A cyber threat landscape report released today found that the shifting cyber landscape has led threat actors to adjust operations strategically, operationally, and technically.
The 2019 Cyber Threatscape Report by Accenture found that organizations need to pivot approaches to cybersecurity as threat actors adapt to more sophisticated means of entry, once one avenue is cut off.
“Despite strong investments, the relentless creativity of cybercriminals continues to put pressure on organizations to be defense ready,” the report said. “Cybercriminals are testing organizations’ resilience by layering attacks, updating techniques and establishing new, intricate relationships to better disguise their identities.” The report goes on to recommend that organizations include suppliers, partners, and acquisition targets when re-evaluating its own cyber posture.
Five points of emphasis that the report lays out to assist organizations include remembering that:
- “Communications targeting a global stage may not be all they seem;”
- As cybercriminals shift, so too should organization;
- Mixed motives behind ransomware are making it more destructive;
- This is no time for splendid isolation; and
- “Beware of opening more than the back door.”
Additionally, the report mentions the evolution of disinformation campaigns to impact domestic and foreign political sentiment and financial markets by using high-profile global events to influence discourse.
“Organizations must learn not to dwell on the vulnerabilities of the past and be consistent but flexible in their defense. In short, they must tackle cyber resilience with a security pivot mind-set,” the report said.
