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Hans India
4 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Rising AI-Driven Cyber Attacks and Geopolitical Tensions Shaping India's Cyber Risk Landscape, Aon Study
Aon plc (NY SE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released the Asia Pacific (APAC) findings from it s 2025 Cyber Risk Report. T he report underscores the increasing complexity of artificial intelligence (AI) driven cyber attacks and the prevalence of geopolitical tensions on cyber risks in the region. This report is based on Cyber Quotient Evaluation (CyQu) scores from 3,226 Aon clients in 2024 across APAC, EMEA, LATAM and North America, which analysed more than 1,400 global cyber events to identify trends in the evolving cyber threat landscape. The CyQu database benchmarks over 10,000 clients and has 20,000 client users. The report signals that APAC is experiencing significant growth in cyber claims notifications, driven by the rising frequency and sophistication of cyber incidents. Geopolitical forces, such as trade tensions, territorial disputes and reconfigurations of the global supply chain, are shaping how APAC companies manage cyber risk. 'In 2025, global and regional geostrategic tensions remain a key driver of cyber risk for companies in APAC. This trend is likely to accelerate with nation-state-backed threat actors continuing to employ cyber campaigns to facilitate conflicts or instigate grey-zone operations for the purposes of economic coercion, corporate espionage, or to harm regional rivals by targeting strategically important economic infrastructure,' said Adam Peckman, head of risk consulting and cyber solutions in APAC and global head of cyber risk consulting at Aon. 'As cyber threats grow more complex and interconnected, companies need a clearer view of their exposure, stronger alignment between cyber security and insurance strategies, and the tools to make better, data-driven decisions,' added Peckman Key Findings: In APAC, cyber incident frequency rose 29 percent year-over-year and up 134 percent over the past four years (2020-2024). There was a 22 percent rise in cyber insurance claims notifications in 2024. The rise in AI-driven deepfake attacks resulted in a 53 percent increase in social engineering incidents year-over-year. Claims involving social engineering and fraud increased by 233 percent. Of the 1,414 global cyber events analysed, 56 developed into reputation risk events, which are defined as cyber incidents that attract significant public attention. Companies affected by these reputation risk events experienced an average shareholder value decline of 27 percent. Trends In India as seen by Aon: Threat actors are introducing malicious files into enterprise systems, establishing connections to malicious IP addresses, facilitating unauthorized remote access and control. Threat actors are leveraging stolen data to demand ransom and are threatening to publish sensitive information on the dark web if their demands are not met. Access keys stored on corporate-issued devices are being exploited to breach virtual servers hosted in cloud environments, underscoring the importance of secure credential management. Once inside a network, attackers are navigating between production and non-production environments, increasing the scope and impact of their intrusion. Cyber insurers in India are increasingly requiring businesses to demonstrate a baseline of cybersecurity measures to qualify for coverage or to secure lower premiums and comprehensive coverages. Underwriting has shifted from basic checklists to in-depth security architecture reviews. However, insurers are now willing to accept security roadmaps (versus full compliance upfront), encouraging control implementation over time. Prasanna Kumar, head of cyber solutions for India at Aon, said, 'We are witnessing India adopt AI at a rapid pace, which brings a host of new risks. Data poisoning attacks can compromise the integrity of critical AI systems and deepfake technology is now being used to craft convincing malicious content — making social engineering attacks more sophisticated than ever.' While AI has certainly introduced more complexity to the cyber attacks Indian businesses face, it has also enhanced their ability to detect and respond to threats. 'In response to the evolving challenges, businesses must take significant steps to strengthen controls within the organisation. Regular audits, comprehensive employee training programs and advanced threat monitoring systems must become an integral part of businesses' security posture,' Kumar added. Aon's 2025 Cyber Risk Report draws on proprietary data from the firm's CyQu platform, a patented global e-submission tool that streamlines the cyber insurance intake process and empowers organisations with actionable insights into their cyber exposures and insurability, helping to strengthen both underwriting outcomes and cyber risk management strategies.
