedicated to providing advanced cybersecurity solutions that safeguard your operations. Today, staying informed about the latest cybersecurity trends, forming meaningful partnerships, and employing adaptive strategies are more crucial than ever. We invite you to download our whitepaper, “The Future of Cybersecurity: Trends and Predictions for the Next Decade,” to explore the future of cybersecurity and how to stay ahead of emerging threats. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and let us help you secure your digital landscape.
Key Cybersecurity Statistics for 2024
The world is facing increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity challenges, and the UK is no exception. Today, three-quarters of businesses and more than half of charities in the UK cite cyber security as a high priority for their senior management. This sentiment was also echoed at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting on Cybersecurity, where 90% of the 120 executives surveyed acknowledged the immediate need for action to combat the rising tide of cyber inequity. At IMS Nucleii, we understand the unique challenges faced by UK businesses. Rather than viewing these challenges as obstacles, we see them as opportunities for growth and transformation. We have carefully compiled a list of the most pertinent cybersecurity threats facing UK business leaders today. This guide contains the information that UK businesses need to make their cybersecurity efforts and IT investments count. UK Cybersecurity Overview for 2024 The Cyber Security Breaches Survey, conducted as part of the UK’s National Cyber Strategy, evaluates cyber resilience across various sectors. Here are the key takeaways from this study. Incidence of Cybersecurity Breaches/Attacks: Types of Breaches/Attacks: Cost of Cybersecurity Breaches/Attacks: UK Cybersecurity Prioritisation in 2024 Trend Analysis in Business Prioritisation Cybersecurity is increasingly recognised as a critical priority among businesses of all sizes. The following statistics compare the prioritisation in 2024 to those in 2023, underscoring the growing awareness and proactive measures being taken. Sector-Specific Cybersecurity Prioritisation: Different sectors vary in their perception of cybersecurity urgency. The data highlights sectors that regard cybersecurity as a particularly high priority: Adoption of Cyber Hygiene Measures in 2024: Businesses and charities have increased their implementation of cyber hygiene measures to protect against common threats. The adoption rates for 2024 reflect an upward trend compared to the previous year: Sector-Specific Cybersecurity Statistics Financial Sector Healthcare Manufacturing SMBs Real Estate Emerging Cybersecurity Threats for 2024 AI-powered Attacks: Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to automate tasks, personalise attacks, and bypass traditional security measures. These AI-powered attacks can be highly sophisticated and difficult to detect. Cloud Security: Cloud migration offers numerous benefits for businesses, but it also introduces new security risks. Misconfigurations, data breaches within cloud providers, and insider threats can all compromise sensitive information stored in the cloud. Skills Shortage in Cybersecurity: The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is rapidly outpacing the supply. This shortage makes organisations more vulnerable to attacks, as they may not have the resources to properly defend themselves. Strengthening UK Business Resilience with Expert Cybersecurity Partnerships Similar to global trends, the UK’s digital ecosystem is facing a wave of increasingly complex cybersecurity threats. For businesses, this negatively impacts their operational integrity and economic stability. Since proactive cybersecurity measures have become the norm, sector-specific cybersecurity strategies are also needed. For industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, a “one size fits all” approach will soon become obsolete. Additionally, the skill shortages in the domain highlight an urgent need for training and better recruitment strategies. In this environment, strategic partnerships with experienced cybersecurity providers like IMS Nucleii are invaluable. IMS Nucleii delivers expert-managed cybersecurity services that are meticulously tailored to each business’s specific needs. We ensure robust defence strategies that not only protect against current threats but also help you prepare for future challenges. By letting us handle your cybersecurity concerns, UK businesses can fortify their defences, bridge skill gaps, and move ahead with confidence. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to prepare for the future. Gain deeper insights into protecting your business by exploring our whitepaper, “The Future of Cybersecurity: Trends and Predictions for the Next Decade.“
Zero Trust Architecture for Healthcare: Mitigating Insider Threats and Data Breaches
Data breaches are rising, hitting 32% of all businesses and 69% of large firms in the UK. Also, did you know the NHS reported over 3,500 data breaches in just two years? In the healthcare sector, where safeguarding sensitive patient information is of utmost importance, this calls for urgent action. This is where Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) emerges as the robust solution, trusting no one and verifying all to defend valuable patient data. Let’s dig deeper into how Zero Trust Architecture is reshaping data security in healthcare. What is Zero Trust Architecture? Zero Trust Architecture is a security framework that doesn’t automatically trust anything inside or outside its network. Instead, it verifies every attempt to connect to its system before granting access. It upholds three core principles: never trust, always verify, and least privilege access control. In