BY COMFORT OGBONNA
Several major financial services companies and investment firms have recently faced a series of attempted cyberattacks as criminals sought access to sensitive systems and information, according to people familiar with the matter.
The attacks targeted some of the world’s largest hedge funds and private equity firms, highlighting the continued cybersecurity risks facing the financial sector as hackers increasingly use social engineering techniques to bypass traditional digital defenses.
Sources familiar with the incidents said the attackers used phone calls as part of their efforts, attempting to deceive employees into providing access credentials or revealing confidential information. The method, commonly known as social engineering, relies on manipulating individuals rather than directly breaking through technical security systems.
Point72 Asset Management informed investors that it had experienced a cyber incident, according to a person familiar with the situation. The firm said no customer information was compromised during the attack.
Other investment firms, including Two Sigma Investments and Citadel, were also targeted in attempted breaches, according to people familiar with the matter. The companies did not provide immediate details about the incidents.
Cybersecurity experts said attempted attacks against large financial institutions are common, as firms managing significant amounts of capital and sensitive data remain attractive targets for criminal groups.
The use of phone-based deception remains one of the most effective tactics employed by cybercriminals. Attackers often impersonate trusted individuals, company employees, or service providers in an effort to convince workers to provide information that can be used to gain unauthorized access.
Security specialists have warned that groups using these methods have successfully compromised major organizations in recent years. Some cybercriminal networks have combined social engineering with advanced digital tools to carry out large-scale attacks against corporations across multiple industries.
The recent incidents come as businesses worldwide face a growing wave of cyber threats, including ransomware attacks and artificial intelligence-assisted hacking campaigns. Criminal groups are increasingly using AI technologies to create more convincing scams, automate attacks, and identify potential weaknesses in corporate security systems.
Governments and private companies have responded by increasing cooperation on cybersecurity efforts, including initiatives aimed at sharing threat intelligence and improving defenses for critical infrastructure.
Financial institutions continue to invest heavily in cybersecurity protections, employee training, and monitoring systems as they work to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive customer and business information from increasingly sophisticated threats.
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