Remote access risks continue to rise according to a new report by cybersecurity firm WatchGuard. Finding suggest increasing instances of remote access software abuse, and growing cases of cyber adversaries using password-stealers and info-stealers to steal valuable credentials.

Other notable findings from the research also show an 89% increase in endpoint ransomware attacks and a decline in malware arriving over encrypted connections.

It also reveals that threat actors are increasingly using remote management tools and software to evade anti-malware detection. For instance, WatchGuard’s Threat Lab observed a tech support scam that would result in a victim downloading a pre-configured, unauthorised version of TeamViewer, which would allow an attacker full remote access to their computer.

Corey Nachreiner, chief security officer at WatchGuard, said: “Threat actors continue using different tools and methods in their attack campaigns, making it critical for organisations to keep abreast of the latest tactics to fortify their security strategy.

“Modern security platforms that include firewalls and endpoint protection software can deliver enhanced protection for networks and devices. But when it comes to attacks that employ social engineering tactics, the end user becomes the last line of defence between malicious actors and their success in infiltrating an organisation. It’s important for organisations to provide social engineering education as well as adopt a unified security approach that provides layers of defence, which can be administered effectively by managed service providers.”

---