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Showing posts with label cybersecurity trends. Show all posts
LLM vulnerabilities
AI Security cloud-native security Cyber Security cybersecurity trends Generative AI identity management LLM vulnerabilities

Navigating 2025: Emerging Security Trends and AI Challenges for CISOs

 

Security teams have always needed to adapt to change, but 2025 is poised to bring unique challenges, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), sophisticated cyber threats, and evolving regulatory mandates. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face a rapidly shifting landscape that requires innovative strategies to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.

The integration of AI-enabled features into products is accelerating, with large language models (LLMs) introducing new vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit. As vendors increasingly rely on these foundational models, CISOs must evaluate their organization’s exposure and implement measures to counter potential threats. 

"The dynamic landscape of cybersecurity regulations, particularly in regions like the European Union and California, demands enhanced collaboration between security and legal teams to ensure compliance and mitigate risks," experts note. Balancing these regulatory requirements with emerging security challenges will be crucial for protecting enterprises.

Generative AI (GenAI), while presenting security risks, also offers opportunities to strengthen software development processes. By automating vulnerability detection and bridging the gap between developers and security teams, AI can improve efficiency and bolster security frameworks.

Trends to Watch in 2025

1. Vulnerabilities in Proprietary LLMs Could Lead to Major Security Incidents

Software vendors are rapidly adopting AI-enabled features, often leveraging proprietary LLMs. However, these models introduce a new attack vector. Proprietary models reveal little about their internal guardrails or origins, making them challenging for security professionals to manage. Vulnerabilities in these models could have cascading effects, potentially disrupting the software ecosystem at scale.

2. Cloud-Native Workloads and AI Demand Adaptive Identity Management

The rise of cloud-native applications and AI-driven systems is reshaping identity management. Traditional, static access control systems must evolve to handle the surge in service-based identities. Adaptive frameworks are essential for ensuring secure and efficient access in dynamic digital environments.

3. AI Enhances Security in DevOps

A growing number of developers—58% according to recent surveys—recognize their role in application security. However, the demand for skilled security professionals in DevOps remains unmet.

AI is bridging this gap by automating repetitive tasks, offering smart coding recommendations, and integrating security into development pipelines. Authentication processes are also being streamlined, with AI dynamically assigning roles and permissions as services deploy across cloud environments. This integration enhances collaboration between developers and security teams while reducing risks.

CISOs must acknowledge the dual-edged nature of AI: while it introduces new risks, it also offers powerful tools to counter cyber threats. By leveraging AI to automate tasks, detect vulnerabilities, and respond to threats in real-time, organizations can strengthen their defenses and adapt to an evolving threat landscape.

The convergence of technology and security in 2025 calls for strategic innovation, enabling enterprises to not only meet compliance requirements but also proactively address emerging risks.


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UnitedHealth breach
business disruption cybersecurity trends Data Breach data breach costs Healthcare Cyberattacks IBM research UnitedHealth breach

Cyberattacks and Technology Disruptions: Leading Threats to Business Growth

 

The global average cost of a data breach soared to nearly $4.9 million in 2024, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year, according to a report by IBM.

In late October, UnitedHealth disclosed that a significant cyberattack on its Change Healthcare subsidiary earlier in 2024 might have exposed the data of 100 million individuals. This incident is regarded as the largest healthcare data breach ever reported to federal regulators, as first reported by Healthcare Dive.

Earlier that month, the company revealed the breach had led to a financial impact of $2.5 billion over the nine months ending September 30, including $1.7 billion in direct response costs. Additionally, the business disruption caused by the attack was estimated at $705 million.

“We continue to work with customers to bring transaction volumes back to pre-event levels and to win new business with our now more modern, secure, and capable offerings,” UnitedHealth CFO John Rex stated during an earnings call. “We expect to continue to build back the business to pre-attack levels over the course of ’25 and estimate next year’s full year impact will be roughly half of the ’24 level.”

Other major companies like AT&T, Live Nation Entertainment (the owner of Ticketmaster), and Dell also reported significant data breaches in 2024.

Chubb's research highlighted that 40% of executives identified cyber breaches and data leaks as the most disruptive and financially challenging man-made threats.

The study also found that 86% of businesses either have or plan to implement business interruption coverage for risks such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or supply chain disruptions. Of these, 53% already have coverage, while another third intend to add it within the next year.

Monitoring cyber incidents has become the most widely used tool for mitigating risks.

“Corporate leaders must take a holistic approach to simultaneously mitigate both new and old business risks effectively,” the report emphasized. “They must also develop the ability to monitor and mitigate all these risks around the clock to ensure they are effectively protected.”

The findings are based on a survey of 517 executives from various industries across the U.S. and Canada.
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record $1 billion
blockchain analytics crypto assets theft cryptocurrency hacks Cyber Attacks cybersecurity trends Kimsuky Lazarus Group North Korean cyber attacks record $1 billion

Cyber Attacks by North Korean Hackers on Cryptocurrency Platforms Reach $1 Billion in 2023

 

A recent study by Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics firm, has revealed a surge in cyber attacks on cryptocurrency platforms linked to North Korea. The data, covering the period from 2016 to 2023, indicates that 20 crypto platforms were targeted by North Korean hackers in 2023 alone, marking the highest level in the recorded period.

