Machine learning and evolving threats

Cybercriminals today are extremely organized and often take advantage of social trends to deliver weaponized bundles used to launch an attack against victims. These bundles are typically delivered via phishing emails or malware web sites that include misinformation targeting fears and uncertainty. In recent months, for example, threat intelligence researchers have been seeing an evolution in ransomware attacks targeting those most impacted by COVID-19, such as hospitals and health care providers. In fact, 41 hospitals announced ransomware attacks during the first half of 2020. Ransomware gangs, typically associated with well-established and known criminal organizations are also evolving their tactics for extortion, including publicly shaming victim organizations and threatening to publish files to the internet or auction off PII (personally identifiable information) to the highest bidder.