Hackers vs. Apps: How Web Shells Took the Spotlight in 2024’s Cyber Drama
In Q4 2024, threat actors shifted to exploiting public-facing applications for initial access, with web shells driving this trend, according to Cisco Talos. While ransomware incidents declined, inadequate multi-factor authentication still left many organizations vulnerable, proving that MFA is like a seatbelt for your data—don’t skip it!
Hot Take:
Cybercriminals are like squirrels—always finding new ways into your attic, except instead of acorns, they’re after your data. With web shells becoming their new weapon of choice, it’s high time to batten down the hatches on those public-facing applications before they turn your network into a cyber Swiss cheese!
Key Points:
– Public-facing applications are now the prime target for initial access, making up 40% of incidents.
– Web shells are on the rise, with their deployment jumping to 35% in Q4 2024.
– Ransomware incidents decreased, but cybercriminals are spending more time in networks—up to 44 days!
– The use of remote access tools in ransomware attacks skyrocketed to 100% in Q4.
– 40% of all compromises involved issues with multi-factor authentication (MFA).