Did you know the time it takes to find cyber attacks has gotten shorter? Now, the average is only 16 days. This is a crucial piece of info from the M-Trends 2023 report by Mandiant1. It shows we’re getting better at spotting threats quicker, which is essential for protecting your company.
The M-Trends report, now in its 14th year, gives a deep look into cyber threats2. It’s based on real incidents and shows what attackers are up to these days2. The report also talks about the hurdles cyber defenders face and the importance of keeping up with security trends.
Key Takeaways
- The median dwell time for detecting cybersecurity intrusions has improved, now standing at 16 days1.
- Mandiant’s M-Trends 2023 report is based on real-world incident response investigations and provides actionable insights2.
- External notifications now play a larger role in identifying cyber compromises compared to internal teams1.
- Exploits and phishing remain the most common initial infection vectors worldwide, present in over 50% of intrusions1.
- Different regions exhibit unique preferences for attack methods, such as exploits in the Americas and phishing in EMEA1.
Introduction to Mandiant Cybersecurity Insights
The M-Trends report gives vital cybersecurity insights. It shows how cyber threats are changing. The M-Trends 2023 report is filled with trends, metrics, and details on how cyber enemies are switching up their plans. This knowledge is key to boosting your group’s security posture and getting ready for new threats.
Overview of M-Trends 2023
The M-Trends 2023 report by Mandiant shares important findings on global cybersecurity incidents. A key point is the median dwell time for cyber enemies dropped to just ten days before being found3. This is a big decrease from before. Also, attack methods changed with exploits leading at 38% during the first break-in phase3.
On the other hand, phishing dropped by 5%, only making up 17% of first attacks3. But attacks using previous breaches grew by 3%, totaling 15% of initial intrusions3. This data highlights how the threat scene is morphing, offering crucial analysis for businesses.
Importance of Cybersecurity Updates
It’s critical to stay informed on cybersecurity updates in our fast-paced digital world. The Mandiant report underlines this need. It points out that in initial breaches, exploits were mostly used against edge devices3. Also, ransomware made up almost two-thirds of attacks for money and 23% of all 2023 intrusions3.
Getting the latest updates and advice from resources like the M-Trends report helps leaders build better security plans. These plans help fight off threats. The report notes a dip in data theft from 40% to 37% in 2023, with attacks for money covering half of these cases3.
Key Findings from M-Trends 2023
The M-Trends 2023 report sheds light on the progression of cyber threats this past year. It gives us key trends and numbers to understand. The report is rich with details about how cyber threats are changing.
Trends in Attacker Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
Attackers are getting smarter, making more use of zero-day vulnerabilities. This means they’re finding new weak spots to break into systems. They also target devices at the edge of networks, showing the need to protect these areas34.
Stats reveal that 38% of initial cyber attacks used exploits, a 6% increase from before3. Phishing is still common but less so, dropping 5% to 17%3. Using prior breaches to launch new attacks went up by 3%, now at 15%3. These changes show attackers are always finding new methods, so defenses must evolve too.
Highlighted Metrics and Statistics
The time to discover a breach improved globally, from 21 days to 16 days in 20224. For internal security teams, it’s even quicker at 13 days, versus 19 days when outsiders find it4. This shows better detection and response by organizations.
Ransomware is a big problem, with it being a part of two-thirds of cybercrimes for money3. Yet, incidents dropped slightly due to better detection, government action, and other factors4.
New malware types are increasing, with backdoors at 33% and downloaders at 16%3. The BEACON backdoor is the most common, showing up in 10% of cases3. Cyber spying by countries is also going up4.
| Attack Vector | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Exploits | 38% |
| Phishing | 17% |
| Prior Compromises | 15% |
| Ransomware (Financial Motivation) | 66% |
| Backdoors | 33% |
| Downloaders | 16% |
These findings stress the need for strong cybersecurity and updating defenses as attack trends and responses change.
Incident Response Metrics and Dwell Time
One of the key findings of M-Trends 2023 is the big drop in global median dwell time, now at 16 days. This shows we’re getting better at finding breaches faster5. It points out the importance of making our incident response even stronger to keep our cyber defenses solid.
Global Median Dwell Time Reduction
The time it takes to find breaches has gone from more than a year to just over two weeks. This is a big win in the cybersecurity world6. It makes security experts more confident in protecting important systems better than before. This change shows how all over the world, people are working together and using new strategies to defend against cyber threats5.
