Businesses face new challenges every year. As we reflect on the top 10 cyber security stories that impacted businesses in 2023, it becomes clear that cyber criminals are continuously finding innovative ways to exploit vulnerabilities and cause havoc. From high-profile ransomware attacks to data breaches and scams targeting individuals, the threat landscape continues to evolve. In this article, we will explore the significant cyber security incidents that unfolded in 2023 and discuss the lessons learned from each incident. By understanding the tactics employed by cyber criminals, businesses can better prepare themselves to defend against future threats and safeguard their valuable data.

1. Royal Mail's Battle Against LockBit Ransomware

The year started with a major cyber attack on Royal Mail, orchestrated by the notorious LockBit ransomware gang. The attack targeted a crucial distribution centre near Heathrow Airport, causing significant disruption to the organisation's international shipping services. As a result, businesses and individuals were unable to send parcels and letters overseas. LockBit demanded an exorbitant ransom of £70 million, which Royal Mail deemed absurd and refused to pay. The incident shed light on the growing threat of ransomware and the importance of robust cyber security measures to protect critical infrastructure.

2. LockBit's City of London Disruption

LockBit continued to make headlines in January when it targeted Ion Group, a financial software supplier operating in the City of London. The attack left multiple financial services organisations unable to access critical applications, forcing them to resort to traditional pen and paper methods for trading. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of financial institutions and the need for enhanced cyber security measures to safeguard the integrity of the financial sector.

3. Hive Ransomware Gang Brought Down by FBI

Law enforcement agencies made significant strides in tackling ransomware gangs in 2023. In a major operation led by the FBI, the Hive cartel's server infrastructure was hacked and seized, along with the distribution of the gang's ransomware decryption key to victims. The Hive cartel had extorted over $100 million from 1,500 organisations during an 18-month campaign. This successful operation sent a strong message to cyber criminals that their activities would not go unpunished.

4. Clop Exploits Rubrik's Data Vulnerability

In March, the Clop/Cl0p ransomware gang exploited a vulnerability in Rubrik's managed file transfer (MFT) product, GoAnywhere, gaining unauthorised access to the company's systems and compromising sensitive data. The attack was part of a wider campaign targeting over 130 victims. This incident underscored the importance of regularly updating and patching software to prevent cyber criminals from exploiting known vulnerabilities.

5. Scam Websites Exploit King's Coronation

Cyber criminals are not solely focused on large businesses; they also target individuals through various scams. As the coronation of King Charles III approached, scam websites emerged, offering commemorative plates and mugs to unsuspecting buyers. These websites, however, were designed to harvest credit card details and other personal information. This surge in scam websites highlighted the importance of vigilance and caution when making online purchases.

6. AI Chatbots Aid in Romance Scams

In 2023, cyber criminals took advantage of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, to perpetrate romance scams. Victims were lured into relationships with AI-generated personas, eventually being tricked into transferring money in the form of cryptocurrency. The use of AI in these scams added a new level of sophistication, making it crucial for individuals to exercise caution and scepticism when engaging with unknown online entities.

7. MOVEit SQL Injection Zero-Day Attacks

May witnessed a series of devastating cyber attacks exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in Progress Software's MOVEit MFT product. The Clop ransomware gang leveraged this vulnerability to target prominent organisations such as the BBC, Boots, British Airways, and Ofcom. Notably, these attacks showcased a new trend in cyber extortion, as ransomware was not deployed to encrypt victims' data. Simplifying the attack process allowed cyber criminals to focus on maximising their illicit gains.

8. Las Vegas Casinos Targeted by Scattered Spider

In September, cyber crime made headlines in Las Vegas as the ALPHV/BlackCat gang's affiliate, Scattered Spider, orchestrated a series of high-profile attacks on MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment. By exploiting social engineering techniques, the gang gained control of privileged accounts through Okta's identity and access management services. This incident underscored the importance of robust authentication protocols and employee awareness training to mitigate the risk of insider threats.

9. LockBit's Exploitation of Citrix Bleed Vulnerability

LockBit remained active throughout 2023, exploiting a zero-day vulnerability known as Citrix Bleed. This exploit targeted widely used networking products, enabling LockBit to attack a range of victims. One of the most high-profile targets was the aircraft manufacturer Boeing. In November, the US Cyber security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published a detailed account of how LockBit managed to breach Boeing's systems. This incident served as a stark reminder of the critical need for organisations to promptly patch vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.

10. Rhysida's Attack on the British Library

In a devastating blow to the British Library, the Rhysida ransomware gang compromised the institution's customer relationship management databases, stealing over 600GB of sensitive data on library patrons. The stolen data was subsequently leaked on the dark web, causing severe disruption and potential harm to individuals. This attack highlighted the importance of robust cyber security measures and the need for organisations to prioritise the protection of customer data.

Strengthening Cyber Security in an Evolving Landscape

The top 10 cyber security stories of 2023 serve as a stark reminder of the constant threat businesses face from cyber criminals. Ransomware attacks, data breaches, and scams continue to evolve, requiring organisations to adapt and strengthen their cyber security defences. By investing in comprehensive security measures, including regular software updates, employee training, and robust authentication protocols, businesses can mitigate the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks. As we move forward, it is crucial for organisations to remain vigilant, stay informed about emerging threats, and adopt a proactive approach to cyber security to safeguard their operations and protect their customers' data.

"Cyber security is not just about protecting data; it's about protecting businesses, livelihoods, and the trust of customers." - Rob White, Fortitude MSP.