Threat actors are ramping up their game by leveraging AI, automation, and commoditised tools, flipping the script on traditional cybersecurity defences, according to the latest findings by Fortinet. Cybercriminals are using these technologies to operate with both unprecedented speed and scale, forcing organisations to rethink their defensive strategies.
Key Points
- Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI and automation for sophisticated attacks, significantly eroding the defensive advantages traditionally held by organisations.
- Active scanning of networks has surged by 16.7% worldwide year-on-year, amounting to an astonishing 36,000 scans per second.
- Over 40,000 new vulnerabilities were recorded in 2024, with a notable rise in the availability of zero-day exploits for sale on underground forums.
- Phishing attacks have become more effective with AI tools, enhancing realism and bypassing conventional security measures.
- Manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services are leading targets, with the US being the most affected nation.
- Over 100 billion compromised records were shared on dark web forums in 2024, marking a 42% increase year-on-year.
Why should I read this?
This article highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity where attackers are outpacing traditional defences. It’s an eye-opener for anyone interested in staying ahead in this cat-and-mouse game. The insights provided can be invaluable in shaping strategies to safeguard systems from increasingly sophisticated threats. Don’t miss out on understanding how to navigate this new reality!