2025 Threat Intelligence Index Dark Web, AI, & Ransomware Trends
AI Summary
Summary of IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index Report Video
Overview
- Cybersecurity knowledge is crucial for building defenses.
- IBM’s report is based on insights from the dark web and real-world incidents.
Good News
- Ransomware
- Down for the third consecutive year.
- Payments decreased by 35% due to law enforcement action against ransomware rings.
- Attackers are shifting tactics from data encryption to data theft with extortion.
- Phishing Attacks
- Reduced by 50%, though data breaches remain a threat.
- Malware
- Persistent malware samples decreased due to improved cybersecurity tools.
- EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) capabilities are effective.
Bad News
- Credential Theft
- Increased significantly, responsible for 30% of breaches.
- Infostealers rose by 84%, targeting personal information and credentials.
- Dark Web Insights
- All top 10 vulnerabilities have public exploits.
- Emergence of services like “Access as a Service” allowing credential theft.
- Increasing activities involving attacker-in-the-middle strategies.
- AI Threats
- Potential for exploitation as adoption increases; early indicators suggest emerging threats.
Ugly Findings
- Significant data breach affecting over 100 million users; ransom of $22 million paid, but the attacker was cut out of the profits.
- Chatbot exposure of over one million sensitive records, highlighting difficulties in providing secure alternatives.
Recommendations
- Safeguarding Credentials
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication.
- Transition to passkeys to reduce phishing risks.
- Data and Identity Management
- Use tools to locate and manage data and identities.
- Establish a secrets management system for sensitive information.
- Securing AI Systems
- Protect the data, models, and usage in AI applications.
- Maintain IT security measures while adapting to AI as a new attack surface.
Dark Web Bonus Insights
- Major vulnerabilities discussed on the dark web involve proprietary OS for firewalls, emphasizing the need for monitoring and timely updates on security advisories.