Staying informed about cyber threats is vital in today’s rapidly evolving digital age. The Microsoft Digital Defence Report 2024 delivers crucial insights on the global cybersecurity trends, highlighting critical risks and proactive strategies for organisations.
Here’s an in-depth look at the report’s key findings:
Ransomware and Fraud on the Rise
Ransomware attacks have nearly tripled in 2024. Attackers now go beyond encrypting data to threatening exposure and theft. Fraud is also on the rise, with business email compromise (BEC) and cloud-based scams becoming more common. Criminals increasingly use cloud platforms to hide their activities, making detection harder and risking both corporate and personal data.
AI's Role in Cybersecurity—For Better or Worse
AI has become a pivotal force, empowering both attackers and defenders. Threat actors are using generative AI for advanced phishing and malware, while cybersecurity teams employ AI for swift threat detection and automated responses.
Challenges in Cloud Security
As cloud adoption grows, so do its vulnerabilities. Misconfigurations, identity breaches, and data leaks are common risks. The report emphasises adopting zero-trust principles to fortify cloud environments.
Identity Protection as a Priority
Identity remains a critical focus, with credential-based attacks on the rise. Organisations are urged to implement multifactor authentication (MFA), embrace passwordless technologies, and ensure continuous identity monitoring.
Proactive Measures for Business Leaders and IT Teams
Microsoft recommends the following proactive measures:
- Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Adopt AI-Driven Security Tools
- Strengthen Cloud and E-Commerce Security
- Enhance Employee Training to Counter Social Engineering
For a full overview, access the report here.
99% of identity attacks are password-based
54% of phishing campaigns impersonated online software and service brands
80% of organisations have attack paths that expose critical assets
Ready to talk cyber security? We are here to help you implement these strategies. Contact us to learn how we can help you strengthen your security posture and protect your business.
