Tag Archive for: Top

Ransomware attack hits top chipmaker Nexperia, huge hoard of data set to be leaked


Top chipmaker Nexperia suffered a ransomware attack last month which saw threat actors get away with a terabyte of sensitive corporate data. 

“Nexperia has become aware that an unauthorized third party accessed certain Nexperia IT servers in March 2024,” the company said in a statement shared with BleepingComputer. “We promptly took action and disconnected the affected systems from the internet to contain the incident and implemented extensive mitigation.”

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Manufacturing sector top target for ransomware attacks last year


Palo Alto said UK manufacturers and professional and legal services are most at risk of ransomware attacks.

The UK’s manufacturing sector is the prime target for ransomware attacks, according to data from Palo Alto Networks’ threat intelligence arm, Unit 42, seen by City A.M.

In 2023, manufacturers bore the brunt of ransomware assaults, accounting for 17.2 per cent of all attacks recorded in the UK, totalling 45 incidents.

They are particularly at risk due to their low tolerance for operational disruption, which can negatively impact production, cyber security company Palo Alto said.

With only one fewer incident last year, professional and legal services followed closely behind, suffering 16.9 per cent of ransomware attacks, as cyber criminals targeted sensitive data.

In 2023, the first year the study has been conducted, 261 ransomware attacks targeted UK organisations.

The UK’s technology and education sectors both experienced 8.4 per cent of attacks.

A ransomware attack is when hackers use malicious software to encrypt files or systems, demanding payment, often in cryptocurrency, for their release. The impact on businesses can include loss of data, reputational damage, regulatory penalties and higher insurance premiums.

Palo Alto Networks recently released a separate report, revealing that the frequency of cyber assaults on UK companies has surged, with attacks occurring on a monthly, weekly, and even daily basis for 76 per cent of respondents.

Amid the rise, regulatory pressure is mounting on companies, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors, to enhance their cyber security measures.

For example, the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act is coming into force on 29 April. It will require manufacturers of internet-connected or ‘smart’ products to ensure they meet minimum security requirements, protecting consumers.

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Top 5 Best Penetration Testing Companies in 2024


man in black jacket using computer
(Photo : KeepCoding / Unsplash)

Businesses in every industry are under threat of data breaches as threat actors discover new ways of pinpointing weaknesses in the IT infrastructure. Companies are under pressure to fortify their defense before cybercriminals can exploit them. They need the help of penetration testing companies who know the right tools and methods to ensure the defenses remain strong.

Why is penetration testing important?

Penetration testing involves simulating cyberattacks on a company’s systems and network. It verifies the security controls to assess if a company is ready for real-life cyberattacks as the service uncovers vulnerabilities and weaknesses before threat actors can exploit them.

Penetration testing services help companies obtain information about the different ways cybercriminals conduct their malicious activities, which can cause irreversible damage to the financial health and reputation of an organization. IT personnel can learn how to handle any type of break-in with insights into which channels or applications are most at risk, thereby preparing an effective and appropriate response to a cyberattack.

Read further to learn how the top 5 best penetration testing companies in 2024 address security concerns and fortify their clients’ security posture.

Silent Breach
(Photo : Silent Breach)

Overview

Silent Breach specializes in network security and protection of digital assets. They provide cutting-edge services and expertise across many industries in the private and public sectors. They are an award-winning provider, delivering a level of service that far exceeds industry standards.

Silent Breach employs real-world methods that closely mimic the behavior of determined hackers, including a blend of automated and manual testing to provide the broadest coverage. Their penetration testing services support a wide variety of tests, including web apps, mobile, wireless, physical, social, cloud, and more.

Back in 2021, Silent Breach…

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A ransomware reality check as US is a top target of attacks


While you might think, as many people do, that ransomware attacks are a worldwide problem, a new report reveals hackers are targeting specific countries, and the United States is one of the top targets.

According to critical infrastructure security company Dragos, 44% of ransomware attacks last year targeted North American industrial organizations. Europe was also a top threat, with 32% of attacks targeting organizations there. Industrial ransomware attacks spiked nearly 50% on a global scale, growing to 905 last year compared to 600 in 2022.

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A ransomware reality check as US is a top target of attacks

Illustration of ransomware attacker (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is ransomware?

In a ransomware attack, hackers will encrypt data on a system and demand a ransom to restore access to the owners. They may also threaten to delete or leak the data if you don’t pay. While these attacks tend to target large organizations, some hacker groups will also target individuals.

In fact, anyone who uses a computer or a device connected to the internet can be a potential victim of ransomware. This means that your personal files, such as your photos, videos, documents and emails, could be locked by hackers who demand a ransom for their release.

MORE: RANSOMWARE RAMPAGE HITS RECORD HIGH WITH US ITS TOP TARGET

A ransomware reality check as US is a top target of attacks

Person conducting ransomware attack (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What can I do to protect myself from ransomware?

Ransomware criminals will try to get you to pay money to them to get your files back. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee that you will regain access to anything a criminal takes from you and will only permit them to do it more.

Your best bet is to prevent an attacker from gaining access to your files altogether so that you don’t have to try to fight to get them back. Here are some of my tips for avoiding having your data stolen in a ransomware attack.

MORE: TIPS TO FOLLOW FROM ONE INCREDIBLY COSTLY CONVERSATION WITH CYBERCROOKS

1) Be careful about opening suspicious links or attachments

If you receive an email from an address you do not recognize, don’t open it. If you open it by mistake, avoid…

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