Business Upturn
02-08-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
LevelBlue Completes Acquisition of Aon's Cybersecurity and IP Litigation Consulting Groups
Business Wire India LevelBlue, a global leader in cloud-based, AI-driven managed security services, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Aon's (NYSE: AON) Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation consulting groups, including the renowned cybersecurity firm, Stroz Friedberg, and Elysium Digital. With this completion the consulting group will operate as Stroz Friedberg, a LevelBlue company. This strategic acquisition adds elite cyber and high-tech IP litigation consulting expertise to the LevelBlue portfolio, which includes a globally recognized platform of approximately 300 technology professionals with deep relationships across Fortune 500 companies, 80 percent of the Am Law 100, and most of the UK's top 20 law firms. As a result, LevelBlue will significantly fortify its incident response and advisory capabilities, while expanding its footprint within the legal sector. LevelBlue is also redefining cybersecurity by integrating Stroz Friedberg's expert consulting with its 24/7 managed detection and response (MDR) services. LevelBlue's MDR offerings will benefit from real-time threat data coming from incident response team engagements, using machine learning to continuously feed new threat indicators, while helping auto-detect and auto-respond to threats. This unified, AI-driven approach enhances the company's ability to protect against digital threats and quickly manage incidents. These integrated capabilities position LevelBlue as the largest global independent pure-play Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP). 'The close of this acquisition enables LevelBlue to deliver an unmatched breadth of cybersecurity services and expertise to customers on a global scale,' said Robert McCullen, Chairman and CEO of LevelBlue. 'Capitalizing on the Stroz Friedberg consulting expertise along with our AI-driven managed security services, we are empowering organizations to proactively manage digital risk and respond to incidents with greater speed and precision. Our combined strengths will set a new standard for cyber resilience in the industry.' With the close of this transaction, Aon and LevelBlue will work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to clients. 'Cybersecurity challenges are becoming increasingly complex and urgent for our clients, demanding more integrated and adaptive solutions,' said Christian Hoffman, Global Specialty & Financial Products Leader at Aon. 'Aon will continue to deliver leading cyber brokerage capabilities through our Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform and Cyber Risk Analyzer, while deepening our collaboration with providers like LevelBlue to enhance our clients' protection and resilience in an evolving threat landscape.' Santander served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to LevelBlue. Lazard served as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to Aon. In addition to this deal, LevelBlue recently announced an agreement to acquire Trustwave, a global provider of cybersecurity and MDR services from the MC2 Security Fund (MC2). Together, these acquisitions further solidify LevelBlue's position as the largest, independent pure-play MSSP in the industry. For more information on LevelBlue and its managed security, consulting, and threat intelligence services, please visit About LevelBlue We simplify cybersecurity through award-winning managed services, experienced strategic consulting, threat intelligence, and renowned research. Our team is a seamless extension of yours, providing transparency and visibility into security posture and continuously working to strengthen it. We harness security data from numerous sources and enrich it with artificial intelligence to deliver real-time threat intelligence; this enables more accurate and precise decision making. With a large, always-on global presence, LevelBlue sets the standard for cybersecurity today and tomorrow. We easily and effectively manage risk, so you can focus on your business. About Aon Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon's newsroom and sign up for news alerts here. View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. Business Upturn take no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Business Wire
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
LevelBlue Completes Acquisition of Aon's Cybersecurity and IP Litigation Consulting Groups
DALLAS & DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LevelBlue, a global leader in cloud-based, AI-driven managed security services, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Aon's (NYSE: AON) Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation consulting groups, including the renowned cybersecurity firm, Stroz Friedberg, and Elysium Digital. With this completion the consulting group will operate as Stroz Friedberg, a LevelBlue company. This strategic acquisition adds elite cyber and high-tech IP litigation consulting expertise to the LevelBlue portfolio, which includes a globally recognized platform of approximately 300 technology professionals with deep relationships across Fortune 500 companies, 80 percent of the Am Law 100, and most of the UK's top 20 law firms. As a result, LevelBlue will significantly fortify its incident response and advisory capabilities, while expanding its footprint within the legal sector. LevelBlue is also redefining cybersecurity by integrating Stroz Friedberg's expert consulting with its 24/7 managed detection and response (MDR) services. LevelBlue's MDR offerings will benefit from real-time threat data coming from incident response team engagements, using machine learning to continuously feed new threat indicators, while helping auto-detect and auto-respond to threats. This unified, AI-driven approach enhances the company's ability to protect against digital threats and quickly manage incidents. These integrated capabilities position LevelBlue as the largest global independent pure-play Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP). 