Cyber attacks on Polish companies have increased fivefold since a year ago, with malware giving hackers remote access to employees' computers, according to experts from the ESET antivirus laboratory.
Media outlet Puls Biznesu reported that “data from the ESET antivirus laboratory shows that the number of cyberattacks on enterprises is growing.”
“The increase in many detected threats year-on-year is enormous. We are talking about a dynamic of around 420% for some types of threats that give criminals remote access to a computer, or 380% for others that can lead to cryptojacking,” Kamil Sadkowski, an analyst at the ESET antivirus laboratory, told Puls Biznesu.
Cryptojacking is the illegal practice of using a computer or other equipment to mine cryptocurrencies without the owner's consent.
“Attacks are facilitated by the continued popularity of remote work, during which it is more difficult to ensure compliance with all security rules,” Sadkowski added.
Puls Biznesu noted that the malware is sent via email "in attachments with titles that suggest an order confirmation or invoice.”
Sadkowski highlighted that the most dangerous circumstance is when “criminals gain access [to employees' computers] and then, without revealing themselves, observe activities, collect data, and pass it on to people who can use it, for example, for political purposes.”
Puls Biznesu stated that “the number of attacks aimed at spying on employees” is also growing. This can involve “hackers monitoring which keys are pressed on company keyboards.”
“Attacks generate significant increases in operating costs for companies, reduce system performance, and pose a potential threat to data security,” it was noted.
Sadkowski explained that there are simple practices to abide by to decrease the risk.
“The most important rules to follow are regular system updates and equipping yourself with reputable antivirus protection,” he said.“Employee education remains key.”
“The increase in many detected threats year-on-year is enormous. We are talking about a dynamic of around 420% for some types of threats that give criminals remote access to a computer, or 380% for others that can lead to cryptojacking,” Kamil Sadkowski, an analyst at the ESET antivirus laboratory, told Puls Biznesu.
Cryptojacking is the illegal practice of using a computer or other equipment to mine cryptocurrencies without the owner's consent.
The role of remote work
“Attacks are facilitated by the continued popularity of remote work, during which it is more difficult to ensure compliance with all security rules,” Sadkowski added.
Puls Biznesu noted that the malware is sent via email "in attachments with titles that suggest an order confirmation or invoice.”
Sadkowski highlighted that the most dangerous circumstance is when “criminals gain access [to employees' computers] and then, without revealing themselves, observe activities, collect data, and pass it on to people who can use it, for example, for political purposes.”
Puls Biznesu stated that “the number of attacks aimed at spying on employees” is also growing. This can involve “hackers monitoring which keys are pressed on company keyboards.”
“Attacks generate significant increases in operating costs for companies, reduce system performance, and pose a potential threat to data security,” it was noted.
Sadkowski explained that there are simple practices to abide by to decrease the risk.
“The most important rules to follow are regular system updates and equipping yourself with reputable antivirus protection,” he said.“Employee education remains key.”
Source: Polskie Radio 24
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