Oman receives over 12m cyber threats per year, research reveals

By Puja Sharma

The report highlights concerning trends that have significant implications for the future of digital security. It emphasized that threat actors indiscriminately targeted both consumers and organizations across all sectors, making 2022 a challenging year for cybersecurity professionals.

In Oman, in particular, Trend Micro solutions detected and blocked over 3 million (3,284,958) email threats, prevented 2.5 million (2,524,312) malicious URL victim attacks, and 20,488 URL hosts.

Trend Micro blocks over 12mln cyber threats in the Sultanate of Oman. The Company reveals a 55% surge in global threat detections and a remarkable 242% increase in blocked malicious files

Trend Micro Incorporated, a cybersecurity expert, announced the findings of its annual cybersecurity report, which revealed a significant 55% increase in global threat detections and a massive 242% surge in blocked malicious files in 2022.

Titled “Rethinking Tactics”, the report highlights concerning trends that have significant implications for the future of digital security. It emphasized that threat actors indiscriminately targeted both consumers and organizations across all sectors, making 2022 a challenging year for cybersecurity professionals.

In Oman, in particular, Trend Micro solutions detected and blocked over 3 million (3,284,958) email threats, prevented 2.5 million (2,524,312) malicious URL victim attacks, and 20,488 URL hosts. In addition, 4.8 million (4,895,508) malware attacks were identified and stopped.

Oman is ranked third in the world for countries best prepared for cyber attacks, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index. Oman came in behind the USA, Canada, and shared third place with Australia and Malaysia. Qatar was the next strongest Arab country, with an 8th place ranking. The index was created by International Telecommunication Union and ABI Research.

In the report Oman was cited as a country with some of the best organisational practices thanks to its High Level Cyber Security Strategy and Master Plan, and Comprehensive Roadmap. Its strengths include the organisational structure, legal measures, capacity building, technical and procedural measures, and regional and international cooperation.

“Technology continues to rapidly evolve, presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses. With the increasing complexity of the digital landscape comes a growing number of cyber threats that can compromise operations and data. To stay ahead of these risks, organizations need to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and invest in the latest threat intelligence solutions,” said Assad Arabi, Managing Director, Gulf and Emerging Markets at Trend Micro.

“By understanding their vulnerabilities and implementing a comprehensive, multi-layered security strategy, businesses can effectively mitigate risks and future-proof their digital infrastructure. At Trend Micro, we’re committed to equipping Oman-based companies with the tools and expertise they need to navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape and achieve their digital transformation goals in line with Oman Vision 2040.”

Furthermore, the report highlighted an increase in failed patches adding extra time and money to corporate remediation efforts and exposing organizations to unnecessary cyber risks. Also, Webshells were the top-detected malware of the year, surging 103% on 2021 figures, while ransomware groups rebranded and diversified, with LockBit and BlackCat being the top ransomware families of 2022.

To address the current attack surface, Trend Micro advises organizations to take a proactive approach by conducting thorough assessments and securing their digital infrastructure. As part of its commitment to enhancing cybersecurity in Oman, the company aims to support the country’s efforts and stay at the forefront of the fight against cyber threats.