Personal Data Breaches in Russia Continue to Surge in 2024
The number of personal data breaches in Russia continues to rise at an alarming rate, according to a press release from F.A.C.C.T. (formerly Group-IB), a developer of technologies to combat cybercrime. In 2024, there have been 259 new database leaks recorded in Russia, surpassing last year’s figures, a company representative told Vedomosti. Experts note that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting retail, online stores, medical, and educational organizations. The leaked databases contain personal information ranging from full names to email addresses and phone numbers. The largest breach involved an archive of 404 databases.
Ransomware Attacks and Growing Threats
In addition to data leaks, there has been a significant increase in ransomware attacks this year. Most often, these attacks have targeted manufacturing, pharmaceutical, IT companies, and enterprises in the defense industry. Attackers steal data, encrypt infrastructure, and demand ransom payments. The ransom amounts range from 100,000 to 5 million rubles for small businesses and exceed 50 million rubles for large companies.
State-Sponsored Cybercriminal Groups
State-sponsored cybercriminal groups have also ramped up their activity. In 2024, their number reached 27, nearly double that of the previous year. The main targets of these groups are government agencies, research institutes, manufacturing enterprises, and organizations involved in international conflicts.
Phishing Attacks Remain a Major Threat
Phishing attacks continue to be one of the main threats. According to analysts, phishing accounts for 69% of all cybercrimes. Cybercriminals use ZIP and RAR archives disguised as financial documents. Malicious emails most often contain tools for stealing credentials and installing spyware.
New Methods and Increased Phishing Resources
Experts warn that hackers are constantly developing new methods, and the number of phishing resources has increased by almost a third. Special attention is being paid to hosting providers in the .ru domain zone, where the highest number of fraudulent links has been found.