This report examines key trends across the threat landscape and application usage, including topics on how organizations can educate users and utilize controls to effectively reduce the attack surface available to an adversary, the potential effects of non-standard network activity, the reuse of legacy attack tactics, and the benefits of open threat intelligence sharing.

Mobile network operators (MNOs) are evolving rapidly to deploy transformative networks—4G, 5G, SDN/NFV. Meanwhile they are battling a new and different cyber attack landscape that could compromise BOTH their networks AND their subscribers. Network and subscriber protection are no longer separate problems in this new digital age. Legacy security solutions are inadequate. A new approach to security is needed—with a focus on PREVENTION —not just a reaction to prior known threats. Adopting a prevention posture enables operators to get ahead of the evolving sophistication of attackers.

How much does it cost technically proficient adversaries to conduct successful attacks, and how much do they earn? In this report, they look at the relationships between the time spent and compensation of today’s adversaries and how organizations can thwart attacks. As revealed in this research, while some attackers may be motivated by non-pecuniary reasons, such as those that are geopolitical or reputational, an average of 69 percent of respondents say they are in it for the money.