Online attacks continue to grow
Unfortunately, and apologies for being the bearers of bad news, but online attacks aren't going away anytime soon. In fact, they're growing! Growing in sophistication and targeting, bypassing weaker security systems and hence having the power to evolve.
Cyber threat reports, like the ones carried out by SonicWall online, have recently shown a staggeringly high increase in ransomware attacks in particular.
Reports show that in the first six months of 2018, 5.99 billion malware attacks were carried out, equating to a whopping 102% increase compared to the same six months in 2017.
Two big-named threats
Ransomware such as WannaCrypt (also known as WannaCry) and variances of this malicious software have added to this increase with this particular ransomware first striking systems in 2017 and playing havoc with networks ever since.
The basis of this ransomware is where the malware encrypts user data and then hides it for ransom until the victim pays.
Unfortunately, threats like this are very real and especially linked with the encryption of data“ - nothing can be considered safe any more.
To help stop such attacks from getting through operating systems in the first place, people can set up firewall devices, and SonicWall security to block access to certain parts of the Internet. Your firewall should act as your first line of defence in setting up any networks and new devices.
One of the biggest online security threats has been the emergence of the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities, which have affected multiple CPU vendors.
Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities ultimately allowed side-channel attacks that abused operating systems' memory to steal user information and confidential files.
SonicWall Real Time Deep Memory Inspection technology has been designed to protect businesses and individuals against these Spectre attacks. Looking at what these attacks are trying to achieve, how they access systems and stop these features from getting into your operating systems, and providing the highest level of security in a device.
Changing with the times
Online attacks, like everything, change with the times. They follow the latest trends and where people are spending or using money, and these attackers jump on the bandwagon.
An example of this has been the rise in stealing cryptocurrencies. Using stolen information as leverage or hacking into operating systems to build upon this growing trend.
At SonicWall we monitor trends, and we ensure that the SonicWall firewalls also stand up against any new and unusual threats, offering you complete peace of mind that you don't need a new firewall device every time a new threat is introduced.
It's also important to be aware that there has been a rise in fake ransomware attacks, where demand is made, but no files are encrypted or any data etc. stolen and used.
Fake ransomware means just that; they’re fake. However, because not everyone is aware what is fake and what is not and things to look out for to spot a fraud (check out our posts and guides on how to spot a fake), we often don't realise that if you are a victim of fake ransomware, then your files can be restored. But there is a little bit, because most users will probably think their data is gone, i.e. that the fake ransomware has encrypted their systems, and they will have to reinstall everything.
Although all fake ransomware attacks have failed, the threat is still there, and in some cases, people can still damage their systems by doing a full reinstallation.
A different way
A note for organisations is that online threats are also now trying to find a different way in. What we mean by this is that they're now using non-standard ports as they are not necessarily thought to carry the same level of risk, as they may not have the same level of security.
However, over 19% of malware attacks last year came through non-standard ports. We advise all companies and their IT departments to apply the same level of care when using non-standard ports as they would with standard ports.
In 2018 attacks on IoT devices stood at 32.7 million and SonicWall security wants to play its part in bringing these extremely high figures down or at least stop attacks from happening in the first place.
Thousands of people buy SonicWall firewalls and security devices because of the trusted service they receive from our teams, the features and benefits they can provide, and the enhanced security they offer.
Call us today on 0333 2405667 to find out how you can stay protected online.
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