Check Point Software releases its Global Threat Index for May 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying updated on the latest global threat trends is crucial for individuals and organizations alike. Check Point Software, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, has recently released its Global Threat Index for May 2023. This analysis aims to delve into the key findings of the report, shedding light on emerging cyber threats, notable trends, and the potential implications for cybersecurity professionals and businesses. By understanding the current threat landscape, organizations can proactively protect their digital assets and mitigate potential risks.

Overview of the Global Threat Index:

The Global Threat Index by Check Point Software provides valuable insights into the most significant cybersecurity threats observed during May 2023. The index aggregates data from various sources, including the Check Point ThreatCloud intelligence network, which analyzes billions of daily cyber incidents and identifies trends and patterns.

Key Findings and Trends:

The May 2023 Global Threat Index highlights several noteworthy findings and emerging trends:

2023. Ransomware Continues to Pose a High Risk: Ransomware attacks remain a persistent threat, with numerous high-profile incidents reported during May 2023. Cybercriminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities in systems and employ sophisticated attack techniques, resulting in substantial financial losses for targeted organizations. The report emphasizes the importance of robust backup systems, advanced threat prevention measures, and employee awareness training to combat the ransomware menace effectively.
2024. Mobile Malware on the Rise: Mobile devices have become increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals. The May 2023 report reveals a rise in mobile malware, including malicious apps, banking trojans, and adware. These threats exploit security loopholes, compromise user privacy, and facilitate financial fraud. Organizations and individuals must prioritize mobile security measures such as regularly updating device software, installing reputable security applications, and exercising caution when downloading apps.
2025. Supply Chain Attacks Gain Momentum: The report underscores the growing prevalence of supply chain attacks. By compromising trusted vendors or partners, threat actors gain access to target networks, allowing them to execute sophisticated attacks. Supply chain attacks can have far-reaching consequences, as evidenced by recent high-profile incidents. To mitigate this risk, organizations should implement robust supply chain security measures, including thorough vendor assessments, continuous monitoring, and incident response plans.
2026. Cloud Security Challenges Persist: The migration to cloud-based infrastructure presents both opportunities and challenges. The report highlights the persistent concern of misconfigurations and inadequate security practices in cloud environments. Misconfigured cloud storage buckets and vulnerable APIs can expose sensitive data to unauthorized access. Organizations must adopt a comprehensive cloud security strategy, including strong access controls, regular audits, and ongoing employee training.

Implications and Recommendations:

The Global Threat Index for May 2023 serves as a call to action for individuals and organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Based on the report’s findings, the following recommendations can help mitigate the risks posed by evolving cyber threats:

1. Regularly update software and systems: Keep all devices and applications up to date to patch known vulnerabilities and protect against emerging threats.
2. Implement multi-layered security defenses: Deploy a combination of network, endpoint, and cloud security solutions to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of cyber threats.
3. Conduct employee awareness training: Educate employees about the latest cybersecurity threats, emphasizing safe browsing habits, responsible use of mobile devices, and the importance of identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
4. Leverage threat intelligence and analytics: Stay informed about emerging threats and trends by leveraging threat intelligence platforms and analytics tools. This enables proactive threat hunting and enhances incident response capabilities.

Top Malware Families: 

The Global Threat Index for May 2023 also highlights the most prevalent malware families that posed significant risks during the period. Here are some of the top malware families observed:

2023. Emotet: Emotet has consistently ranked among the most prominent malware families and continued to pose a significant threat in May 2023. It is a sophisticated banking Trojan that primarily spreads through spam emails and malicious attachments, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
2024. Trickbot: Trickbot is another notorious banking Trojan that often collaborates with other malware families. It is primarily distributed through phishing emails and malicious attachments, enabling attackers to steal financial data and login credentials.
2025. Dridex: Dridex is a banking Trojan that primarily targets financial institutions. It is typically distributed through spam emails and malicious macros, aiming to steal banking credentials and sensitive personal information.
2026. Qakbot: Qakbot, also known as Qbot, is a versatile banking Trojan that has been active for several years. It spreads through infected websites, exploit kits, and malicious email attachments, with the goal of stealing banking credentials and facilitating financial fraud.
2027. Ryuk: Ryuk is a ransomware variant that has been involved in several high-profile attacks. It typically encrypts files on targeted systems and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.

