Kyiv, Ukraine – Moonlock, the dedicated cybersecurity division of MacPaw, has highlighted a significant discrepancy between cinematic portrayals of hacking and the reality of modern cyberattacks. The firm, via a recent announcement on HackerNoon, emphasized that real-world cybercrime predominantly relies on social engineering tactics like phishing, rather than the rapid, complex coding often depicted in films. This revelation aims to educate the public on the true nature of digital threats.
The company stated in a tweet that "Movie hacking ≠ reality: Real cyberattacks rely on phishing, not fast code." This underscores Moonlock's findings that sophisticated coding prowess is less critical than human manipulation in many successful breaches. Cyberattacks have evolved to become more accessible, with "malware-as-a-service" and other "plug-and-play" commodities available on the dark web, enabling even less experienced individuals to launch attacks.
The prevalence of phishing attacks supports Moonlock's assertion, with global incidents reaching over 4.7 million in 2022. Reports indicate that 75% of organizations worldwide experienced a phishing attack in 2020, often resulting in credential theft. The financial services and insurance sectors were particularly targeted, with 63% of organizations in these industries reporting phishing incidents in 2021.
MacPaw, founded in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2008 by Oleksandr Kosovan, is known for its suite of macOS and iOS software, including CleanMyMac and Setapp, serving over 30 million users globally. Moonlock was established to address the growing cybersecurity needs of Mac users, integrating its advanced "Moonlock Engine" into products like CleanMyMac X to enhance malware protection. The division's mission is to bridge the gap between emerging threats and user knowledge.
To combat widespread misconceptions and improve user awareness, Moonlock has launched various educational initiatives. These include "Cybersecuritoons," a series of animated videos offering Cybersecurity 101 lessons in an engaging format, and a dedicated blog providing tips and news on Mac security. These efforts aim to make complex cybersecurity concepts understandable and accessible to a broader audience, fostering better digital hygiene.