CyberWire Daily From small-time scams to billion-dollar threats. [Research Saturday]
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Feb 22, 2025 Selena Larson, a threat researcher and lead for intelligence analysis at Proofpoint, dives into the evolving landscape of cybercrime. She highlights how ransomware groups now rival state-sponsored threats in sophistication and impact. Larson argues for a shift away from an APT-centric view towards one that equally addresses cybercrime risks. The discussion also emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity protections for individuals and the critical implications of cyberattacks on services like healthcare.
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Origin of APT
- The term "Advanced Persistent Threat" (APT) originated in 2007, coined by U.S. Air Force Colonel Greg Ratray.
- It was initially used to describe state-sponsored actors, contributing to a bias towards nation-state threats.
Ransomware's Impact
- Selena Larson's sister, a healthcare worker, has been impacted by ransomware four times since 2016.
- This highlights the frequent disruption of regular people's lives by cybercriminals.
APT Bias
- The cybersecurity industry, media, and marketing often focus on APTs because they're considered more engaging.
- However, average organizations face a much greater risk from cybercrime than nation-state attacks.