Share of Compromised Account Data Doubles in Leaked Information
According to research by Positive Technologies, the proportion of account credentials among leaked data increased from 15% to 30% in the second quarter of 2020. During this period, cybercriminals increasingly targeted the industrial sector, and 16% of phishing emails used COVID-19 as a lure. The overall number of attacks rose by 9% compared to the first quarter of 2020, and by 59% compared to the same period last year.
Cyberattacks Spike Amid Major Events
Experts explain that any major event, especially on a global scale, leads to a surge in cyberattacks, as attackers exploit high-profile topics. April and May, which saw peak discussions about the COVID-19 pandemic, also recorded a record number of digital attacks. Positive Technologies reports that in the second quarter, 16% of cyberattacks used the coronavirus theme, with 32% of these campaigns targeting individuals and 13% targeting government agencies.
Industrial Sector Faces More Attacks
Cybercriminals have become more active in attacking the industrial sector. In the second quarter, 15% of attacks targeted this sector, up from 10% in the first quarter. Most often, these attacks are carried out by APT groups and ransomware operators.
Account Credentials Now a Prime Target
The share of compromised account credentials doubled in the second quarter, rising from 15% to 30% of all leaked information. This trend highlights the growing focus of cybercriminals on stealing login data.
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