More cyber attacks, ransomware in 2018, says ESET report

December 15, 2017

SINGAPORE – A report released today by global cybersecurity specialist ESET suggests that cybersecurity incidents and risks will grow further in 2018, with an increasing pattern of sophistication. The report focusses on ransomware, attacks on critical infrastructure, malware, combating criminal activity, and cyber threats posed to electoral campaigns and data privacy.

The report examines the ransomware revolution and the fact that many companies are still prepared to spend large sums in ransom payment as opposed to investing in their cyber defences – and says what it calls “this unsustainable trend” is likely to continue in 2018.

Stephen Cobb, Senior Security Researcher at ESET, who predicted increased attacks on critical infrastructure as a 2017 trend, anticipates further threats to supply chains in 2018.

He says: "While many large companies appear to be taking cybersecurity more seriously these days, with security teams getting both the budget and the C-level backing required to do a good job, many smaller businesses supplying goods and services to larger organisations are struggling. That makes them an attractive target."

The report says the vulnerability of elections was emphasised in 2017 as major voting events took place around the world.

Can votes cast by an electorate be tampered with, and can an electorate be swayed in the run up to an election by hacktivists working to change public opinion, it asks., adding that countries should invest in preventative measures in 2018 to safeguard the digital security of the democratic process.  www.eset.com (ATI).