Cyber Storm Alert: 46m Potential Attacks Hit Global Networks Daily- BT

New data released by BT, the global communications company, has revealed an alarming surge in the number of potential cyber-attack signals observed daily worldwide, surpassing a staggering 46 million signals on average.

As cybersecurity experts tirelessly defend their networks, more than 530 signals of potential attacks per second are being logged.

This surge in activity highlights a growing menace posed by malicious actors targeting businesses and critical national infrastructure.

Targeted Industries: IT, Defense, Banking, and Insurance

Over the past year, certain industries have borne the brunt of these relentless cyber-attacks.

IT, defense, banking, and insurance sectors collectively accounted for 19.7% of malware sightings.

The retail, hospitality, and education sectors were also at high risk, making up 14.9% of malware sightings.

Cybercriminals often seize opportunities during seasonal sales and spikes in online traffic, making the festive period a particular concern for retailers.

Small Businesses and Charities at Risk

The data also exposes a worrying trend as small businesses, startups, and charities find themselves increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals.

Approximately 785,000 cybercrimes targeted UK charities in the past year, revealing that these organizations may not possess the necessary security tools to fend off such attacks.

With big data and connected technology being widespread, almost anyone can be a target in the digital age.

Relentless Scanning by Cybercriminals

Every 30 seconds, cybercriminals systematically scan devices connected to the internet, hunting for vulnerabilities, and employing automation and machine learning to identify weaknesses in business defenses.

This means that, on average, a business’s network is scanned and tested over 3,000 times daily.

Consequently, having the right tools in place to identify and prevent attacks, as well as conducting regular reviews, is critical.