Top Attacked Industries Globally: 

The Global Threat Index also provides insights into the industries that faced the highest number of cyber attacks during May 2023. While the threat landscape affects organizations across various sectors, certain industries often become prime targets for cybercriminals. Here are some of the top attacked industries globally:

1. Financial Services: The financial sector remains a prime target due to the potential financial gain from attacks such as banking Trojans, ransomware, and phishing. Cybercriminals aim to exploit vulnerabilities in banking systems, steal customer data, and conduct financial fraud.
2. Healthcare: The healthcare industry continues to be a lucrative target for cyber attacks, primarily due to the sensitive and valuable patient data it holds. Ransomware attacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access to medical records pose significant risks to patient privacy and the continuity of healthcare services.
3. Manufacturing: Manufacturing companies are increasingly targeted due to the potential disruption caused by attacks on critical infrastructure and supply chain networks. Ransomware attacks, industrial espionage, and intellectual property theft pose significant risks to manufacturing operations and global supply chains.
4. Government and Public Sector: Government agencies and public sector organizations are attractive targets for cyber attacks due to the sensitive data they handle and the potential impact on public services. These attacks can range from data breaches and ransomware incidents to politically motivated cyber espionage.
5. Retail and E-commerce: The retail industry faces numerous cyber threats, including point-of-sale (POS) attacks, e-commerce fraud, and data breaches. Cybercriminals often target retailers to steal customer payment information, compromise e-commerce platforms, or conduct financial fraud.

Top exploited vulnerabilities:

The Global Threat Index for May 2023 also sheds light on the top exploited vulnerabilities during that period. These vulnerabilities represent weaknesses in software, operating systems, or applications that attackers exploit to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious activities. Here are some of the top exploited vulnerabilities observed:

1. CVE-2021-26855 (Microsoft Exchange Server): This vulnerability affects Microsoft Exchange Server and allows remote code execution by unauthorized actors. Exploiting this vulnerability grants attackers access to the targeted system, enabling them to steal data, install malware, or carry out further attacks.
2. CVE-2020-5902 (F5 BIG-IP): This vulnerability affects F5 BIG-IP devices, which are widely used for load balancing and application delivery. Exploiting this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code and gain unauthorized access to targeted systems.
3. CVE-2021-22986 (F5 BIG-IP): Similar to CVE-2020-5902, this vulnerability affects F5 BIG-IP devices and allows remote code execution. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to take control of the affected devices and potentially compromise the underlying systems.
4. CVE-2021-3156 (Sudo): This vulnerability, also known as “Baron Samedit,” affects the Sudo utility commonly used in Unix-based systems. Exploiting this vulnerability enables unauthorized users to gain root-level access and execute arbitrary commands, potentially compromising the entire system.
5. CVE-2018-13379 (Fortinet FortiOS): This vulnerability affects Fortinet FortiOS, the operating system used in Fortinet’s network security devices. Exploiting this vulnerability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to the affected devices and potentially infiltrate the network.
6. CVE-2021-34527 (Windows Print Spooler): This vulnerability, also known as “PrintNightmare,” affects the Windows Print Spooler service. Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to take control of the affected system.

It is crucial for organizations to promptly address these vulnerabilities by applying software patches and updates provided by the respective vendors. Patching vulnerabilities is an essential part of maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture and mitigating the risk of exploitation by threat actors.

Additionally, organizations should regularly conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate any potential vulnerabilities within their systems. Implementing robust access controls, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems can further enhance the security posture and protect against the exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

By staying vigilant and prioritizing timely patch management and vulnerability remediation, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks targeting these top exploited vulnerabilities.

Conclusion: The release of Check Point Software’s Global Threat Index for May 2023 provides valuable insights into the current state of the cyber threat landscape. By understanding the evolving tactics and trends observed during this period, individuals and organizations can take proactive measures to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. With a multi-layered approach, regular updates, employee awareness, and leveraging advanced threat intelligence, businesses can fortify their security posture and mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats in the digital age.