Cyber Threats Surge: Formbook, Vidar Top Malware as Eastern Europe Faces Geopolitical Risks
Check Point Research (CPR) has observed significant shifts in global cyber threats and geopolitical risks, particularly in Eastern Europe since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. Meanwhile, the cyber landscape continues to evolve with new malware strains and evolving tactics.
CPR's latest report reveals that Formbook remains the most prevalent malware, affecting 2.96% of organisations worldwide and 5.10% of Australian organisations. However, it's not the only threat to watch. Vidar, an infostealer designed for backdoor access, has surged to eighth position, up seven places from August. This rise follows a malicious campaign using fake Zoom websites to trick users into downloading the malware.
In the realm of cybercrime groups, 'Scattered Spider' is behind the Hydra banking Trojan. Disguised as contaminated Android malware, it aims to steal financial data. Known for sophisticated social engineering and evolving tactics, this group poses a significant threat.
Geopolitically, the Russia-Ukraine war has led to substantial changes in 'threat rank' for many Eastern European countries. Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Lithuania, and Romania have all moved up significantly in the rankings, now among the top 25 most threatened countries.
As cyber threats and geopolitical risks continue to evolve, organisations must stay vigilant. Formbook and Vidar remain significant malware threats, while 'Scattered Spider' demonstrates the sophistication of cybercrime groups. Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to increased threat levels in Eastern Europe, highlighting the importance of ongoing threat intelligence and robust cybersecurity measures.
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