Report Analyzes 29 Billion Attempted Cybersecurity Attacks Against Comcast Business Customers
Cybercriminals are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing deepfake and phishing attacks, as well as use open source tools to generate malicious code.
PHILADELPHIA, October 7, 2024–(BUSINESS FEED)–Comcast Company today published its 2024 Cybersecurity Threat Reporta valuable resource for IT and security professionals, based on analysis of 29 billion cybersecurity events detected by Comcast Business across its security customers in 2023. The report highlights significant changes in the cybersecurity landscape, driven by sophisticated threat actors, an expanding attack surface. and the transformative power of AI.
“Armed with a new arsenal of AI-driven capabilities and a landscape filled with vulnerable systems, cybercriminals have a prime time,” said Noopur Davis, chief information security and privacy officer. products at Comcast Corporation. “Our results confirm that despite this progress, a multi-layered approach combining advanced protection, detection, managed services and vigilant maintenance of security practices can help businesses protect their digital assets and improve their resilience against sophisticated threats.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving global cyber threat landscape, based on cybersecurity events detected by Comcast Business among its security customers in 2023. The report highlights an intensifying global threat landscape, including the following:
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AI amplifies cyber risks but offers powerful tools to mitigate threats.
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For both bad actors looking to steal company data and the IT security professionals tasked with protecting it, AI is changing the rules of engagement. Defenders are increasingly using AI and machine learning to analyze malware and record data at scale, as well as to scan entire systems for anomalies and automatically respond to threats. AI can act as a force multiplier for defensive teams working to protect their organizations and data.
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Phishing attacks are increasing and threatening businesses around the world.
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Phishing remains the primary method used by attackers to gain first access to networks, with more than 2.6 billion interactions detected by Comcast Business. Additionally, more than 90% of phishing interactions blocked by Comcast Business were designed to direct victims to phishing sites harboring malware. This trend highlights the need for robust anti-phishing technologies, user training, and email gateway platforms to combat this growing threat.
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Bad actors use advanced lateral movement techniques to navigate networks.
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Remote Services was the most leveraged method of lateral movement, with more than 409 million events detected by Comcast Business. Using tools such as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) can help IT staff identify threats early by monitoring network activity to detect anomalies in behavior users. They help protect devices connected to corporate networks by using AI to proactively detect, investigate, remove and remediate malware, phishing and ransomware.
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Attackers are increasingly using encrypted channels and proxies to hide their command and control (C&C) communications.
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By exploiting these protocols, attackers can hide their malicious activities and evade detection. Domain Name System (DNS) tunneling remains a popular technique for bypassing traditional security measures, with over eight million events observed. Similarly, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) was used in 104,000 events to provide reliable communication channels, often with encrypted payloads that further mask malicious activity. Also widespread was the use of Windows Remote Management (WinRM), which recorded nearly 78 million events. These methods highlight the need for sophisticated detection tools to identify and mitigate covert malicious activity.
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Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and ransomware pose significant risks.
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Comcast Business has identified and blocked more than 1 billion data destruction attempts. Additionally, more than 126 million blocked instances of malware or botnets designed specifically for financial theft highlight the financial motivations behind many cyberattacks. DDoS attacks remain a major threat to Comcast Business customers, with 103,000 events reported. This increase highlights the need for robust DDoS attack protection and mitigation strategies.
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The report provides CISOs, CIOs and security leaders with in-depth analysis of how cyber threats can hack and then spread across global networks. This analysis allows them to make informed security decisions to protect critical assets. The report’s trends and findings highlight the importance of taking a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity to strengthen defenses against evolving global threats.
To learn more about Comcast Business’ advanced cybersecurity solutions or to access the full Comcast Business 2024 Cybersecurity Threat Report, please visit: https://business.comcast.com/enterprise/products-services/cybersecurity-services.
About Comcast Business
Comcast Business provides leading global businesses with the forward-thinking technology solutions and partnerships they need. With a comprehensive suite of solutions including fast, reliable connectivity, secure networking solutions, advanced cybersecurity and a range of managed services options, Comcast Business is ready to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Comcast Business has been recognized by leading analyst firms for its continued growth, innovation and leadership, and is committed to collaborating with its customers to help them advance their businesses.
For more information, call 800-501-6000. Follow @ComcastBusiness on social networks at http://business.comcast.com/social.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we offer to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers and guests around the world. We offer world-class broadband, wireless and video services through Xfinity, Comcast Business and Sky; produce, distribute and broadcast premier entertainment, sports and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life with Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
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Contacts
Media:
Matt Helmke, corporate communications
Comcast Company
215.286.8666
Matt_Helmke@comcast.com
