The Top Cybercrime Cases of 2022
Despite a significant decrease in ransomware attacks, organizations must remain vigilant and implement strong security measures to protect against future threats.
Cybercrime poses an increasing risk to people, organisations, and governments worldwide. Some of the most infamous cyber assaults ever were carried out in 2022, resulting in the exposure of sensitive data, the interruption of business, and the incurring of significant financial losses. Some of the more notable instances of cybercrime that made news in 2022 include the following:
- Crypto.com: On January 17th, an unknown gang of criminals broke into the cryptocurrency trading site Crypto.com and stole $33 million worth of digital currencies from its subscribers. The hackers took advantage of a flaw inside the platform’s hot wallet technology, which holds cash online for convenient access. Crypto.com said it has improved security and refunded all impacted consumers.
- Ronin: On February 10th, a gang calling itself REvil launched a ransomware assault on this gaming firm, which is responsible for Axie Infinity, a popular blockchain-based game that enables players to win digital currency. To regain access to the company’s computers and data, the attackers asked for $20 million in cryptocurrencies. In a bid to fit its rapidly expanding player base, Ronin has acknowledged relaxing a few of its cybersecurity procedures.
- Microsoft: On March 14, a hacker claiming allegiance to the prominent hacktivist organisation Anonymous launched a vanity assault against the technology giant Microsoft. The website for Microsoft, home to Windows 10, Office 365, and Azure, was vandalised with statements that were critical of the company and its offerings. Furthermore, the hacker said that he or she had taken sensitive information from Microsoft’s systems (techgenix.com).
- Red Cross: On April 21st, a hacking outfit named DarkSide, which specialised in stealing data from huge businesses and extorting them for ransom hacked the Red Cross. The Red Cross’s database was breached, and the identities of millions of contributors, volunteers, and recipients were taken. Furthermore, they threatened to publish the information online unless Red Cross paid them $50 million in bitcoin.
- Cash App: On May 28th, a phishing scam targeted customers of the Cash App, a mobile payment service, and succeeded in getting their personal information and PINs. Criminals preyed on Cash App customers by sending them phishing emails and texts saying they had won prizes or wanted to validate their accounts. Using the compromised accounts, they were able to withdraw funds.
The top cybercrime cases of 2022 illustrate the growing threat of cyberattacks and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Businesses must take steps to protect themselves from cyber threats, including supply chain attacks, ransomware attacks, and vulnerabilities. Here are some quick tips to protect your business from cyberattacks:
- Use strong passwords and implement multifactor authentication.
- Keep software updated with the latest security patches.
- Train employees on cybersecurity best practices.
- Use antivirus and firewall software to protect against malware.
- Regularly conduct security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
- Implement a data backup and recovery plan.
- Monitor third-party vendors and contractors for cybersecurity measures.
Implementing these tips can help protect your business from cyber threats and keep your sensitive data and operations secure.
