Kaspersky Security Bulletin 2024 Highlights Cyberthreat Trends
/ 4 min read
Quick take - The Kaspersky Security Bulletin for 2024 analyzes consumer cyberthreats and trends, highlighting an increase in charity-related scams during humanitarian crises, a rise in VPN usage alongside the emergence of malicious applications, and ongoing concerns regarding privacy and security in the context of technological advancements and regulatory developments.
Fast Facts
- The Kaspersky Security Bulletin for 2024 highlights a rise in charity-related scams linked to humanitarian crises, particularly during the Israeli-Hamas conflict, with over 540 scam emails identified.
- Increased use of VPN and proxy services for privacy has led to the emergence of malicious applications posing risks to user data and security.
- Cybercriminals are targeting play-to-earn gaming platforms with phishing schemes and scams related to major entertainment releases, including fake games and films.
- The report emphasizes the growing importance of biometric data privacy, with the EU’s AI Act addressing related concerns, while achieving global regulatory consensus remains challenging.
- Predictions for 2025 include a rise in AI integration into daily life, potential increases in fraud related to subscription services, and new privacy regulations empowering users over their personal data.
Kaspersky Security Bulletin 2024: Analysis of Consumer Cyberthreats
The Kaspersky Security Bulletin for 2024 provides an extensive analysis of consumer cyberthreats and trends influenced by global events, technological progress, and changing user behaviors.
Charity-Related Scams and Cybersecurity Measures
A prediction from the previous year regarding an increase in charity-related scams has been partially validated. Kaspersky researchers have reported numerous scams linked to humanitarian crises, particularly during the Israeli-Hamas conflict. Over 540 scam emails and various fraudulent websites imitating legitimate humanitarian aid campaigns were identified. These findings have prompted charity platforms to implement protective measures, with some integrating charitable giving with online shopping to enhance user security.
Rise of VPN Usage and Emerging Threats
The report highlights a significant rise in the use of VPN and proxy services in 2024, driven by users seeking to bypass regional content restrictions and enhance their online privacy. However, the increased use of these services has also led to the emergence of malicious applications disguised as legitimate VPN tools, posing risks to user data and security. Governments worldwide have imposed restrictions on certain apps and services, citing national security concerns, resulting in fewer and potentially less secure alternatives for users. Significant events related to these restrictions include the temporary suspension of X (formerly Twitter) in Brazil and ongoing discussions about TikTok’s ownership in the U.S. In China, there has been the removal of messaging apps from Apple’s App Store.
Cybercriminal Activities and Future Predictions
Cybercriminal activities have expanded to target play-to-earn (P2E) gaming platforms, with phishing schemes identified in games like Hamster Kombat and a malicious decoy game linked to the Lazarus group. Despite the rise of voice deepfakes and associated scams, such as vishing, a universal deepfake verification tool has not materialized, raising concerns over “fake kidnapping” scams that utilize voice imitation technologies.
Cybercriminals have exploited the excitement surrounding major film and game releases in 2024, orchestrating scams related to anticipated titles like “Joker 2” and fake beta versions of “Grand Theft Auto VI.” The privacy landscape this year has been heavily influenced by technological advancements and societal concerns, with biometric data emerging as a focal point for privacy protection. The European Union’s adoption of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act aims to address privacy issues linked to biometric technologies, although achieving global consensus on regulations remains a challenge.
Looking ahead, predictions for 2025 suggest that AI will become a core element of daily life, integrated into various domains and operating systems. Cybercriminals are expected to continue exploiting the excitement surrounding major entertainment releases, with anticipated scams related to gaming and film pre-orders. In Australia, lawmakers are considering legislation to restrict social media access for children under 16, pending the establishment of effective age verification systems. Political polarization is projected to exacerbate cyberbullying, driven by social media algorithms and emerging AI tools. New privacy regulations expected in 2025 may empower users with greater control over their personal data, including the ability to monetize personal data and enhanced rights for data management. Innovations such as decentralized data storage may also emerge, potentially shifting the balance of power in the digital ecosystem toward individuals.
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