2023 was an important year in terms of cybersecurity. It has brought a big boom in AI, more sophisticated types of attacks or preparations for the European NIS2 directive. But regardless of new methods of attack and defence, it remains very important to protect input devices and educate users about safe online behaviour.

In the past year, the number of cyber-attacks on companies and public institutions has increased again. An estimated 33 billion accounts were attacked, or 2,328 per day, 97 per hour.

The National Cybersecurity Security Index (NCSI) shows that Poland and Estonia are the most capable of resisting attacks. Most attacks are directed at Asian companies and institutions, followed by European companies and institutions.

What’s going on in cyber security

Scammers often take advantage of human carelessness. They try to use AI for their nefarious purposes. And their means of deception are becoming more and more sophisticated.

  • Politically motivated attacks have continued.
  • There have been large-scale DDoS attacks.
  • Cyber-attack as a service has increased (e.g., DDoS attack packages available for purchase on the dark net).
  • Phishing was the most common method of attack.
  • Ransomware (plus double extortion ransomware, where attackers threaten to expose data in addition to encrypting it) is very widespread.
  • Different types of financial frauds were frequent: fake investments, banking frauds (deepfake, AI), payment frauds (fake emails pretending to be a company, institution…).
  • Supply chain attacks have increased.
  • Attacks via social media are becoming more frequent.

On the other hand, the good news is that more people in senior positions in companies also see cyber security as important. This is shown not only by objective statistics, but also by reality.

From our own experience: At XEVOS we encounter the fact that customers to whom we provide IT outsourcing often already demand these services together with security. Cyber security is simply seen as an integral part of technology management.

The critical weakness remains the human element. Over 80% of attacks are enabled by human error, omission or succumbing to social engineering (phishing). Increased protection in the corporate environment is therefore essential.

Hybrid Business Solution – HP Wolf Security

Covering everything is hard enough. Let alone in a hybrid workplace. Combining office and home working is now standard in most companies. While it’s convenient for workers and beneficial for management, it’s a  worry for people in the IT department. How are you going to protect the computers scattered all over the place from such dramatically increasing threats?

Leading vendors of software and hardware solutions for businesses must therefore address this question. HP is no exception.

From HP research:

  • 232% -> this was the increase in ransomware between 2019-21
  • 935% -> this was the increase in double extortion ransomware

When you work from multiple locations, endpoint security is simply a must. It’s made easier by HP Wolf Security, a tool designed for just such situations.

What is HP Wolf Security:

  • It’s a comprehensive cybersecurity tool that can be imagined as a safety net so fine that it catches threats that would slip past conventional antivirus tools.
  • It can not only stop known attacks, but also predict new, previously unknown ones, thanks to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
  • It also provides protection in multiple layers – from hardware to the cloud. It unifies different measures into one all-in-one platform.
  • And it protects a wide range of endpoint devices – from PCs and laptops to printers. Even in environments where devices from different manufacturers meet.

What HP Wolf Security can do:

  • One feature is hardware-enforced virtualization. This simply creates an isolated “bubble” (a micro-virtual computer) in which risky content (email attachments, files downloaded from the Internet, clicks on links) is opened. This content is thus isolated from the rest of the computer and does not put it at risk. When you close an application or a browser bookmark, it simply disappears.
  • It can also help if you lose your device. It can locate the machine, erase its data and lock it, making it unusable. But most importantly: your data, trade secrets and important information remain safe from prying eyes.
  • And importantly for practical operation – it protects you without you even noticing. It doesn’t restrict your employees, it doesn’t disrupt their productivity. At most, they restart their devices once in a while. And it doesn’t make it more work for the IT staff either, on the contrary, it saves them work because they have more tools in one.

Is HP Wolf Security for you?

According to HP, the tools are best suited for smaller and medium-sized businesses. If you’re not sure, contact us. We can advise you on which cybersecurity tool is best for you. And if it’s HP Wolf Security, we’ll expertly deploy it and train your IT staff on how to use it.

If you need a cybersecurity consultation or to set up the right protection tools, don’t delay and give us a call. We’ll be happy to help.