A new report has found that nearly all organizations are unprepared for fifth-generation cybersecurity threats, leaving them exposed to a new wave of malicious actors.

The exact figure, 97 percent, comes from the 2018 Security Report from Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. Released today, it polled information technology security professionals worldwide across all industries about modern threats against various industries, encompassing health, manufacturing and government.

“We’re seeing a new generation of cyber-attacks – powered by leaked state-sponsored technology, these ‘Gen V’ attacks are multi-vector, fast-moving, and mega-scaled,” Check Point Chief Marketing Officer Peter Alexander said in a statement. “Despite this, 77 percent of CISOs expressed concern that their organizations aren’t equipped to handle these modern-day attacks, and the vast majority of organizations’ security infrastructures are woefully outdated.”

Described by Cyberon as “MEGA Threats,” fifth-generation cyberattacks employ the latest technology to exploit system and device vulnerabilities to launch their payload. The threats are seen as more sophisticated and harder to prevent.

“No public or private enterprise is immune; hospitals, city governments and global corporations are all at risk, yet 97 percent of all organizations are not equipped to deal with these Gen V mega-attacks, and this needs to change” Check Point noted.

The report also found a growing problem with mobile apps, finding that more than 300 mobile apps in trusted, reputable app stores are infected with malware, while cloud threats, cryptomining attacks and “internet of things” device vulnerabilities are also on the rise.

A full copy of the 2018 Security Report, which along with the results also offers recommendations on how to prevent fifth-generation attacks, is available from Check Point.

Image: Check Point