'The close of this acquisition enables LevelBlue to deliver an unmatched breadth of cybersecurity services and expertise to customers on a global scale,' said Robert McCullen, Chairman and CEO of LevelBlue. 'Capitalizing on the Stroz Friedberg consulting expertise along with our AI-driven managed security services, we are empowering organizations to proactively manage digital risk and respond to incidents with greater speed and precision. Our combined strengths will set a new standard for cyber resilience in the industry.' With the close of this transaction, Aon and LevelBlue will work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to clients. 'Cybersecurity challenges are becoming increasingly complex and urgent for our clients, demanding more integrated and adaptive solutions,' said Christian Hoffman, Global Specialty & Financial Products Leader at Aon. 'Aon will continue to deliver leading cyber brokerage capabilities through our Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform and Cyber Risk Analyzer, while deepening our collaboration with providers like LevelBlue to enhance our clients' protection and resilience in an evolving threat landscape.' Santander served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to LevelBlue. Lazard served as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to Aon. In addition to this deal, LevelBlue recently announced an agreement to acquire Trustwave, a global provider of cybersecurity and MDR services from the MC2 Security Fund (MC2). Together, these acquisitions further solidify LevelBlue's position as the largest, independent pure-play MSSP in the industry. For more information on LevelBlue and its managed security, consulting, and threat intelligence services, please visit About LevelBlue We simplify cybersecurity through award-winning managed services, experienced strategic consulting, threat intelligence, and renowned research. Our team is a seamless extension of yours, providing transparency and visibility into security posture and continuously working to strengthen it. We harness security data from numerous sources and enrich it with artificial intelligence to deliver real-time threat intelligence; this enables more accurate and precise decision making. With a large, always-on global presence, LevelBlue sets the standard for cybersecurity today and tomorrow. We easily and effectively manage risk, so you can focus on your business. About Aon Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Rising AI-Driven Cyber Attacks and Geopolitical Tensions Shaping Asia Pacific Cyber Risk Landscape, Aon study
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 July 2025 - Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released the Asia Pacific (APAC) findings from its 2025 Cyber Risk Report. The report underscores the increasing complexity of artificial intelligence (AI) driven cyber attacks and the prevalence of geopolitical tensions on cyber risks in the region. This report is based on Cyber Quotient Evaluation (CyQu) scores from 3,226 Aon clients in 2024 across APAC, EMEA, LATAM and North America, which analysed more than 1,400 global cyber events to identify trends in the evolving cyber threat landscape. The CyQu database benchmarks over 10,000 clients and has 20,000 client users. From these insights, the report signals that the APAC region is experiencing significant growth in cyber claims notifications, driven by the rising frequency and sophistication of cyber incidents. Geopolitical forces, such as trade tensions, territorial disputes and reconfigurations of the global supply chain, is shaping how APAC companies manage cyber risk. Key Findings: In the APAC region, cyber incident frequency rose 29 percent year-over-year and up 134 percent over the past four years (2020-2024). There was a 22 percent rise in cyber insurance claims notifications in 2024. The rise in AI-driven deepfake attacks resulted in a 53 percent increase in social engineering incidents year-over-year. Claims involving social engineering and fraud increased by 233 percent. Of the 1,414 global cyber events analysed, 56 developed into reputation risk events, which are defined as cyber incidents that attract significant public attention. Companies affected by these reputation risk events experienced an average shareholder value decline of 27 percent. Globally, malware and ransomware attacks were ranked most likely to trigger reputational damage, accounting for 60 percent of all reputation risk events, despite making up only 45 percent of total cyber incidents. 'In 2025, global and regional geostrategic tensions remain a key driver of cyber risk for companies in APAC. This trend is likely to accelerate with nation-state-backed threat actors continuing to employ cyber campaigns to facilitate conflicts or instigate grey-zone operations for the purposes of economic coercion, corporate espionage, or to harm regional rivals by targeting strategically important economic infrastructure,' said Adam Peckman, head of risk consulting and cyber solutions in APAC and global head of cyber risk consulting at Aon. 'As cyber threats grow more complex and interconnected, companies need a clearer view of their exposure, stronger alignment between cyber security and insurance strategies, and the tools to make better, data-driven decisions.' Aon's 2025 Cyber Risk Report draws on proprietary data from the firm's CyQu platform, a patented global e-submission tool that streamlines the cyber insurance intake process and empowers organisations with actionable insights into their cyber exposures and insurability, helping to strengthen both underwriting outcomes and cyber risk management strategies. The APAC insights from the Aon's 2025 Cyber Risk Report can be found here. Hashtag: #Aon The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Techday NZ
