BlackBerry Reports 600,000 Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure in Q3 2024

In a recent report, BlackBerry revealed that critical infrastructure sectors faced a staggering 600,000 cyberattacks in the third quarter of 2024. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect vital services and maintain public trust. The report highlights the growing sophistication and persistence of threat actors, as well as the importance of government and private sector collaboration in addressing these challenges.



The financial sector was the most targeted, accounting for 45% of the attacks, followed by telecommunications infrastructure, healthcare, and energy. Threat actors employed a range of tactics, including the use of novel malware, exploitation of known vulnerabilities, and ransomware attacks. The report also notes the influence of geopolitical tensions on the cyber threat landscape, with threat actors leveraging global conflicts to refine their targets and methodologies.

To better protect critical infrastructure, organizations must prioritize robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, regular data backups, and employee cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, they should stay vigilant against emerging threats like Lynx ransomware and Coyote banking trojan, and encourage employees to follow best practices for secure communication.

Government and private sector collaboration is crucial in enhancing critical infrastructure cybersecurity. This includes information sharing, joint research and development, and coordinated response efforts. For instance, the partnership between BlackBerry and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (NC3) enables the sharing of intelligence on emerging threats. Similarly, regulatory frameworks like the U.S. No AI Fraud Act and Canadian non-consensual media legislation demonstrate the importance of government and private sector collaboration in addressing emerging threats.

In conclusion, the BlackBerry report serves as a stark reminder of the persistent and evolving nature of cyber threats against critical infrastructure. To mitigate these risks, organizations must invest in robust cybersecurity measures and foster collaboration with government agencies. By doing so, they can better protect vital services and maintain public trust in an increasingly digital world.

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