Analytics

In this part of our ongoing study of cyberthreat landscape in the financial sector, we explore which cyberattack methods will be most relevant in the coming years and what threats will arise from implementing new technologies.

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world in terms of digitalization and adoption of new technologies. But with the rapid adoption of new technologies, the risk of cyberattacks is also increasing. Digitalization opens new opportunities for cybercriminals eager to exploit vulnerabilities in security systems.

After conducting a detailed analysis in February, we've compiled a list of vulnerabilities that are currently classified as trending. These represent the most dangerous security flaws, either currently being widely exploited by cybercriminals or likely to be exploited in the near future. We strongly recommend verifying whether your organization has addressed these vulnerabilities, as well as those highlighted in our previous digests.

In Q4 2024, the number of incidents rose by 5% compared to Q3 and by 13% compared to Q4 2023. Malware remains the main method of attackers and was used in 66% of successful attacks against organizations and in 51% of attacks on individuals. The most commonly used types of malware were ransomware (42%), remote access trojans (38%), and spyware (20%). We have observed an increase in the use of spyware in attacks targeting organizations, which is 4 percentage points higher than in the previous quarter. Over the reporting period, 53% of successful attacks on organizations led to the exposure of confidential information, while 32% resulted in disruptions to core business operations. When it comes to attacks on individuals, 48% of successful incidents were financially motivated—a sharp increase of 18 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

The rapid pace of technological advancement and digital economic growth, along with the adoption of innovative solutions, are key factors shaping the global landscape of digital transformation. Southeast Asian countries are demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving leadership in this sphere, both in Asia and globally.

The Dark Web is often perceived as a world without rules, but in reality the industry operates according to the principles of the legal market. For example, high competition encourages sellers to constantly improve products and services, build trusting relationships with customers, and strengthen their business positions. In the analytical review, we will analyze the economics of threats, methods of competition, as well as the future and trends of shadow sites.

After conducting a detailed analysis in January, we've compiled a list of vulnerabilities that are currently classified as trending. These represent the most dangerous security flaws, either currently being widely exploited by cybercriminals or likely to be exploited in the near future.