Microsoft has published the 2024 digital security report (Microsoft Digital Defense Report). The 114-page document states that there has been a significant increase in the number of various types of cyber attacks over the past year. According to the report, Windows users are exposed to more than 600 million cyber attacks every day.
It is emphasized that more and more technical resources are available to attackers every day, including those related to artificial intelligence (AI). Those attacks use ransomware, phishing and other sophisticated forms of identity theft, PCWorld explains. Basically, hackers try to get the passwords of users.
Microsoft experts note that cybercriminals are actively using the latest technologies, including AB-based tools. The technology helps attackers create fake images, videos and audio recordings. AB is also used to mass-produce “perfect” resumes to infiltrate companies’ internal systems through fake job applications.
In addition, it has been found that hackers can use AB platforms directly for attacks. For example, through fake request injection (XPIA), they can send fake instructions and take control of a victim’s computer.
It’s not just ordinary users who are at risk. Government organizations and companies are also targets of cyber attacks. Thus, in the current year, the US healthcare system was subjected to 389 successful cyberattacks, which led to network failures, various systems and delays in the implementation of important medical procedures.
Many of these attacks, the report notes, aren’t just “ordinary” cybercriminals. State actors are increasingly involved in this. Microsoft cites China, among other countries, as one of the main sources of such attacks, especially in the context of interfering with pre-election campaigns before the US presidential elections. At the same time, the line between ordinary cybercriminals and hackers working for governments is becoming increasingly blurred.
Microsoft reportedly prevented around 1.25 million distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks this year, four times more than last year.