"Neustar Highlights Rise in Ransom-Related DDoS Attacks and Greater Use of Existing Attack Vectors"
Neustar, the global information services and technology company, released a report titled "Cyber Threats and Trends: Pandemic Style," which provides insight into companies' security risks stemming from the acceleration of the digital revolution prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report, based on data from Neustar's Security Operation Center (SOC), there was a 154 percent increase in the number of cyberattacks between 2019 and 2020. This percentage increase encompasses the growth in ransom-related Distributed Denial-of-Service (RDDoS) attacks and the increase in the use of existing attack vectors such as web applications. The report also highlights key findings pertaining to the number, volume, duration, and severity of DDoS attacks launched in 2020. While RDDoS attacks are not new for many online industries, the malicious actors behind such attacks have recently shifted their focus to organizations in various sectors, including financial services, government, and telecommunications. Researchers suggest that attackers adopt DDoS as a ransom vector because DDoS attacks require less time and planning than attacks involving malware. Neustar also saw an increase in Domain Name System (DNS) attacks as more consumers visit websites during peak online shopping times. More than 70 percent of organizations admitted to lacking confidence in their ability to respond to DNS attacks. This article continues to discuss key findings shared in Neustar's latest report on cyber threats and trends in 2020.