Check Point Research's analysis of global cyber attack data reveals that 2023 was a year of mega ransomware attacks, with organisations across the globe experiencing an average of 1,158 weekly cyber attacks each.
Cyber threat landscape
The study finds that in 2023, cyber attacks focused on extortion and payment demands or ransom in exchange for the privacy of stolen data.
The Education/Research sector remained on top of the list with the highest number of cyber attacks. The Retail/Wholesale sectors experienced the most significant increase in cyberattacks (22%) due to a large volume of consumer data, highly connected and digitalised operations, e-commerce and online presence, insufficient cybersecurity measures, high transaction volumes, and seasonal spikes in activity.
The Asia Pacific region recorded the highest average number of weekly attacks, with an average of 1,930 attacks per organisation, increasing 3% compared to last year.
In 2023, 10% of organisations worldwide have been targeted by an attempted ransomware attack, with APAC having the highest ratio, with 11% of organisations targeted by ransomware.
Preventing ransomware and other attacks
To guard organisations against ransomware and other attacks, Checkpoint Research recommends a robust, secure data backup solution, cyber awareness training within the organisation, updating security patches, strengthening user authentication, deploying anti-ransomware solutions, and utilising better threat prevention.