According to the Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024, IT was the most targeted sector by nation-state actors, accounting for 24% of attacks.
So, what makes the IT sector such a prime target?
IT companies often hold sensitive data, intellectual property, and access to a network of organizations, making them highly valuable targets for nation-state actors. Cybercriminals then enter these networks to access information for intelligence-gathering and strategic geopolitical maneuvering.
For example, Russia’s Midnight Blizzard has been known to target government agencies and think tanks, primarily in Europe and North America. Once these cyber actors compromise IT infrastructure they can use it as a gateway to launch attacks on more sensitive sectors, such as government and defense.
Education and research institutions are also attractive targets for cyber actors due to the wealth of sensitive research data and intellectual property they house. Last year, the education and research sectors were targeted 21% of the time by nation-state actors.
Institutions in the education sector are often at the research forefront in fields like technology, defense, and national security, making them valuable intelligence sources. China’s Flax Typhoon and Granite Typhoon have targeted universities and research organizations to access critical scientific and military advancements.
Educational institutions also tend to have fewer resources for the latest cybersecurity, exposing them more to cyber threats.
With national security, policy-making, and diplomatic strategies at stake, government entities are a high-risk target for espionage and political disruption. According to the Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024, government agencies accounted for 12% of nation-state cyberattacks.
These actors specifically target government institutions to steal confidential information, disrupt operations, and influence political decisions. Iran, for example, has targeted governments in the U.S. and Gulf countries to undermine political stability and gather intelligence.
The healthcare industry holds vast amounts of sensitive personal data, including medical records, research data, and financial information, making it a prime target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors.
Cyber actors often target healthcare organizations to gather intelligence, disrupt critical services, or hold systems hostage for financial gain. Ransomware attacks, in particular, have plagued the healthcare sector, with cybercriminals locking system or patient data access, demanding hefty ransoms to restore access.
Many healthcare organizations are not adequately equipped with the resources or technology to defend against cyber threats, increasing their susceptibility.
According to the Microsoft report, 389 healthcare institutions suffered ransomware attacks in 2024, resulting in network closures, offline systems, delayed medical operations, and rescheduled appointments.
One notable example is the SolarWinds attack in which hackers compromised critical healthcare systems.
Go deeper: What healthcare organizations can learn from the SolarWinds attack
Ransomware attacks are a type of cyberattack where hackers gain unauthorized access to a computer, encrypt its data, and demand the return of this data upon payment.
Hackers often target sensitive information like personal, financial, or healthcare data, crippling their operations until the ransom is paid or recovered by other means.
Ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails, malicious links, or software vulnerabilities, exploiting weak cybersecurity defenses. Even after paying the ransom, victims are not guaranteed data recovery.
Yes, phishing attacks in healthcare fall under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Phishing attacks compromising the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI) can lead to severe penalties, including fines and reputational damage.
They can incorporate security measures like multi-factor authentication, regular audits, employee training, and advanced encryption methods to protect patient data.
Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide