Cybersecurity is no longer just about securing endpoints or firewalls. It now requires a deep understanding of adversarial tactics and a real-time response to multi-dimensional threats. The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report provides that understanding through detailed, data-backed insights on emerging global cyber risks, delivering critical awareness to enterprise defenders and security stakeholders.
Based on analysis of global attack telemetry, threat actor infrastructure, and incident response data, the 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report highlights significant trends that are reshaping how enterprises must think about digital risk. This includes ransomware proliferation, misconfigured cloud assets, evolving initial access tactics, and the manipulation of software supply chains.
Ransomware Evolves into a Persistent, Business-Disruptive Threat
The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report reveals a dramatic increase in ransomware attacks targeting critical business operations. What once involved simple encryption schemes has now evolved into complex, multi-stage extortion processes that cause severe disruptions.
Top observations:
Median ransomware demand exceeded $2.2 million in 2022
LockBit, Conti, and ALPHV emerged as the most aggressive actors
Triple extortion models combining encryption, exfiltration, and DDoS threats
Ransomware operators targeting system backups and cloud storage
The report urges enterprises to adopt a Zero Trust approach and incorporate ransomware-specific protections such as immutable storage and AI-based anomaly detection.
Cloud Environments Remain Rich Targets for Cyberattackers
With cloud migration continuing at scale, misconfigurations and poor access controls expose sensitive data. The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report outlines how attackers use automation and reconnaissance to detect vulnerable cloud environments.
Key cloud threats documented:
Exposed storage buckets leaking proprietary or customer data
Overprivileged service accounts leading to lateral movement
Misconfigured container registries allowing remote code execution
Use of stolen credentials to access cloud APIs
Security leaders must enforce policy-as-code practices, audit identity permissions, and deploy cloud-native threat detection solutions.
Credential Theft Dominates the Threat Landscape
The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report identifies credential abuse as the leading cause of unauthorized access to enterprise systems. Cybercriminals often rely on phishing and credential stuffing to compromise identities and move laterally.
Credential abuse insights:
Growth of phishing kits tailored for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Use of information-stealing malware like RedLine and Racoon Stealer
Sale of enterprise login credentials on underground forums
Session hijacking via man-in-the-browser attacks
To mitigate credential-based risks, the report stresses identity federation, adaptive authentication, and centralized access monitoring.
Software Supply Chain Attacks Go Mainstream
The rise of DevSecOps and third-party software integrations has expanded the enterprise attack surface. The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report details a sharp rise in software supply chain compromises.
Major threats highlighted:
Manipulation of package repositories such as PyPI and NPM
Tampering with CI/CD pipelines for malicious code injection
Exploiting open-source dependencies to insert backdoors
Attacks on managed service providers (MSPs) to reach downstream clients
SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) enforcement and dependency scanning are key strategies to defend against these attacks.
Living-Off-the-Land Attacks: Cybercriminals Hide in Plain Sight
The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report underscores that sophisticated adversaries now prefer to avoid detection by leveraging legitimate software tools already present in target environments.
Noteworthy techniques include:
Exploiting PowerShell and WMI for execution and movement
Using Windows Task Scheduler to maintain persistence
Blending in with normal admin activity via RMM tools
Obfuscating payloads using LOLBins (Living Off the Land Binaries)
Security teams must enhance behavioral analytics, implement EDR/XDR, and restrict the use of scripting engines across user endpoints.
Initial Access Brokers Fuel a Growing Cybercrime Supply Chain
The report identifies Initial Access Brokers (IABs) as a vital link in the ransomware economy. The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report shows that these brokers compromise systems and sell entry points to ransomware groups or espionage campaigns.
Common IAB tactics:
Credential harvesting from phishing attacks and infostealers
Exploiting unpatched remote access services
Selling access credentials for as little as $500
Collaborating with ransomware operators on affiliate models
Enterprises are encouraged to proactively hunt for compromised credentials and scan the dark web for listings related to their domains.
Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks Surpass Expectations
The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report reveals that phishing remains one of the most successful and scalable cyberattack vectors. Attackers have fine-tuned their ability to impersonate trusted brands and exploit user psychology.
Highlighted phishing tactics:
Business Email Compromise (BEC) leveraging executive impersonation
Use of legitimate services (Google Forms, Dropbox, etc.) to host payloads
Voice phishing (vishing) campaigns targeting support desks
QR phishing bypassing email security filters
Awareness campaigns, real-time phishing detection, and AI-driven filtering systems are crucial to reducing human-factor risks.
Advanced Persistent Threats Use Blended Techniques
State-sponsored APT groups are employing a mix of custom tools and open-source software to target governments, healthcare, and financial services. The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report captures these shifting strategies.
APT trends include:
Use of Sliver, Empire, and Cobalt Strike for stealthy post-exploitation
Fileless malware that resides in memory only
Targeted attacks on VPNs and remote services for covert entry
Disruption of geopolitical rivals via destructive wiper malware
The report encourages collaboration with intelligence-sharing communities and deployment of advanced threat hunting frameworks.
Operational Technology Becomes a Strategic Attack Vector
Cyberattacks are no longer confined to IT. The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report shows increased targeting of Operational Technology (OT), especially in critical infrastructure sectors like energy, manufacturing, and transportation.
Common OT attack vectors:
Exploiting outdated industrial control systems
Pivoting from IT networks into OT segments
Deploying ransomware on SCADA environments
Manipulating control signals for sabotage or disruption
OT visibility, segmentation, and protocol-specific security monitoring are critical steps to reducing risk in this domain.
Enterprise Recommendations for Smarter Cyber Defense
The 2022 Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report translates its intelligence into enterprise-level guidance, enabling organizations to adapt to the current threat environment.
Top recommendations:
Adopt an identity-centric Zero Trust architecture
Deploy unified XDR for endpoint, cloud, and network telemetry
Regularly simulate attacks with red/purple teams
Automate incident response with SOAR integration
Invest in proactive threat intelligence programs
These steps are essential for mitigating the risks documented throughout the report and building a cyber-resilient enterprise.
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