Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats: Key Takeaways from WatchGuard’s Q2 2024 Internet Security Report
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses must remain vigilant against emerging cybersecurity threats. At Flashnet Technologies, we are committed to helping our clients stay secure by adopting cutting-edge tools and strategies. The latest WatchGuard® Threat Lab Report for Q2 2024 highlights critical developments in the cybersecurity realm, offering insights that every business should consider.
Threat Actors Turn to Blockchain as a Malicious Host
The report unveiled a new trend where attackers use blockchains, such as Binance Smart Contracts, to host malicious PowerShell scripts. Dubbed “EtherHiding,” this technique embeds harmful scripts into blockchain transactions, presenting fake error messages on compromised websites. These messages deceive users into clicking malicious links, potentially creating long-term risks since blockchains are immutable and cannot be altered once compromised.
This emphasizes the importance of advanced cybersecurity measures, including proactive monitoring and regular employee training to identify such threats.
The Rise of Info-Stealers, Botnets, and Evasive Malware
Among the top new malware threats were:
- Lumma Stealer, which exfiltrates sensitive data from systems.
- Mirai Botnet Variant, capable of turning IoT devices into remotely controlled bots.
- LokiBot, targeting credentials on Windows and Android systems.
Interestingly, while overall malware detections declined by 24%, the emergence of more evasive malware resulted in a 168% quarter-over-quarter increase in such threats. This indicates a clear shift in tactics by cybercriminals.
Surge in Network Attacks Across Asia-Pacific
Network attacks spiked by 33% globally, with the Asia-Pacific region witnessing the majority—56% of detections. An NGINX vulnerability, first discovered in 2019, reemerged as the top network attack by volume. This highlights the necessity of ongoing vulnerability assessments and timely software updates.
Browser-Based Endpoint Attacks
Seventy-four percent of endpoint malware attacks targeted Chromium-based browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Brave. Attackers employed phishing campaigns, as seen in the widespread use of the trojan.html.hidden.1.gen malware variant.
What These Findings Mean for Businesses
As Corey Nachreiner, Chief Security Officer at WatchGuard Technologies, aptly stated: “Threat actors fall into patterns of behavior, with certain attack techniques becoming trendy and dominant in waves.” This highlights the need for businesses to adopt a defense-in-depth approach, combining robust endpoint protection, firewalls, and employee awareness.
At Flashnet, we align with WatchGuard’s Unified Security Platform® approach, enabling businesses to:
- Detect and respond to threats in real time.
- Secure endpoints and networks with advanced tools.
- Maintain 24/7 monitoring and support to prevent breaches.
About WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.
WatchGuard® Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of unified cybersecurity solutions designed to empower managed service providers (MSPs) with tools that enhance security, scalability, and operational efficiency. With over 17,000 security resellers and service providers safeguarding more than 250,000 businesses worldwide, WatchGuard delivers innovative solutions across key areas such as network security, advanced endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, and secure Wi-Fi.
The company’s Unified Security Platform® integrates five critical components of a comprehensive security framework:
- Comprehensive Security
- Shared Knowledge
- Clarity & Control
- Operational Alignment
- Automation
How Flashnet Can Help
As a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP), Flashnet Technologies offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to your business needs. Our partnership with industry leaders like WatchGuard ensures that you benefit from world-class protection, proactive threat detection, and expert guidance.
Key Flashnet services include:
- Network and Endpoint Security: Protect your digital assets from evolving threats.
- Cloud and Datacenter Solutions: Ensure secure and scalable access to resources.
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Empower your employees to act as the first line of defense.
Ready to secure your business from modern cyber threats?
Partner with Flashnet Technologies today. Call us at +255 711 803 642 or visit our website at Flashnet Technologies to learn more.
