Zero-day malware and network attacks increased during the fourth quarter of 2018, according to the "Internet Security Report – Q4 2018" from network security solutions provider WatchGuard Technologies.Key takeaways from the report include:In addition, WatchGuard offered several tips to help organizations combat cyberattacks in 2019, including:MSSPs can help organizations keep pace with cyberattacks, too. If MSSPs provide phishing security awareness training, anti-malware solutions and other security offerings, they can protect organizations against evolving cyber threats.
- Zero-day malware attacks rose 4 percent quarter over quarter and accounted for 37 percent of all cyber threats in 4Q18.
- Network attacks increased 46 percent quarter over quarter.
- Over 1,200 unique network attacks were launched during 4Q18; this is more than double the number of unique network attacks launched during any prior quarter.
- Overall malware declined 28 percent quarter over quarter and 51 percent year over year.
- Mimikatz topped all malware attacks and accounted for 18 percent of all malware campaigns.
- WatchGuard Fireboxes blocked over 16 million malware variants (382 per device) and 1.2 million network attacks (29 per device) in 4Q18.
- Beware phishing attacks. Offer phishing security awareness training to teach employees how to identify phishing scams.
- Download apps from official marketplaces. Avoid free apps from mobile depositories; instead, only download apps from official marketplaces.
- Deploy advanced anti-malware solutions. Use machine learning- and artificial intelligence-based anti-malware solutions that offer threat intelligence and other advanced features to quickly identify and address malware attacks.