simpler terms, it doesn’t blindly trust any user or device. Instead, it constantly verifies them and provides only the minimum access essential for particular tasks. Benefits of Adoption of Zero Trust Architecture in Healthcare Reduced attack surface Zero Trust Architecture reduces the risk associated with data breaches by minimising the “blast radius”—the impact of a breach if one occurs. Even if an unauthorised user somehow breaches the system, the damage stays limited because of ZTA’s principle of least privilege access control. Continuous monitoring Zero Trust Architecture continuously checks user identity, device health, and access requests. This thorough vetting doesn’t just happen once. It’s a continuous, rigorous process to prevent unauthorised access. Whether it’s 2 pm or 2 am, Zero trust architecture always works to ensure data is safe. Improved compliance Zero Trust Architecture aligns well with HIPAA compliance requirements. Healthcare organisations often grapple with maintaining HIPAA’s stringent norms, and adopting ZTA can make it easier. Compliance with HIPAA is now more of a certainty rather than a challenge. Insider Threats in Healthcare When we think of healthcare, we often think that it’s all about caring for people. But there’s another side to the coin. Sometimes, dangers to people’s private data come from within healthcare organisations. These are what we call ‘insider threats’, and they cause waves in the healthcare industry. Eye-opening incidents and figures Data breach at NHS In February 2023, a National Health Service (NHS) Trust in Liverpool, England, confronted a significant data security incident. Due to an inadvertent disclosure, the personal details of approximately 14,000 staff members were compromised. This event triggered a data breach, posing serious risks for employees and the trust. OCR breach reports Turning our attention to the US, we’re looking at a pattern that’s becoming all too familiar. In 2023, the story was about 725 breach notices landing on the Office for Civil Rights’ desk. The consequence: personal data of over 133 million individuals was exposed or improperly shared. Common types of insider threats in healthcare Disgruntled employees Sometimes, the internal team causes problems. Disgruntled employees might intentionally misuse data due to dissatisfaction or personal vendettas. Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture ensures that even these insiders are never automatically trusted, significantly reducing such risks. Every action they try to perform is meticulously verified. Accidental data sharing Mistakes do happen. An email sent to the wrong person or a document left open can lead to massive data exposure. A Zero Trust Architecture comes into play by requiring strict data access protocols. This minimises the odds of accidental sharing by enforcing layers of verification for every data access or transfer. Credential theft Identity theft poses a significant threat. Unauthorised access through stolen credentials can expose sensitive data. With Zero Trust Architecture, every login attempt is thoroughly vetted, and access is never assumed to be legitimate. This model greatly diminishes the risk of credential theft impacting the system. How Zero Trust Architecture Mitigates Insider Threats The importance of Zero Trust Architecture in cybersecurity has increased dramatically. Its principles premise heavily on the fact that no user, internal or external, is to be automatically trusted. This approach enhances security through several crucial mechanisms. Least privilege access The core idea of Zero Trust Architecture revolves around confining user access to what one needs for one’s work. Limited access prevents unnecessary exposure and possible theft of data. If an account gets compromised, the damage an attacker could inflict is considerably reduced owing to limited access. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security. Even if an employee’s credentials get compromised, unauthorised access is still blocked. MFA involves multiple verification steps, such as a temporary code sent to the user’s phone. It makes unauthorised access increasingly difficult, thus safeguarding against credential theft. User and device monitoring It is essential to track user activities and device health constantly. In Zero Trust Architecture, every action on the network undergoes thorough scrutiny for any anomaly. Such monitoring tactics can help detect suspicious behaviours like unusual access patterns or early attempts to access restricted data. Data loss prevention (DLP) When combined with Zero Trust Architecture, data loss prevention tools offer another level of security. For example, DLP solutions can help monitor and control data transfers. Thus preventing unauthorised information leakage. It ensures that even if an insider attempts to exfiltrate data, such actions can be quickly flagged and investigated. Implementing Zero Trust Architecture in Healthcare Challenges in Implementing Zero Trust Architecture Legacy Systems Many healthcare IT systems in the UK use old technology. These systems came before the idea of Zero Trust, so they might not work with it. Updating these systems for Zero Trust can take a lot of time, money, and effort. Integration Issues Healthcare organisations in the UK use many different apps and devices, each with its own way of keeping data safe. It is complex to ensure that all these different parts can work together under Zero Trust. Making a common, organisation-wide security rule takes time and technical understanding. Best Practices for Implementing Zero Trust Architecture Security assessment Carry out a complete security analysis to spot potential risk areas. Understanding weak points can guide the effective implementation of Zero
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