Black Friday Impact: Unveiling the Surge in Cyber Threats Across Manufacturing, Software Development, and IT Sectors

Introduction

In this weekly update, we will delve into the cyber threats that unfolded from November 26th to December 03rd, 2023. The advent of Black Friday brings not only exciting discounts and shopping frenzy but also a surge in cyber threats across various sectors. As businesses and consumers alike indulge in online transactions and digital activities, malicious actors capitalize on this opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities. In this article, we will delve into the impact of Black Friday on cyber threats, highlighting the industries most affected, the notable threat groups, and the need for targeted security measures.

Total Breaches: A Significant Rise in Cyber Threats

The number of cyber breaches has increased significantly in the past week, escalating from 80 incidents to 108. This surge in cyber threats signifies the heightened vulnerability of organizations during the Black Friday period. With increased online activity, hackers and cybercriminals are stepping up their efforts to infiltrate systems, steal sensitive data, and cause widespread damage.

Primary Targets: USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and France

Unsurprisingly, the United States remains the primary target for cyberattacks during Black Friday. However, other countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and France also face a significant threat. As these nations showcase a high level of consumer participation in Black Friday events, attackers aim to exploit the increased internet traffic and potential security loopholes.

Industries Facing Heightened Threats: Education Sector at Risk

While cyber threats affect various industries, the education sector has experienced a notable increase in breaches compared to previous trends. This surge in attacks has also impacted the healthcare, software development, consulting, and construction sectors. As organizations within these industries handle sensitive information and rely heavily on digital infrastructure, they become prime targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.

Notable Threat Groups: Play, Alphv & Lockbit3

Among the several threat groups monitored over the past two weeks, Play, Alphv, and Lockbit3 have exhibited consistent activity. These groups pose significant risks to organizations across multiple sectors, deploying various tactics to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to networks and systems. It is crucial for organizations to stay vigilant and implement robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate the impact of these threat groups.

A Shift in Threat Types and Industry-Specific Impact

Black Friday has brought forth a general surge in cyber threats, with a notable impact on the education sector. However, other industries have not been immune to these threats either. Manufacturing, software development and consulting, construction, and education have witnessed increased levels of cyber threats. These industries must prioritize targeted security measures to protect their assets, sensitive information, and digital infrastructure.

Financial Services, Healthcare, and Law Firms: Consistent Vulnerability

While Black Friday highlights the surge in cyber threats across many sectors, some industries face consistent vulnerability throughout the year. The financial services, healthcare, and law firm sectors continue to encounter significant cybersecurity challenges. It is imperative for organizations within these industries to maintain sustained efforts to enhance their security posture and protect valuable data.

Attack Surface Exposure and Potential Exploitation

Among the identified 44 critical vulnerabilities, 16 currently have publicly available exploits. These vulnerabilities hold an EPSS score ranging from 0.04 to 0.09, indicating a high level of potential exploitation. The Foresiet research team has identified specific exploits available for opportunistic threat actors to target easy attacks. Examples of these vulnerabilities include CVE-2023-49046, CVE-2023-45484, CVE-2023-45483, CVE-2023-45482, CVE-2023-45480, CVE-2023-6305, and more. It is essential for organizations to promptly patch these vulnerabilities and prioritize their cybersecurity efforts.

The Global Reach of Cyber Threats

Cyber threats know no international borders, impacting industries across the globe. The surge in cyber threats during Black Friday affects organizations not only in the USA but also in Europe and Asia. To effectively combat these multifaceted challenges posed by cybercriminals, businesses and governments must adopt a global outlook and collaborate to enhance cybersecurity measures.

Recent Threats on the Darkweb

Foresiet Threat Intelligence (www.Foresiet.com) research has uncovered a series of alarming cyber incidents on the dark web. Operation Cyber Toufan has recently set its sights on Berkshire eSupply's valuable data, posing a significant security threat. Meanwhile, the notorious hacking group Cyb3r Drag0nz is plotting a follow-up cyberattack on Israel, raising concerns about potential damage and disruption. In a surprising turn of events, Anonymous Sudan has emerged as a provider of DDoS services, offering their harmful expertise for a mere $100. Additionally, IndianCyberForce has made headlines with its act of dumping Pakistani website databases, showcasing their cyber prowess.

On the brighter side, Inferno Drainer, a previously active hacking group, appears to have ceased its operations. However, further exposing the darker side of the web, Reddit faces the risk of exposure, while Weedsec Group has launched "Dumped.to," a platform that potentially facilitates illegal activities. Iran's Rightel Internet is under attack, jeopardizing its online infrastructure, while a Windows Defender flaw has been revealed, raising concerns about system vulnerabilities.

Lastly, in Indonesia, ALIGATOR BLACK HAT is engaging in trolling activities against the Pengadilan Negeri Banda Aceh Kelas IA. The breadth and scope of these incidents underscore the pressing need for heightened cybersecurity measures and continuous vigilance in our interconnected world.

Conclusion

Black Friday serves as a catalyst for a significant rise in cyber threats across multiple sectors. The education sector, in particular, has witnessed an increase in breaches, impacting healthcare, software development and consulting, and construction industries. Notable threat groups such as Play, Alphv, and Lockbit3 remain active, posing risks to organizations worldwide. Industries like manufacturing, software development and consulting, construction, and education must prioritize targeted security measures, while sectors such as financial services, healthcare, and law firms continue to face consistent vulnerability. With a global perspective and sustained efforts, organizations can combat the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats and safeguard their digital assets and sensitive information.

About Foresiet!

Foresiet is the pioneering force in digital security solutions, offering the first integrated Digital Risk Protection SaaS platform. With 24x7x365 dark web monitoring and proactive threat intelligence, Foresiet safeguards against data breaches and intellectual property theft. Our robust suite includes brand protection, takedown services, and supply chain assessment, enhancing your organization's defense mechanisms. Attack surface management is a key component of our approach, ensuring comprehensive protection across all vulnerable points. Compliance is assured through adherence to ISO27001, NIST, GDPR, PCI, SOX, HIPAA, SAMA, CITC, and Third Party regulations. Additionally, our advanced antiphishing shield provides unparalleled protection against malicious emails. Trust Foresiet to empower your organization to navigate the digital landscape securely and confidently.