12-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
LevelBlue to acquire Aon's cyber consulting teams in global deal
LevelBlue has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Aon's Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property Litigation consulting groups, including the well-established Stroz Friedberg and Elysium Digital teams. This transaction will see more than 300 technology professionals join LevelBlue, bolstering its cyber risk and incident response capabilities on a global scale. These teams currently provide services to Fortune 500 companies, 80% of the Am Law 100, and most of the top 20 UK law firms. The acquisition positions LevelBlue as the largest independent pure play Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) worldwide. Consulting capabilities The addition of Aon's Cybersecurity and IP Litigation consulting groups brings specialised expertise in cybersecurity risk management and technology-related intellectual property litigation to LevelBlue's existing operations. These capabilities will now complement LevelBlue's 24/7 managed detection and response services, creating a broader offering that spans pre-emptive protection, digital risk management, and comprehensive incident response. "Cyber resilience is crucial for organisations of all sizes," said Robert McCullen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LevelBlue. "By combining LevelBlue's exceptional cloud-based, AI-driven managed detection and response platform with Stroz Friedberg's proactive cyber consulting and advanced digital forensic and incident response capabilities, we're introducing the industry's most comprehensive unified cybersecurity services platform. This platform will not only strengthen clients' defenses preemptively, but also empower them with deeper insights and faster incident resolution. Together, we're helping organisations stay ahead of emerging threats and recover with greater speed and confidence." David Yaches, Chief Executive Officer of Cyber Solutions Security Consulting at Aon, commented on the agreement: "We are thrilled to join forces with LevelBlue. Our teams are aligned in mission and values, and this acquisition will allow us to serve clients with an expanded suite of cyber solutions and deeper technical expertise." Maintaining core services Aon will continue to provide cyber brokerage services via its Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform, and Cyber Risk Analyzer, focusing on serving a wide range of client risk and broking needs globally. The company's Cybersecurity consulting segment has been recognised in the 2024 Forrester Wave for Cybersecurity Incident Response Services, particularly for its coverage of adversary simulation, penetration testing, incident response planning, breach response, and digital forensics. "The incredible cybersecurity readiness and response capabilities of Aon's Cybersecurity consulting group, including the esteemed heritage of the Stroz Friedberg legacy, brings highly valued expertise to LevelBlue," said Mike Troiano, LevelBlue Board Member and Head of AT&T Business Products. "We expect this acquisition to significantly enhance the strategic cybersecurity services delivered globally by LevelBlue to AT&T's government and enterprise customers." LevelBlue and Aon will also establish a strategic collaboration as part of the agreement, allowing both companies to offer combined and complementary services to their respective clients. This partnership is intended to provide holistic cybersecurity support, integrating managed services and consulting expertise to address the evolving cyber threat landscape. Christian Hoffman, Global Specialty and Financial Products Leader at Aon, added: "Cyber remains a top risk category for our clients. Aon will continue to deliver leading cyber brokerage capabilities through our Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform and Cyber Risk Analyzer to serve our clients growing cyber broking needs." The consulting teams from Aon are known for assisting clients with strengthening their operational readiness, protecting digital assets, and reducing the impact of cyber incidents, using a mix of technical know-how and established methodologies. Their track record has made them a choice partner for organisations looking to accelerate recovery in the event of a cyber event. Market perspective Christina Richmond, Principal Analyst at Richmond Advisory Group, shared her view on the acquisition: "This is a highly strategic acquisition for the cybersecurity services market. LevelBlue will strengthen its position at the intersection of managed security and cyber consulting services. By acquiring leading cybersecurity and IP litigation consulting capabilities, the combined organisation is now better positioned to proactively enhance organisational resilience. The strategic relationship with Aon bolsters LevelBlue's posture with cyber insurers and adds highly complementary risk analysis and advisory services." Santander is acting as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis as legal advisor to LevelBlue, while Lazard and Latham & Watkins are advising Aon for this transaction. Financial terms have not been disclosed, and the deal remains subject to standard closing conditions.
