GLOBAL cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Inc recently revealed that it has blocked 40.9 billion e-mail threats, malicious files and malicious URLs for customers during 1H 2021, a 47% year-on-year (yoy) increase.
In Malaysia specifically, Trend Micro found that:
- A total of 232. 7 million attacks were blocked 1n 1H 2021.
- Over half consisted of e-mail threats at 145.95 million which registered an increase of 24% from 1H 2020.
- The number of detected malware increased by 160% from 1H 2020 to 6.6 million.
Globally, ransomware remained the standout threat during 1H 2021 as cyber criminals continued to target big-name victims. Working with third parties to gain access to targeted networks, the culprits used advanced persistent threat tools and techniques to steal and encrypt victims’ data.
The banking industry, in particular, was disproportionately affected, experiencing a 1,318% yoy increase in ransomware attacks in 1H 2021.
Trend Micro’s report further revealed that:
- Business e-mail compromise (BEC) attacks increased by 4%, potentially as a result of new COVID-19 opportunities for threat actors.
- Cryptocurrency miners became the most detected malware, having surged ahead of WannaCry and web shells in recent months.
- The Zero Day Initiative detected 770 vulnerabilities, a slight (2%) drop from 1H 2020.
- A total of 164 malicious apps related to COVID-19 scams were detected, 54% of which impersonated TikTok.
“The first step towards effectively mitigating cyber risk is understanding the scale, complexity, and specific characteristics of the threat landscape,” commented Trend Micro Malaysia and Nascent Countries’ managing director Goh Chee Hoh.
“In addition to comprehensive protection against fast-evolving threats like ransomware, phishing, and BEC that Trend Micro offers, our biannual roundup reports provide global organisations and stakeholders invaluable insights to help them build a more secure connected world.”
Trend Micro’s biannual roundup report is timely as it coincides with the tabling of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) on Sept 27.
Among others, the 12MP’s focus on digitising businesses and facilitating strategic investments is a solid testament to Malaysia’s potential in its capabilities and offerings in the digital and cybersecurity space.
“While cloud transformation and enhanced connectivity have been identified as significant areas in this aspect, we are in tandem with the Government’s emphasis on cybersecurity as a critical component in building the digital ecosystem of the future,” Goh pointed out.
“Our round-up report evidently shows that the cyber risk and complexity of global attacks have significantly increased, thus the focus on cybersecurity is imperative and should be the foundation in any digitalization journey.” – Oct 3, 2021
