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Sonicwall's Mid-Year Cyber Threat Report Reveals Malicious Microsoft Office Files on Rise
Cybercriminals can be resourceful, often setting traps to take advantage of people’s kindness during a natural disaster, panic throughout a crisis and trust in systems used in everyday life.
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CIO Applications | Friday, August 07, 2020

In spite of the global drop of malware volume, ransomware continues to be the most concerning threat to corporations and the preferred tool for cybercriminals, increasing a staggering 20 percent (121.4 million) globally in the first half of 2020.
FREMONT, CA: The SonicWall Capture Labs threat research team published the mid-year update to the 2020 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report, which highlights the increase in ransomware, opportunistic use of COVID-19 pandemic, systemic weaknesses and rising reliance on Microsoft Office files by cybercriminals.
“Cybercriminals can be resourceful, often setting traps to take advantage of people’s kindness during a natural disaster, panic throughout a crisis and trust in systems used in everyday life. This latest cyber threat data shows that cybercriminals continue to morph their tactics to sway the odds in their favor during uncertain times. With everyone more remote and mobile than ever before, businesses are highly exposed and the cybercriminal industry is very aware of that. It’s imperative that organizations move away from makeshift or traditional security strategies and realize this new business normal is no longer new,” said SonicWall President and CEO Bill Conner.
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“SonicWall has the right combination of effective management, engaged channel partners, and innovative technology and services to help our customers,” adds Conner.
SonicWall has been selected as one of 20 Most Promising Cyber Security Solution Providers by CIOReview Magazine in 2017.
Changing Landscape Results in Waning Malware Volume
During the first half of 2020, global malware attacks dropped from 4.8 billion to 3.2 billion (-24 percent) over 2019’s mid-year total. This fall is the continuation of a downward trend that started last November.
There are regional differences in both the amount of malware and the percentage change year over year, pointing out to shifting cybercriminal focus. For instance, the United States (-24 percent), United Kingdom (-27 percent), Germany (-60 percent), and India (-64 percent) all experienced reduced malware volume. Less malware does not really mean a safer world; ransomware has seen a striking jump over time.
Ransomware Attacks Rise Again
In spite of the global drop of malware volume, ransomware continues to be the most concerning threat to corporations and the preferred tool for cybercriminals, increasing a staggering 20 percent (121.4 million) globally in the first half of 2020.
“Remote and mobile workforces are at a turning point on the subject of security. It has never been more prevalent for enterprises and organizations to prioritize online security and make what used to be a luxury, a secured and protected necessity,” said Chad Sweet, Founder and CEO The Chertoff Group.
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