Early on, ransomware attackers relied on “spray-and-pray” tactics to target mostly individuals when ransom demands were relatively low compared to what we saw in 2020-2021.

Running and growing a business is hard work even in good times, but times of crisis bring a fresh crop of challenges. And as our reliance on technology for so many aspects of our lives increases, so does the realization that global or even regional crises and emergencies will ultimately have ramifications in the digital realm. Two years ago, many lives and livelihoods were suddenly left hanging in the balance with nary a warning.

The 10th edition of GISEC Global, the largest and most influential cybersecurity exhibition and conference in the Middle East and Africa, has brought together industry leaders to uncover the latest in global cybersecurity trends and discuss ever-increasing digital challenges. Also speaking on the main stage was MK Palmore, the former Head of the FBI’s San Francisco Cybersecurity Investigative Branch.

According to the report, the second half of 2021 observed a rise in the automation and speed of attacks, revealing more advanced persistent cybercrime techniques that are more disruptive and unexpected.

VMware points out that current malware countermeasures mostly address threats posed using Windows operating systems, leaving many public and private cloud deployments vulnerable to attacks that use Linux operating systems.