Top 3 Cyber Threat Insights for Q2 2024

Cato CTRL’s Q2 2024 SASE Threat Report offers a detailed look into the current cyber threat landscape. Between April and June 2024, Cato analyzed 1.38 trillion network flows from over 2,500 of their global customers. The report reveals important findings that highlight the need for businesses to stay alert as cyber threats continue to evolve.

1. IntelBroker: A Leading Threat Actor in the Dark Web
   Cato CTRL identified IntelBroker, a major figure in cyber threat intelligence, as an active member of the BreachForums hacking community. IntelBroker is known for selling stolen data and source codes from several high-profile companies, including Microsoft, AMD, Apple, T-Mobile, Facebook, KrypC, Space-Eyes, and even the US Army Aviation and Missile Command. This discovery highlights the growing role of threat actors in the dark web, where cyber intelligence operations have become a serious concern.
2. Amazon is a Top Target for Brand Spoofing
   The report found that cybersquatting, where hackers create fake domains mimicking legitimate brands, is on the rise. Amazon remains the most frequently spoofed brand, accounting for 66% of these attempts. Google follows far behind at 7%. This kind of cyber threat intelligence shows how crucial it is for businesses to strengthen their defenses against brand-related attacks.
3. Log4j Vulnerability Still a Major Threat
   Although the Log4j vulnerability was first discovered in 2021, it remains a popular tool for cybercriminals. From Q1 to Q2 2024, there was a 61% increase in attempts to exploit Log4j in inbound traffic and a 79% rise in WAN-bound traffic. Similarly, older vulnerabilities, like the one in Oracle WebLogic, saw a 114% increase in exploitation attempts during the same period. These findings underline the importance of focusing on patching critical vulnerabilities as part of a broader cyber security threat intelligence strategy.

Cyber Security Recommendations

Based on the insights from the report, businesses should take proactive measures to enhance their cyber threat intelligence and strengthen their security posture. Here are the key recommendations:

1. Monitor the Dark Web Regularly Businesses should keep a close eye on dark web forums and marketplaces where their data or credentials could be sold. This is crucial for gathering actionable cyber intelligence and detecting potential threats early.
2. Defend Against Cybersquatting Implement advanced tools and strategies to identify and prevent phishing attempts and attacks leveraging brand spoofing. Threat intelligence plays a key role here by detecting these activities before they cause significant harm.
3. Focus on Critical Vulnerabilities Organizations should adopt a proactive patching schedule, especially for vulnerabilities actively targeted by threat actors, like Log4j. This is vital for preventing exploitation and ensuring better cyber security.
4. Prepare for Data Breaches Having a well-developed breach response plan is essential. It helps businesses act quickly and effectively in the event of a cyber attack, limiting the damage.
5. Adopt an “Assume Breach” Mentality Businesses should assume that they could be breached at any time and adopt robust security practices like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and regular penetration testing. Cyber security AI solutions can also play a key role in detecting and responding to threats quickly.
6. Establish AI Governance As AI becomes more integrated into cyber security, developing an AI governance strategy is crucial. This ensures that AI technologies are used responsibly and effectively to enhance threat intelligence and protection against advanced cyber threats.

In summary the Cato CTRL SASE Threat Report for Q2 2024 underscores the growing intricacy of the cyber threat landscape. By utilizing intelligence proactively addressing vulnerabilities and adopting AI driven solutions organizations can enhance their defense against ever evolving cybersecurity challenges.