Some of the world’s largest hedge funds along with several private equity firms were targeted, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the matter is confidential.
Point72 Asset Management told investors on Wednesday that it had faced an attack from hackers, one of the sources said, adding that the firm indicated that no customer information was stolen during the attack.The hackers also attempted to breach information systems at other hedge funds, including Two Sigma Investments and Citadel, the sources said.
Attempts by hackers to break into major financial institutions are routine, according to cybersecurity experts.The phone-call tactic is still widely used by hackers because of its effectiveness. It has been used successfully by cybercriminal groups such as “Scattered Spider,” a loose-knit group of young hackers that has racked up a large roster of corporate victims over the past few years.
Global companies are battling a surge in AI-powered cyberattacks and ransomware that disrupt operations and steal data. The White House announced a working group earlier this year, uniting AI developers and critical infrastructure operators to share threat intelligence and coordinate cyber defenses.
The attacks are part of a broader wave of cyber threats aimed at financial institutions, which remain high-value targets because of the sensitive data, large transactions, and critical services they manage. While the attempts did not result in confirmed major disruptions, the incidents have prompted firms to strengthen monitoring and reinforce their cybersecurity defenses.
Cybersecurity has become a top priority for U.S. financial leaders, who have warned that a successful attack on a major institution could have wider consequences for markets and the economy. Recent efforts across industries have focused on improving resilience, strengthening digital defenses, and preparing for increasingly complex cyber threats.
As Wall Street firms continue to face pressure from cybercriminals, industry leaders say cooperation between companies, government agencies, and security experts will be essential to protecting the financial system from future attacks.
About the Author
Becky Anthony is a tech writer and researcher at techregard. Based in Nigeria, she has a background in English from Bayero University and a strong interest in how technology drives growth and access. She enjoys telling stories about technology, startups and innovation in ways that are clear, human and useful for readers across Africa and globally.