Implications for Cybersecurity Defenders
These numbers show cybersecurity people what they need to do next. By making incident response better, they can find and stop threats quicker. This minimizes harm6. Quick detection means we need to watch continuously and analyze data carefully. These actions help lower risks and make our overall security stronger6. So, focusing on understanding and responding to Prevention Failure Detection fast is key6.
| Metric | 2019 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Median Dwell Time | 37 days | 16 days | 10 days |
| Mean Time to Detection | 60 days | 16 days | 7 days |
| Ransomware Investigations | 21% | 18% | 14% |
Detection Sources and Their Impact
The way we detect cyber threats is changing. We’re moving from internal to external alerts. Understanding where our alerts come from is crucial in cybersecurity. Many groups find out about security problems from external sources. This shows we need a good balance between internal and external alerts.
Shift from Internal to External Notification
Reports show that companies are leaning more on external alerts for spotting security issues. Traditional ways of spotting problems, like SIEM systems, often miss or delay important alerts7. With more companies using cloud services, we’re seeing too much data to handle. This makes it hard to spot threats ourselves7. Different data formats from various sources add to the problem, making internal threat detection tougher7. As a result, outside sources are more likely to tell us about security breaches.
Traditional SIEM tools can be tough to implement and keep running, so companies want simpler, more flexible options7. Google Chronicle offers a solution by quickly processing huge amounts of security data. This helps find and respond to threats faster7. Chronicle’s artificial intelligence improves how we find threats, spot odd activities, and react automatically. This greatly betters how companies spot security issues internally7.
Regional Differences in Detection Methods
Different parts of the world detect security problems in different ways. In the Americas, exploiting weaknesses is common, showing regional strategies are key. Mandiant’s studies show that in North America, hackers often use the SHOW GRANT command to change permissions and get more access8. High activity in databases and lots of errors in queries also hint at possible attacks8.
To deal with these differences, organizations need to adjust their methods to their local threats. Tools like database activity monitoring (DAM) are helpful in spotting unusual access and errors8. A thorough analysis of where alerts come from helps make both internal and external detection methods better.
| Region | Common Detection Methods | Security Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Americas | Use of exploits, database activity monitoring | High data volumes, diverse data sources, cloud misconfigurations |
| EMEA | Endpoint detection, threat intelligence sharing | Legacy systems, regulatory compliance |
| APAC | Network monitoring, anomaly detection | Rapid digital transformation, skills shortage |
Common Initial Infection Vectors
Getting to know the main infection paths is key to improving defenses against cyber threats. Recent studies from Mandiant highlight crucial ways attackers break into systems. These findings show the main methods used by cyber attackers.
Exploits and Phishing Analysis
Exploits and phishing are the top ways attackers first get in. In 2023, they used system weaknesses to start 38% of cyber attacks. This was a 6% rise from the year before9. Phishing decreased slightly but was still a major method, used in 17% of attacks9. Additionally, the use of zero-day vulnerabilities spiked by 56%, hitting 97 cases9. These facts show why strong security is vital against these threats.
Exploiting flaws is a big way ransomware attackers succeed, causing 32% of breaches10. Phishing also plays a big part, involved in 22% of ransomware attacks10. It’s clear that securing these points of entry is crucial for safety.
Regional Variations in Attack Methods
Different areas see different attack methods due to varying cyber security levels. Phishing is more common in areas with less email security. Strong cybersecurity areas face more complex exploits. In 2022, exploits against public applications were the top reason for ransomware breaches, making up 43% of them10. This shows the need for defense plans tailored to each region’s needs.
Ransomware tactics differ across the globe. In 2023, about 30% of attacks saw ransomware used within 48 hours after access11. This underlines the need for local and flexible strategies against these changing threats.
Defenses tailored to local attack trends help organizations stay safe. Keeping security up to date and teaching staff about new infection paths reduces breach risks. To build better cyber defenses, check out this guide on securing blockchain development.
Emerging Attacker Motivations
The M-Trends 2023 report highlights two main reasons why attackers break into systems. Some want money, while others aim to become famous in the hacking world. Financial desires drive a lot of cyber break-ins. We will look into different hacker goals and share examples to fully grasp the changes in cyber threats.
Monetary Gain vs. Notoriety
It’s crucial to know the difference between hackers after money and those wanting fame. In 2022, nearly half of threat groups were after cash, showing money is still a big motive in cyberattacks5. Meanwhile, some skilled hackers aim for fame by breaking into well-known systems. They use these actions to get a better reputation among other criminals12.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
Looking at real attacks helps us see the different reasons hackers have. For example, ransomware attacks made up 18% of investigations in 2022, a decrease from the year before5. Those attacks often hit important organizations, aiming for a large payoff. On the other hand, some hackers break into systems not for money but for recognition by pulling off unique and new hacks.
