Edge devices with critical vulnerabilities were a primary entry point for significant cyberattacks in 2024. These vulnerabilities, both newly discovered and longstanding, have been exploited by various threat actors to compromise networks. As businesses continue to rely on interconnected devices, the security of edge hardware becomes increasingly paramount.
While edge device vulnerabilities have been a persistent concern, the 2024 landscape saw an escalation in both the number and sophistication of attacks. Previous incidents often involved single exploit vectors, whereas this year multiple vulnerabilities were leveraged simultaneously, increasing the potential impact on affected organizations.
Which devices were most targeted by attackers?
The report identified Ivanti Connect Secure and Ivanti Policy Secure appliances, alongside firewall products from Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks, as the most frequently exploited devices. These products served as initial access points for numerous high-impact attack campaigns throughout the year.
Who is behind these attacks?
Nation-state threat groups are primarily responsible for zero-day attacks on network edge devices, utilizing their extensive resources to exploit vulnerabilities. Additionally, financially motivated threat groups have targeted these vulnerabilities as proof of concept, demonstrating the potential for large-scale breaches.
What challenges do organizations face in mitigating these threats?
Organizations struggle with timely patch management and resource allocation to address rapidly evolving vulnerabilities in edge devices.
“Your time to do patch management and get that closed off is just decreased,”
stated Nathaniel Jones, VP of threat research at Darktrace, highlighting the difficulty in managing CVEs promptly amidst other business priorities.
Effective protection against edge device vulnerabilities requires a multifaceted approach, including regular updates, continuous monitoring, and collaboration with security vendors. Organizations should prioritize patch management and invest in advanced threat detection systems to mitigate risks associated with these vulnerabilities. Staying informed about emerging threats and adopting best practices can enhance resilience against sophisticated cyberattacks targeting edge technologies.
