Cybersecurity Threat Report: A.I. Drives New Era of Cyber Threats

In a significant development for IT and security professionals, Comcast Business has unveiled its 2024 Cybersecurity Threat Report, an in-depth analysis of the evolving cyber landscape. Based on a staggering 29 billion cybersecurity events detected across its customer base in 2023, the report highlights the growing sophistication of cyber threats fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and an increasingly expansive attack surface.

“With AI capabilities in their arsenal, cybercriminals are having a moment,” said Noopur Davis, Chief Information Security and Product Privacy Officer at Comcast Corporation. “However, a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity—combining advanced protection, detection, managed services, and continuous security maintenance—remains the key to defending against these complex threats."

The 2024 report outlines critical trends shaping the global cybersecurity landscape:

AI: Double-Edged Sword for Cybersecurity

AI is both a challenge and an asset in the cyber arena. While cybercriminals leverage AI to launch more sophisticated attacks, defenders increasingly use AI and machine learning to detect threats at scale, analyze malware, and automatically respond to security anomalies. Comcast Business points out that AI is a force multiplier for cybersecurity teams, helping them defend more effectively against current and emerging threats.

Phishing Attacks Surge Globally

Phishing remains the most prevalent attack vector, responsible for gaining initial access to networks in over 2.6 billion detected interactions. Comcast Business revealed that over 90% of these interactions led victims to phishing sites containing malware. The alarming rise in phishing attacks reinforces the need for businesses to deploy robust anti-phishing technologies, educate their employees, and implement email gateway solutions.

Lateral Movement Techniques Evolve

Cyber attackers are getting better at navigating within compromised networks, often using remote services to move laterally. Comcast Business detected over 409 million events involving lateral movement. By leveraging tools such as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR), IT teams can identify unusual network behaviors and stop attacks before they spread, protecting connected devices and enterprise data.

Encrypted Channels Conceal Malicious Activity

Attackers increasingly use encrypted channels to hide their malicious communications, including Domain Name System (DNS) tunneling and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to evade detection. Comcast Business observed more than eight million DNS tunneling events and 104,000 TCP events that masked malicious activity, while Windows Remote Management (WinRM) saw 78 million attempts to exploit these encrypted channels.

DDoS Attacks and Ransomware: Persistent Threats

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and ransomware continue to pose significant business risks. Comcast Business blocked over one billion data destruction attempts and intercepted 126 million instances of malware aimed at financial theft. The report also recorded 103,000 DDoS attacks targeting its customers. These figures emphasize the urgent need for businesses to adopt comprehensive DDoS protection and ransomware mitigation strategies.

A Roadmap for Cybersecurity Leaders

The findings from the 2024 report provide Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and other security leaders with the insights they need to build a resilient cybersecurity strategy. The report stresses the importance of adopting a multi-layered defense approach to safeguard critical assets against the ever-evolving global threats.

As cybercriminals continue to enhance their capabilities, organizations must bolster their defenses with proactive strategies that leverage AI, advanced detection tools, and continuous monitoring.

To explore Comcast Business’s full suite of cybersecurity solutions or to access the complete 2024 Cybersecurity Threat Report, visit Comcast Business Cybersecurity Services.

About Comcast Business: Comcast Business offers leading global businesses the necessary technology solutions and forward-thinking partnerships. With a full suite of solutions, including fast, reliable connectivity, secure networking solutions, advanced cybersecurity, and a range of managed service 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 partnering with customers to help them drive their businesses forward.

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Disclaimer: Andy Colley is a senior director and copywriter for Comcast NBCUniversal.