Lookout, a cybersecurity company, recently released its 2022 Government Threat Report, which highlights the top cybersecurity threats faced by government organizations in 2021. According to the report, nearly 50% of phishing attacks aimed at government employees in 2021 were attempted credential theft.

Phishing attacks are a type of cyberattack where attackers send emails or messages to users that appear to be from a trusted source, such as a government agency or a financial institution. These emails often contain a link or attachment that, when clicked, can lead to malware installation or credential theft.

Credential theft refers to the theft of login credentials, such as usernames and passwords, which can be used by attackers to gain unauthorized access to government systems and data. Once attackers have access to a government system, they can steal sensitive information, plant malware, or carry out other malicious activities.

The Lookout report found that government employees were targeted by phishing attacks more frequently than any other industry in 2021, with 44% of all phishing attacks targeting government organizations. This is likely because government organizations often hold sensitive information that can be valuable to attackers, such as personal information, financial data, and national security secrets.

Of the phishing attacks aimed at government employees, 49% were attempted credential theft attacks, making it the most common type of phishing attack. This is a significant increase from 2020, where credential theft attacks accounted for only 25% of phishing attacks aimed at government employees.

The Lookout report also found that government organizations are increasingly being targeted by mobile phishing attacks, where attackers send phishing messages to users' mobile devices. Mobile phishing attacks can be more effective than traditional phishing attacks because users are more likely to click on links or open attachments on their mobile devices, which can be more difficult to secure than desktop computers.

In addition to phishing attacks, the Lookout report highlights other cybersecurity threats faced by government organizations, such as ransomware attacks, supply chain attacks, and nation-state attacks. Ransomware attacks, where attackers encrypt a government organization's data and demand payment in exchange for the decryption key, have become increasingly common in recent years. Supply chain attacks, where attackers target third-party vendors that provide services or software to government organizations, can also be a significant threat.

Nation-state attacks, where attackers are sponsored by a foreign government, are another significant threat faced by government organizations. These attacks can be highly sophisticated and can target sensitive government data and infrastructure.

The Lookout report concludes that government organizations must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and implement measures to protect against these threats. This includes implementing strong password policies, providing cybersecurity training to employees, and using multi-factor authentication to prevent credential theft. Government organizations should also implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes regular security assessments, threat intelligence monitoring, and incident response planning.

In conclusion, the Lookout 2022 Government Threat Report highlights the significant cybersecurity threats faced by government organizations, with nearly 50% of phishing attacks aimed at government employees in 2021 being attempted credential theft attacks. Government organizations must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and implement measures to protect against these threats to ensure the security of sensitive information and critical infrastructure.