Financial Crime World

Cybersecurity Threats to Financial Institutions in Italy Worsen in 2022

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Alarming Trend of Cybercrime Phenomena in Italy

Rome, February 14th - The number of cybercrime phenomena reported in Italy has reached an alarming high in 2022, with a staggering increase of almost double the figure for 2021. According to the latest “Threat Intelligence Report” from Exprivia, there were 2,600 cybercrime phenomena reported in 2022.

Hackers’ Success Rate Increases

The report highlights that hackers are becoming increasingly successful at causing cyber incidents, which now exceed attacks for the first time. This is attributed to:

  • The lengthening time between an attack and an incident
  • The use of sophisticated techniques by hackers
  • The lack of awareness of internet-related risks among businesses and the public

Finance Sector Remains Most Affected

The Finance sector remains the most affected, with 939 cases reported in 2022, a significant increase from the previous year’s total. Cybercrime is confirmed as the primary motive for malicious actions, with over 2000 recorded events, representing an increase of 73% compared to 2021.

Data Theft and Phishing-Social Engineering

Data theft continues to be the leading type of damage, accounting for 70% of all recorded phenomena. Phishing-social engineering remains a top attack technique, with 1133 cases reported in 2022, almost double the figure for 2021.

Expert Warning

Exprivia’s Cybersecurity director, Domenico Raguseo, warns that some incidents can last for years and are often difficult to trace back to a specific attack. “It is a big mistake to consider an attack as an isolated event,” he says. “Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and it is crucial for businesses to take proactive measures to protect themselves.”

IoT Devices Exposed Online

The report notes a decrease in IoT devices exposed online in Q4 (-8%), but highlights greater vulnerability in southern Italy.

About Exprivia

Exprivia is an international group specializing in Information and Communication Technology. The group offers solutions consisting of own and third-party products, engineering, and consulting services to support its customers across various sectors.

Access the Full Report

The full report can be accessed on Exprivia’s website at www.exprivia.it. For more information or to schedule an interview with Exprivia’s experts, please contact: