Kaspersky’s latest findings reveal a troubling increase in cyber threats, with the global cybersecurity company detecting an average of 467,000 malicious files per day in 2024. This represents a 14% rise in detected threats compared to the previous year, signalling a growing and evolving cyber danger landscape.
The annual Kaspersky Security Bulletin (KSB) reveals that Trojans, a type of malicious software that disguises itself as legitimate programs, saw the most significant surge. The detection of Trojans increased by 33% from 2023 to 2024, underscoring the growing danger they pose to individuals and organizations. Additionally, the use of Trojan-droppers- programs designed to stealthily deliver other types of malware, rose dramatically by 150%.
The majority of attacks, according to Kaspersky, continue to target Windows operating systems, with 93% of detected malware aimed at this platform. Among the top threats, attackers frequently exploit MS Office document formats and various scripts, which together accounted for 6% of all detected malicious files.
Experts point to the ongoing evolution of cybercrime, with attackers utilizing advanced methods like artificial intelligence (AI) to generate new malware and conduct highly targeted phishing campaigns. In particular, there has been a rise in malicious activities targeting social media platforms and banking systems, further complicating the cybersecurity landscape.
Vladimir Kuskov, Head of Anti-Malware Research at Kaspersky, emphasized the critical need for individuals and businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. He noted that the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks—such as those exploiting trusted relationships, supply chains, and even open-source software—requires vigilant, proactive security measures.
To combat these rising threats, Kaspersky recommends the following protective measures:
For individuals:
- Avoid downloading software from unverified sources or clicking on suspicious links and ads.
- Enable two-factor authentication and create strong, unique passwords.
- Regularly update software to close security gaps.
- Keep security systems running at all times and avoid disabling them.
For organisations:
- Ensure all software is up to date to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
- Secure remote desktop services with strong passwords and limit their exposure to public networks.
- Use advanced security solutions, like Kaspersky NEXT EDR Expert, for real-time threat monitoring and response.
- Stay informed about emerging attack tactics through the latest threat intelligence.
- Back up critical data regularly, keeping backups isolated from the network to ensure they are safe during a cyberattack.
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