According to the report, North Korean hackers managed to steal just over $1 billion in crypto assets in the past year. While this amount is slightly less than the record $1.7 billion stolen in 2022, the increasing trend is a cause for concern among cybersecurity experts.

Chainalysis highlighted the growing threat from cyber-espionage groups like Kimsuky and Lazarus Group, employing various malicious tactics to accumulate significant amounts of crypto assets. This aligns with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) previous attribution of a $100 million crypto heist on the Horizon Bridge in 2022 to North Korea-linked hackers.

Supporting these findings, TRM Labs, a blockchain intelligence firm, reported that North Korea-affiliated hackers stole at least $600 million in crypto assets in 2023. The frequency and success of these attacks underscore the sophistication and persistence of North Korea's cyber capabilities.

The report cited a notable incident in September, where the FBI confirmed that North Korea's Lazarus Group was responsible for stealing around $41 million in crypto assets from the online casino and betting platform Stake.com. Investigations led to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioning Sinbad.io, a virtual currency mixer identified as a key money-laundering tool for Lazarus Group.

Global efforts to counter the threat include sanctions, particularly as previous research indicated that North Korea-affiliated hackers used stolen crypto funds to finance nuclear weapons programs. The UN has imposed sanctions to limit the regime's access to funding sources supporting its nuclear activities.

TRM Labs emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance and innovation from businesses and governments, stating, "With nearly $1.5 billion stolen in the past two years alone, North Korea’s hacking prowess demands continuous vigilance and innovation from business and governments."

Despite advancements in cybersecurity and increased international collaboration, the report predicts that 2024 is likely to see further disruptions from North Korea, posing a challenge for the global community to strengthen defenses against the relentless digital attacks. The report was released by CNBC.
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Threat actors
Cyber Security Cyber Threats Cybersecurity Cybersecurity measures cybersecurity trends Data Breach Data protection malware Online Security ransomware attacks Threat actors

Report: September Sees Record Ransomware Attacks Surge

 

In September, a notable surge in ransomware attacks was recorded, as revealed by NCC Group's September Threat Pulse. Leak sites disclosed details of 514 victims, marking a significant 153% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure surpassed the previous high set in July 2023 at 502 attacks.

Among the fresh wave of threat actors, LostTrust emerged as the second most active group, accounting for 10% of all attacks with a total of 53. Another newcomer, RansomedVC, secured the fourth spot with 44 attacks, making up 9% of the total. LostTrust, believed to have formed in March of the same year, mirrors established threat actors' tactics of employing double extortion.

Notably, well-established threat actors remained active in September. Lockbit maintained its lead from August, while Clop's activity diminished, responsible for only three ransomware attacks in September.

In line with previous trends, North America remained the primary target for ransomware attacks, experiencing 258 incidents in September.

Europe followed as the second most targeted region with 155 attacks, trailed by Asia with 47. Nevertheless, there was a 3% rise in attacks on North America and a 2% increase on Europe, while Asia saw a 6% decrease from the previous month. This indicates a shifting focus of threat actors towards Western regions.

Industrials continued to bear the brunt of attacks, comprising 40% (19) of the total, followed by Consumer Cyclicals at 21% (10), and Healthcare at 15% (7). The sustained focus on Industrials is unsurprising, given the allure of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Intellectual Property (IP) for threat actors. 

The Healthcare sector witnessed a notable surge, experiencing 18 attacks, marking an 86% increase from August. This trend aligns with patterns observed earlier in the year, suggesting that August's dip was an anomaly. The pharmaceutical industry's susceptibility to ransomware attacks continues due to the potential financial impact.

The surge in ransomware attacks can be attributed in part to the emergence of new threat actors, notably RansomedVC. Operating similarly to established organizations like 8Base, RansomedVC also functions as a penetration testing entity. 

However, their approach to extortion incorporates compliance with Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), pledging to report any vulnerabilities discovered in the target's network. This unique approach intensifies pressure on victims to meet ransom demands, as GDPR allows for fines of up to 4% of a victim's annual global turnover.

RansomedVC garnered attention by claiming responsibility for the attack on Sony, a major Japanese electronics company, on September 24th. In this incident, RansomedVC compromised the company's systems and offered to sell stolen data. This successful targeting of a global giant like Sony highlights the significant impact RansomedVC is exerting, indicating its continued activity in the months ahead.

Matt Hull, Global Head of Threat Intelligence at NCC Group, commented on the situation, noting that the surge in attacks in September was somewhat anticipated for this time of year. However, what sets this apart is the sheer volume of these attacks and the emergence of new threat actors playing a major role in this surge. Groups like LostTrust, Cactus, and RansomedVC stand out for their adaptive techniques, putting extra pressure on victims. 

The adoption of the double extortion model and the embrace of Ransomware as a Service (Raas) by these new threat actors signify an evolving landscape in global ransomware attacks. Hull predicts that other groups may explore similar methods in the coming months to increase pressure on victims.
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