December's Cyber Insights
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is upon us again and 2024 is coming to end! As we wrap up a busy year at BlackFog we thought we’d share our last cyber insights with you all a little early before everyone enjoys some well-deserved time off work.
December was as busy as ever, with the release of part two of our CISO based research, our last industry event of the year, and plenty of press coverage. And of course we can't forget the launch of the highly anticipated BlackFog holiday video!
We also took some time to chat with Paul Butler , our new EMEA Channel Manager, about his experiences in the cybersecurity industry, and what he loves most about Team BlackFog.
BlackFog's 2024 Holiday Video: 'Twas The Night Before Christmas🎄
It’s that time of year again! Keeping with tradition, we’re excited to share BlackFog’s annual holiday video (and we know you've been eagerly awaiting it!).
This year, Baby BlackShadow has put its own twist on the beloved holiday classic, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
While the holidays are a time to relax and unwind, cybercriminals don't take a break. As businesses close for the season, ransomware gangs are busy launching attacks with no one around to stop them. But this year, there’s a new guardian in town… Baby BlackShadow!
Personal Liability Concerns are Impacting 70% of Cybersecurity Leaders
A new study from BlackFog reveals that personal liability concerns are reshaping the CISO role.
70% of cybersecurity leaders in the US and UK feel that the fear of being held personally liable for cyber incidents is having a negative impact on their perception of the role.
Key insights from the study:
⚖️70% of respondents are concerned about personal liability.
🚫34% see a “no-win” situation: internal consequences for reporting failings and prosecution if they don’t.
⬇️44% of organizations have already implemented processes to reduce cybersecurity exposure.
💬41% say increased scrutiny has made the Board take cybersecurity more seriously.
November: Highest Number of Ransomware Attacks in 2024 to Date🚨
November saw 81 publicly disclosed ransomware attacks, the highest monthly total so far in 2024!
Here's a few statistics from November:
🏛️Government took the brunt of the attacks with 16 recorded in total
🦹RansomHub remained the most active ransomware variant
🆕New groups emerging in November were responsible for 10% of the incidents
📰One of the most extensively covered news stories was the attack on Blue Yonder, due to the ongoing issues with mega retailers such as Starbucks and Morrisons.
Events for 2024: Complete✅
We completed our 2024 events calendar with a trip to FutureCon Atlanta this month.
We've been platinum sponsors at a number of FutureCon events this year and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them.
Douglas Lubahn VP Customer Success, BlackFog had the opportunity to speak to delegates about how extortion and exfiltration have become ransomware gang's new favorite tactics.
Our team enjoyed networking with other cybersecurity professionals and spreading the word about BlackFog and ADX technology.
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who stopped by a BlackFog booth or listened to one of our presentations at any of the events we've attended this year - your engagement and feedback has been much appreciated!
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We look forward to finding out what adventures 2025 has in store for us!
BlackFog's Ransomware and Cybersecurity Blogs
We have added a number of new blogs to our website discussing the latest cybersecurity topics and trends.
The Cybersecurity Implications of Remote vs Office Work
Whether your team is in the office or working from home this holiday season (or throughout the whole year!), understanding the implications of both environments is key to safeguarding your data.
Check out our blog on the cybersecurity differences between remote and office work—and how to keep your business secure no matter where your team is logging in from. 🔒💻
BlackFog Newsroom
We are often asked to share our thoughts on stories that are making news in the cybersecurity world. Here's a highlight from December:
Cybersecurity leaders are facing unprecedented stress due to escalating cyber threats, long hours, and a growing skills gap.
Darren Williams, our CEO, sheds light on the mental and emotional toll this high-stakes role is taking:
📁Unmanageable Workloads: Leaders are reporting burnout due to increasing responsibilities and limited resources.
🧑💼Talent Shortage: The struggle to find skilled professionals is intensifying, leaving teams stretched thin.
📈Constant Pressure to Deliver: As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, the demand for immediate and effective action places leaders under extreme pressure.
Meet Our New EMEA Channel Manager: Paul Butler
2024 has seen the BlackFog team grow significantly, adding valuable skillsets to our already amazing roster. This month we spent some time with Paul Butler, our new EMEA Channel Manager to learn more about him as he embarks on his second month at BlackFog..
What enticed you to join BlackFog?
The exceptional technology, opportunity and people was a huge reason oh and BlackShadow our panther mascot!!
How do you think the cybersecurity landscape has changed in the past few years?
AI / Machine Learning has become a huge focus, with the bad guys using these new technologies to their benefit, so must the defenders. Also, we have seen ongoing vendor consolidation, with cutting-edge new technologies being acquired by the giants of our industry.
With the continuous rise of ransomware, why do you think it is so important for organizations to consider new technologies like BlackFog?
For a majority of my cyber career, I have been working with companies focused on preventing bad actors getting into organisations, however this continues to be an issue. So why not turn things on their head and assume they are in the network BUT prevent any unauthorised data leaving from endpoints - BlackFog does that simply and brilliantly!!
What do you like most about your job?
Building and maintaining successful relationships being at the centre of things driving revenue.
Are you making any new year's resolutions for 2025?
No, not one for resolutions - just continued improvement and development.
Tell us an interesting fact about you...
My hobby is fine dining. I am diabetic and have injected myself over 60,000 times! I adore cats so love that BlackFog's mascot BlackShadow is a panther.
Well, that’s a wrap for 2024 and our final newsletter of the year. We want to take a moment to thank you all for your support and engagement throughout the year. Wishing you happy holidays and a successful 2025 from the entire team at BlackFog!