The IT Nerd

Recently Safety Detective’s Research Team collected and analyzed data from the ransomware attacks focused on the healthcare industry during 2023 and for the first three quarters of 2024 and came up with some important data that they think may be interesting to see. 

Among other things, it was revealed an increase in active ransomware groups, an increase in the number of attacks and that 10% of those attacks targeted the healthcare sector. Furthermore, there is a worrying shift towards more sophisticated and coordinated cybercriminal activities, as evidenced by an average of 30 new variants of ransomware emerging each month. 

Take a look at their full report here: https://www.safetydetectives.com/news/healthcare-ransomware-2024/

Safety Detectives have examined some of the most popular apps and the permissions the apps request. Through this research, they aim to raise awareness about the hidden costs associated with free apps and the importance of data security and privacy in the digital age. 

According to their research: 

• 98% of global mobile app revenue came from free apps. Taken together, these numbers highlight the fact that many apps generate revenue through means other than direct sales. 
• More than 75% of social networking apps they reviewed request sensitive information, like physical address and financial information, indicating that their focus on collecting user data prioritizes monetization over enhancing core functionalities. 
• Over 90% of the apps claim to comply with data protection measures, but gaps in data sharing and security can still expose users to significant risks, including unauthorized profiling, privacy breaches, and regulatory non-compliance. 

Why it matters: 

The findings reveal concerning trends in app permissions and data practices that have significant implications for user privacy and control. Social networking apps, in particular, often request unnecessary sensitive information that is not essential for their operation, indicating a focus on data collection for monetization purposes. 

You can access their detailed report here: https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/free-apps-permissions-study/

The Safety Detectives has conducted some research with the aim of understanding the latest trends in ransomware attacks and uncover the true costs incurred by victims, shedding light on the financial, operational, and reputational implications of falling prey to such schemes.

According to their research:

• Phishing is the most common entry point for ransomware and accounts for up to 90% of all cyber attacks in general.
• The United States was the country most impacted by ransomware attacks in 2023, accounting for 2,175 or 48.8% of all reported cases, followed by the UK, Canada, Germany, and France.
• Government agencies, healthcare organizations, and companies in the energy and utility industry were the most targeted, with 67%- 68% of organizations in each sector experiencing a ransomware attack.

Why it matters:It has become evident that the costs of ransomware attacks continue to pose significant risks to businesses worldwide. It’s crucial that organizations recognize the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures, incident response protocols, employee training programs, and regular security assessments to mitigate these risks effectively.

You can access their detailed report here: 

https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/ransomware-attack-trends-research