Rising Cyber Threats in Q3 2024: AI’s Dual Role in Attacks and Defense

The Q3 2024 Threat Report from Gen unveils a concerning rise in the sophistication of cyber threats, shedding light on how artificial intelligence (AI) is both a tool for attackers and defenders. 

As cybercriminals evolve their tactics, the line between risk and resilience becomes increasingly defined by proactive measures and advanced technology.

One significant trend is the surge in social engineering tactics, where cybercriminals manipulate victims into compromising their own security. A staggering 614% increase in “Scam-Yourself Attacks” highlights this evolution. 

Often, these attacks rely on fake tutorials, such as YouTube videos promising free access to paid software. Users who follow these instructions unknowingly install malware on their devices.

Another emerging strategy is the “ClickFix Scam,” where attackers pose as technical support, guiding victims to copy and execute malicious code in their systems. Fake CAPTCHA prompts and bogus software updates further trick users into granting administrative access to malicious programs. 

Data-stealing malware has also seen a significant rise, with information stealers increasing by 39%. For instance, the activity of Lumma Stealer skyrocketed by 1154%. Ransomware attacks are also on the rise, with the Magniber ransomware exploiting outdated software like Windows 7. Gen has responded by collaborating with governments to release free decryption tools, such as the Avast

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