Check Point Software Releases its 2023 Security Report Highlighting Rise in Cyberattacks and Disruptive Malware

Rhea-AI Summary

Check Point Research has released its 2023 Security Report, revealing a significant rise in cyberattacks, marking a 38% increase in 2022 over the prior year. Weekly attacks averaged 1,168 per organization. Notably, the healthcare sector experienced a 74% increase in attacks. The report highlights trends such as the rise of organized hacktivism, evolving ransomware tactics focusing on data wiping, and a 48% surge in attacks on cloud networks. Recommendations for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) include simplifying security operations and enhancing cybersecurity awareness among employees.

Positive

• Significant rise in demand for cybersecurity solutions due to increased cyberattacks.
• Healthcare sector showing resilience despite a 74% rise in attacks, indicating a growing market for cybersecurity.

Negative

• Ransomware operations becoming harder to attribute, complicating response efforts.
• Increased cloud attacks may indicate vulnerabilities in existing security measures.

Geo-political conflict triggers increase in cyberattacks and the rise of ‘disruption and destruction’ malware

NEW YORK, Feb. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CPX 360 - Check Point Research (CPR), the Threat Intelligence arm of Check Point^® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions globally, has published its 2023 Security Report reflecting on a chaotic year in cybersecurity. The report looks back on a tumultuous 2022, which saw cyberattacks reach an all-time high in response to the Russo-Ukrainian war. Education and Research remains the most targeted sector, but attacks on the healthcare sector registered a 74% increase year-on-year

According to the report, cyberattacks have risen by 38% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with an average of 1,168 weekly attacks per organization being recorded. The report also highlights the role played by smaller and more agile hackers and ransomware groups in exploiting legitimate collaboration tools used in the hybrid workplace. From the rise of new ransomware variants to the spread of hacktivism in conflict areas in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the 2023 Security Report uncovers the trends and behaviors that defined the year.

Key findings from the 2023 Security Report include:

• Hacktivism – The boundaries between state-sponsored cyber operations and hacktivism have become increasingly blurred, as nation-states act with anonymity and impunity. Non-state affiliated hacktivist groups have become more organized and effective than ever before.
  
  
• Ransomware Extortion – Ransomware operations are becoming more challenging to attribute and track, and existing protection mechanisms that are based on detecting encryption activity may become less effective. The focus will instead be on data wiping and exfiltration detection.
  
  
• Cloud: Third Party Threat – The number of attacks on cloud-based networks per organization has skyrocketed, with a 48% rise in 2022 compared to 2021. The shift in threat actors´ preference to scan the IP range of cloud providers highlights their interest in gaining easy access to sensitive information and critical services.
  

The report also offers insights specifically for CISOs, aimed at drawing attention to critical security actions for the coming year. These insights include reducing complexity to bridge the cyber-skills gap, limiting the cost of cloud misconfigurations, and increasing the use of automation and AI to detect network risks that may go unnoticed by the human eye.

"The increase in the volume of cyberattacks in the next twelve months is a cause for concern," says Maya Horowitz, VP Research at Check Point Software. "The migration to the cloud has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals, and the legitimate tools used by organizations will continue to be manipulated. The widening cyber-skills gap and the growing complexity of distributed networks make it a perfect storm for cybercriminals."

Ms. Horowitz adds, "To mitigate the risk of cybercrime, CISOs can begin by reading our 2023 Security Report and ensuring continued cybersecurity education for employees. Raising awareness of current threats and emerging tactics used by threat actors can help safeguard organizations from malicious threats in the future."

The Security Report´s findings are based on data drawn from the Check Point ThreatCloud Cyber-Threat Map, which looks at the key tactics’ cybercriminals are using to carry out their attacks. A full copy of the report is available here on the interactive site.

Follow Check Point Research via:
Blog: https://research.checkpoint.com/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_cpresearch_ 

About Check Point Research 
Check Point Research provides leading cyber threat intelligence to Check Point Software customers and the greater intelligence community. The research team collects and analyzes global cyber-attack data stored on ThreatCloud to keep hackers at bay, while ensuring all Check Point products are updated with the latest protections. The research team consists of over 100 analysts and researchers cooperating with other security vendors, law enforcement and various CERTs. 

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions to corporate enterprises and governments globally. Check Point Infinity’s portfolio of solutions protects enterprises and public organisations from 5^th generation cyberattacks with an industry leading catch rate of malware, ransomware and other threats. Infinity comprises four core pillars delivering uncompromised security and generation V threat prevention across enterprise environments: Check Point Harmony, for remote users; Check Point CloudGuard, to automatically secure clouds; and Check Point Quantum, to protect network perimeters and datacenters, all controlled by the industry’s most comprehensive, intuitive unified security management; Check Point Horizon, a prevention-first security operations suite. Check Point protects over 100,000 organizations of all sizes.

MEDIA CONTACT:	INVESTOR CONTACT:
Audrey Pereira	Kip E. Meintzer
Check Point Software Technologies	Check Point Software Technologies
press@checkpoint.com	ir@us.checkpoint.com

FAQ

What did Check Point Research find in its 2023 Security Report?

The report found a 38% increase in cyberattacks in 2022, with significant rises in attacks on various sectors.

How much did attacks on the healthcare sector increase according to CHKP's report?

Attacks on the healthcare sector increased by 74% year-on-year.

What are the key cyber threats mentioned in the 2023 Security Report by Check Point?

Key threats include organized hacktivism, evolving ransomware tactics, and increased cloud-based attacks.

What recommendations were made for CISOs in Check Point's 2023 report?

CISOs are advised to simplify security operations and improve cybersecurity awareness among employees.

What impact do the findings of Check Point's report have on CHKP's stock performance?

The rising demand for cybersecurity solutions due to increased attacks may positively impact CHKP's stock performance.