BlackBerry's Quarterly Threat Intelligence Report Finds Banks, Healthcare Providers and Food Retailers are Top Targets for Cybercrime

Rhea-AI Summary

BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB) released its Quarterly Global Threat Intelligence Report on April 25, 2023, highlighting a surge in cyberattacks targeting key industries, particularly financial institutions, healthcare providers, and food retailers, which represent 60% of all attacks. The company's Threat Research team thwarted over 1.5 million cyber threats from December 2022 to February 2023, with a notable rise in unique malware samples detected. The report indicates that geopolitical tensions are exacerbating cybersecurity risks, with Russia's actions contributing significantly to the threat landscape. Additionally, the report outlines the increasing use of AI in both cyberattacks and defenses, emphasizing the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across various sectors.

Positive

• Thwarted over 1.5 million cyberattacks between December 2022 and February 2023.
• Reported increase in unique malware samples detected, indicating effective monitoring.
• Healthcare sector reported significant unique malware threats mitigated (5,246 samples).

Negative

• Continuing geopolitical tensions contribute to an increasingly fragmented cybersecurity landscape.

Geopolitical unrest positions key industries as targets for state-sponsored actors and financially motivated attacks

WATERLOO, Canada, April 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) today released its latest Quarterly Global Threat Intelligence Report, highlighting an increase in cyberattacks directed at financial institutions, food retailers and healthcare providers, with 60 percent of all attacks targeting these three key industries.

The BlackBerry Threat Research and Intelligence team stopped more than 1.5 million cyberattacks in the 89 days between December 1, 2022 and Feburary 28, 2023. These threats included roughly 1.5 unique malware samples per minute, an increase from the previous reporting period's average of one unique sample per minute.

BlackBerry's Global Threat Intelligence Report also notes that ongoing tensions between Western and Eastern countries are fueling a more fragmented world, which has consequences for the cybersecurity threat landscape as Western governments call for more cyber defenses to protect their citizens and infrastructure.

"The initial weeks of 2023 have indicated that this year will remain a difficult time for numerous organizations and individuals across the globe," said Ismael Valenzuela, Vice President, Threat Research & Intelligence at BlackBerry. "With the Russia-Ukraine conflict evolving into a war of attrition, and with cyberattacks a well-documented component of the Russian military playbook, this is a trend that will continue over the coming quarter and likely far beyond."

Highlights from the report include:

• Increasing cyberattacks in the healthcare industry. BlackBerry's AI-driven prevention-first technology prevented 5,246 unique malware samples. The process of digitizing healthcare highlights the need for providers to secure devices and protect patient data from cyber threats. Outdated and insecure infrastructure can create vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, while new technologies may introduce risks if not implemented with appropriate security measures.
    
• Top 10 countries experiencing cyberattacks in Q1 2023. The United States is still seeing the highest number of stopped cyberattacks. However, this quarter the landscape has changed, positioning Brazil as the second most targeted country, followed by Canada and Japan. Singapore also appears on the list this quarter.
    
• Threat actors are growing bolder with commodity malware. Commodity malware remains a prevalent scourge on the threat landscape this quarter, leveraged by threat actors of all sizes and at all levels of sophistication to target all industries. Often readily available in either a free format or as inexpensive, paid-for Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) offerings on underground forums and dark markets, they're powerful in their functionality, such as for use in stealing data and creating backdoors.
    
• Increasing use of AI for attack automation: Critical infrastructure will always be a target for threat actors, whether financially or politically motived. The use of deepfakes and artificial intelligence (AI) in the overall threat landscape has gained traction, and ChatGPT is an example of this in action. Like all new technologies, it wasn't long before its uses were being tested for nefarious purposes.

To learn more, download the Global Threat Intelligence Report and join BlackBerry's Threat Research & Intelligence Team for a LinkedIn Live event exploring highlights of the report on May 12, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. ET.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company secures more than 500M endpoints including over 215M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust.

BlackBerry. Intelligent Security. Everywhere. 

For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.

Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

Media Contacts:
BlackBerry Media Relations
+1 (519) 597-7273
mediarelations@BlacksBerry.com

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SOURCE BlackBerry Limited

FAQ

What does BlackBerry's latest threat intelligence report reveal?

The report highlights a significant increase in cyberattacks, particularly against financial institutions, healthcare providers, and food retailers, totaling 60% of attacks.

How many cyberattacks did BlackBerry prevent in early 2023?

BlackBerry's Threat Research team stopped over 1.5 million cyberattacks from December 2022 to February 2023.

Which industries are most targeted by cyberattacks according to BlackBerry?

The most targeted industries are financial institutions, healthcare providers, and food retailers.

What role does AI play in cyberattacks as per BlackBerry's report?

AI is increasingly used for both automating attacks and enhancing defensive measures in cybersecurity.

When was the BlackBerry Threat Intelligence Report released?

The report was released on April 25, 2023.