Discover Acronis' Shocking Report: Email Attacks on Businesses Soar by 197% in H2 2024

Acronis, a leader in the fields of cybersecurity and data protection, has published its latest findings in the "Acronis Cyberthreats Report, H2 2024: The rise of AI-driven threats." The report uncovers a sharp increase in cyberattacks via email, with a notable 197% surge in the latter half of 2024, compared to the previous year. During this period, organizations experienced a 21% increase in the frequency of attacks, highlighting an escalating threat landscape. The data further reveals that almost half of all users encountered at least one email attack, and over 31.4% of all emails were identified as spam, with 1.4% harboring malware or phishing links.

Significantly, the report points out the increased targeting of managed service providers (MSPs) by cybercriminals, with phishing attempts being the most common method to infiltrate their networks. Moreover, 33% of MSPs were victims of email phishing campaigns, indicating a clear preference for this attack vector. Attackers also exploited vulnerabilities in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and other remote access tools, showcasing a methodical approach to breaching MSP systems and deploying harmful payloads.

The alarming trend of advanced persistent threat (APT) groups focusing on MSPs was also highlighted. These groups, known for their sophisticated tactics, have shifted their attention towards MSPs, using them as strategic points for deploying ransomware to client systems. This marks a significant evolution in cybercriminal strategies, moving from opportunistic attacks to calculated assaults on MSPs to maximize impact.

The United Arab Emirates emerged as a prime target for malware attacks in December 2024, according to the report. It led the list of countries with the highest percentage of malicious URL blocks, indicating a pressing cybersecurity threat in the region. This was followed by Brazil and Singapore, underlining the global nature of cyber threats.

Gerald Beuchelt, CISO at Acronis, emphasized the importance of the report, noting, "The cyberthreats report from the Acronis Threat Research Unit serves as our biannual pulse on the cybersecurity landscape, offering critical insights into the latest attack trends and vulnerabilities. This release highlights the alarming rise of AI-generated attacks and the increasing sophistication of ransomware campaigns. By analyzing trends from the first half of 2024 and providing actionable recommendations, the report empowers organizations, MSPs, and the cybersecurity industry to proactively strengthen their defenses to stay ahead of today's most pressing risks."

Another critical observation from the report concerns the risks posed by the adoption of remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools. While these tools are designed for efficiency, their widespread use without adequate security measures introduces vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. The findings suggest that the simultaneous use of multiple RMM tools by organizations can create security blind spots, potentially leading to ransomware attacks.

The "Acronis Cyberthreats Report, H2 2024" provides a comprehensive overview of the leading vulnerabilities exploited throughout the year and offers predictions for 2025. It includes actionable recommendations aimed at helping organizations and MSPs bolster their cybersecurity measures against the backdrop of evolving threats.