Cybersecurity agency Europol warns that ransomware attacks were the most significant threat in 2018, with an increasing trend of state-supported digital assaults.
In a world where digital transactions and communications are becoming increasingly prevalent, Europol's 2018 Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA) report serves as a roadmap for understanding the evolving landscape of cybercrime. The report, which remains highly relevant today, highlighted several critical trends and expected developments that continue to dominate the cybercrime landscape.
Ransomware, identified as the leading cybercrime threat, remains at the forefront. Attacks have become more sophisticated, frequent, and lucrative, targeting both individuals and organizations, often causing significant disruption. Social engineering, particularly through phishing and business email compromise, persists as a major vector for cyberattacks.
The use of encryption technologies by criminals to protect communications and data from law enforcement scrutiny is an increasing challenge. This trend complicates efforts to detect and prevent cybercrime, as it provides a veil of anonymity for cybercriminals. The rise of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and more anonymous options like Zcash, has facilitated cybercrime by offering more anonymous payment methods, making it harder to trace illicit financial flows.
The report also predicted a continued expansion of cybercrime-as-a-service models, where tools, infrastructure, and expertise are rented or sold on the dark web, lowering the barrier to entry for would-be criminals. The shutdown of three major Darknet markets in 2017 has led to the migration of users to existing or new markets, or to other platforms like encrypted communications apps.
In recent assessments, ransomware, the use of advanced technologies (including AI), and the increased sophistication of phishing and social engineering remain at the forefront of cybercrime threats. The growing reliance on encryption, the use of cryptocurrencies, and the continued expansion of cybercrime-as-a-service have also been confirmed as persistent and evolving challenges for law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals.
Other trends include the rise of state-sponsored ransomware attacks, the increased use of Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks for various reasons, and the emergence of cryptojacking, which refers to the exploitation of internet users' bandwidth and processing power to mine cryptocurrencies. Mobile malware has been identified as an anticipated future threat.
The production of Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM), including Self-Generated Explicit Material (SGEM), continues to increase, and more extreme CSEM is increasingly found on the Darknet. Money launderers are increasingly using cryptocurrencies in their operations, facilitated by new developments such as decentralised exchanges which allow exchanges without any Know Your Customer requirements.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too does the fight against cybercrime. Law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity professionals, and individuals must remain vigilant and adapt to these changing trends to ensure a secure and safe digital future.
- The growing reliance on encryption, the use of cryptocurrencies, and the continued expansion of cybercrime-as-a-service are persistent and evolving challenges for law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals, as stated in the 2018 IOCTA report.
- In the digital world, where technology advances such as AI are becoming more prevalent, ransomware, the use of encryption, and the increased sophistication of phishing and social engineering remain at the forefront of general-news topics related to crime-and-justice.