Mandiant discovered that 27% of threat groups have complex motives. These could include political, social, or personal reasons along with wanting money5. Knowing these complex drives helps organizations better guard against a range of cyber dangers.
Impact of Geopolitical Events on Cybersecurity
Today, the worlds of global politics and cyberspace are closely linked. The impact of geopolitical events is reshaping cybersecurity. We’re seeing new challenges and vulnerabilities, especially due to tensions in Ukraine and North Korea.
Conflict in Ukraine
The Ukraine conflict has changed cybersecurity across the world. In 2022, Russian attackers targeted Ukraine more than any other country. They aimed at government, military, critical infrastructure, and media13. This targeting of Ukrainian users by Russian attackers increased by 250% from 202013.
The invasion led to a big shift in Eastern European cybercrime. It affected how criminal groups work together13. Over 90% of Russian covert operations disrupted by Google were aimed at supporting the war in Ukraine13.
North Korea’s Financial Operations
North Korea’s cyber operations are important in the geopolitical scene. The country’s cyber threats come from its need for money to support its nuclear goals. They use cyber techniques to steal cryptocurrency13.
APT44, linked to Russian military intelligence, shows the dangers of state-sponsored cyber attacks. Their attacks, like the NotPetya incident, have worldwide effects14. Cyber criminals also disrupt services in NATO states, affecting hospitals and causing energy shortages14.
| Threat Actor | Activities | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| APT44 | Disruptive and destructive cyber attacks | Global NotPetya attack, Olympic games disruptions14 |
| North Korean Cyber Groups | Cryptocurrency theft, financial operations | Economic support for regime, sanction bypassing13 |
| Russian Government-backed Attackers | Focus on government, military, and infrastructure | Severe disruptions, increased cybercriminal activity13 |
Geopolitical events deeply affect cybersecurity. The Ukraine conflict and North Korea’s activities show this. We must adapt our defense strategies to counter these complex threats. It’s key to understand these dynamics for better cybersecurity.
Ransomware Trends and Insights
Ransomware attacks are growing, causing big problems in cybersecurity. Mandiant noted a worrying increase in ransomware cases. They found 23% of all their investigations in 2023 were due to ransomware, up from 18% the year before15. It’s key for companies to improve their defenses against these attacks.
Increase in Ransomware-Related Intrusions
Ransomware attacks are happening more often, showing we need better protection. A big part of defending against them is using smart cybersecurity strategies. In 2023, the financial sector was hit the hardest, with 17% of cases16.
Other areas like business services, tech, retail, and hospitality also faced many attacks16. This shows ransomware can target any industry.
Improved Detection Rates
Even with more ransomware, finding them quickly has gotten better. The average time to find an attack dropped to 10 days in 2023 from 16 days in 20221516. This shows teams are getting faster at spotting these threats. Also, spotting ransomware itself has improved a lot, going from 9 days to 5 days15.
One reason for quicker detections is the focus on early threat finding and getting alerts from outside. For the first time since 2019, these external alerts have helped find more issues than internal teams did1. This shows that outside intelligence is really helping spot problems faster.
Companies are also putting more into their security, like regular team exercises to get better at stopping these threats15. Taking these steps beforehand is crucial to fight off ransomware.
| Industry | Percentage of Intrusion Responses (2023) |
|---|---|
| Financial Services | 17% |
| Business and Professional Services | 13% |
| High Technology | 12% |
| Retail and Hospitality | 9% |
| Healthcare | 8% |
Evolution of Phishing Tactics
In the world of cybersecurity, phishing is always changing. Attackers now use channels like social media, SMS, and personalized emails to trick people. To fight these threats, we need strong security knowledge and up-to-date controls.
The APT29 group is a good example of this. They target foreign embassies in Ukraine17. They’ve moved from using HTML attachments to compromised websites to spread their attacks17. They focus on making their attacks hard to detect17.
The FIN7 group, looking to make money, changed their methods too. They stopped using Microsoft Office macros and started using hidden shortcut files and VBScript18. They aim their attacks at the hospitality and finance sectors with emails that look real, like complaints or resumes18. This shows the need for better security awareness and actions18.
Moreover, with the rise of generative AI, cybercriminals are getting more creative19. They use AI to make their phishing attacks more convincing and to trick people more easily19. They even share AI tools in secret online forums to get past security more easily19.
Phishing keeps getting smarter, so our defenses must too. Keeping up and adjusting to new phishing methods will help protect us from these ongoing dangers.
Challenges with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is widely used, but it still faces big challenges. MFA challenges are growing as hackers get smarter. They’re finding ways around these safety steps. It’s very important to know about these new dangers to keep our online world safe.
Many recent security problems show that we need to make MFA better. Things like emails or texts for MFA aren’t the strongest. They can be easily attacked20. How people act plays a big role in MFA’s strength. Weak spots exist in MFA systems, making them easy targets for certain hacks like MFA prompt bombing and SIM-swapping20.
For example, a serious problem happened in August with Twilio’s two-factor service. Over 10,000 users across 163 Twilio customers had their info stolen. This was after some employees were tricked into giving away their login details to hackers20.
Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) Attacks
AiTM attacks are a big threat to MFA’s security. They work by grabbing the authentication tokens being sent back and forth. This lets attackers get into sensitive areas or information easily. So, strengthening our cybersecurity to fight off these MFA challenges is crucial. Records say that 163 security issues came from stolen login info and weak MFA settings21.
Bypassing MFA with New Techniques
Hackers keep coming up with new ways to get past MFA. Using emails or texts for MFA can lead to trouble. These can be hacked through certain tactics, showing big security holes20. Also, a study found that more than 60% of companies had at least one very important user without MFA protection on their account. This shows a big problem in how people protect their stuff21. We need better, full-proof security steps. Watching carefully and collecting data helps understand risks better. Setting up rules to limit what users can do in online services can also improve safety21.
Looking at big companies like Cisco and Uber shows us that even strong MFA systems can fail. If people don’t know how to use them right or aren’t following strict safety rules, problems can happen20. With new threats coming our way, companies have to check and improve their MFA systems to fight off smart attacks well.
If you’re curious about MFA weaknesses and big security problems, check out some big stories. One detailed story covers Mandiant’s trouble when they didn’t use two-factor authentication. Read more about these compromised accounts at DarkReading21.
Cloud Security and Hybrid Environments
Today, keeping cloud security tight in hybrid settings is crucial for companies protecting their data and systems. Google’s acquisition of Mandiant in September 2022 marked a big leap in improving security for both the cloud and on-site services22. Mandiant brings a system that discovers assets automatically and prioritizes them smartly to reduce security risks22. But, the fast change in cyber threats requires advanced security to tackle cloud risks accurately.
The old SIEM setup often doesn’t cut it in the vast, quick-moving cloud world. It struggles with too much data and separated info, missing important security issues7. We need security that can automatically link events, spot cloud problems quickly, and use machine learning and analytics to catch threats7.
Google Chronicle uses Google’s vast infrastructure to quickly handle loads of security data, offering endless scale, prediction tools, and automatic reactions7. It makes data ingestion better by unifying different data types for easy integration with other security tools7. This is key to handling security where cloud and on-premise systems overlap.
By buying Mandiant, various security service providers can now boost their offerings. They can better tackle security needs with more flexible solutions22. This partnership gives us powerful tools to fight advanced threats in mixed cloud setups7. With the right cloud security actions and settings, we can lower risks and strengthen our defense against cyber dangers.
Choosing a cloud-first strategy means we must carefully check our security steps and system setups. As cyber threats grow, having tools like Google Chronicle is vital for keeping defenses strong and lowering risks7. In hybrid systems, mixing automated and scalable options helps cover security well and boosts our safety level.
Mandiant’s know-how and tech progress help businesses handle cloud security well. This makes managing the tricky parts of hybrid systems easier and secures cloud structures against weaknesses22. It’s part of achieving a secure, tough online space in our digital age.
Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Defense
With cyber attackers getting more creative, it’s critical to use artificial intelligence (AI) in your cybersecurity strategy. Mandiant’s 2023 report highlights how AI is changing the game in security drills and boosting threat detection and response. By adopting AI, companies can better spot and fight off complex cyber threats, which is vital as risks keep evolving.
AI in Red and Purple Team Exercises
Red and purple team drills use tools like Google’s Threat Intelligence for better threat modeling and understanding AI security risks. These challenges highlight the unique issues faced by AI services23. Adding AI to these drills gives security teams a sandbox to improve their tactics in settings like Mandiant’s ThreatSpace23. Learning from these activities enables firms to beef up their AI security and overall defense mechanisms23.
AI-Powered Threat Detection and Hunting
AI drastically speeds up finding threats and handling incidents. For example, Mandiant used Bard, an AI tool, to quickly make sense of complex scripts for a big client, saving lots of time24. AI also helps in examining smart contracts on Ethereum, targeted by hackers, by offering detailed insights, aiding Mandiant analysts in focusing their efforts24. Google’s work on securing its AI tech and including these methods in Google Threat Intelligence highlights AI’s role in stronger cyber defense23.
To dig deeper into AI and cybersecurity, including how generative AI is improving customer service, check out this resource. It offers more detailed views on new trends and tactics.