Malicious actors are fully aware that Microsoft has some of the most used platforms and programs in the world. Hence, over time this company has become one of its main targets in terms of cyber attacks, something that also affects many other large technology companies.
Virtually all technology users, in one way or another, use some product from this company on a daily basis. We cannot forget that we are referring to the developer of the Windows operating system or the Office office suite and its corresponding programs. Hence, Microsoft has currently shown its concern due to the enormous increase in the aforementioned cyberattacks today and globally.
In addition, it is being proven that these malicious actors use AI to launch more effective attacks with less effort. It is not in vain that the software giant is currently telling us about around 600 million cyber attacks a day, which is not small. This is a worrying piece of information that Microsoft has just made public and that of course extends to the rest of the large technology companies that are also affected by it.
We are talking about attacks that include everything from the dreaded ransomware, in which money is requested to unlock data, to attacks on users’ identities. And both cybercriminals and some states are increasingly experts in the use of generative AI, something they take advantage of to improve their attacks. And not only that, in its Digital Defense Report, Microsoft also reveals that there is increasing evidence of collaboration between cybercriminal gangs. These come together to share tools and techniques, which seriously harms companies and users.
AI helps in the success of cyber attacks
The Redmond giant, in turn, points out that malicious actors in these states carry out their operations for financial gain. At the same time, they recruit cybercriminals to collect intelligence information and especially use command and control frameworks.
Certain countries now outsource some of their espionage operations to online criminal groups, for example. Here attacks against military devices, or cyber influence ransomware, are used. They then market data stolen from websites around the world.
Countries such as North Korea, China, Russia, Ukraine and more are involved here, where the aforementioned ransomware plays a key role.
It must be taken into account that in these times, the countries most affected by all types of attacks are the United States or the United Kingdom. Additionally, regions with active military conflicts or regional tensions such as Israel, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates or Taiwan are included here.
The software giant uses various techniques and methods to try to remedy, as far as possible, these massive cyber attacks that number in the hundreds of millions a day. In fact, Microsoft assures that greater awareness and commitment is needed from the public and private sectors. All in order for the attackers to stop having the advantage they have in these times.
