SonicWall Threat Report: Ransomware Attacks Drop, Cryptojacking Skyrockets

The latest SonicWall threat report shows various malicious activity, including cryptojacking, offset a global decline in ransomware in the first half of 2023, but ransomware attacks likely will rebound over the second half of the year.

SonicWall’s 2023 Mid-Year Cyber Threat Report uncovers evolving tactical behaviors from digital threat actors as they opt for different types of malicious attacks compared to years past.

SonicWall Threat Report Findings

Overall intrusion attempts were up, led by the highest year on record for global cryptojacking volume recorded by SonicWall, as threat actors shifted away from traditional ransomware attacks in favor of a stealthier means of malicious activities. The data suggests increased law enforcement activity, heavy sanctions and victims’ refusal to pay ransom demands have altered criminal conduct, and threat actors are targeting other means of revenue.

SonicWall’s Bobby Cornwell

Bobby Cornwell, SonicWall‘s vice president of product security, said cybercriminals are moving away from mass, spray-and-pray attacks and opting for more of a stealthy, strategic/targeted and subtle approach. The cyber threat landscape continues to remain extremely volatile, and the data supports that.

“While SonicWall’s data doesn’t measure the success of these activities, we have traditionally seen that threat actors look for the most opportunistic attacks, meaning they want to minimize their risks and maximize their profits,” he said. “When we see a 399% spike in global cryptojacking numbers, we can assume cybercriminals are looking for alternative revenue streams.”

Scroll through our slideshow above from more from the latest SonicWall threat report.