The digital landscape is ever-expanding. It offers so many possibilities for people operating on it. Unfortunately, cyber criminals are taking advantage of the growth. They are becoming more daring and upping the sophistication levels of their attacks.
It is critical to learn how to keep safe while online. A good starting point would be to understand the emerging threats and strategies to take.
Emerging Threats and Safety Strategies You Need To Know
It is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself when online. Start by understanding the threats that you can face.
Also, install necessary security measures such as anti-malware, antivirus, and even rotating residential proxies. Such will block malware and keep you safe from hackers.
Let’s look at the emerging threats you may encounter every time you are online.
- More Significant Evolution of Old Threats
Old threats are still very much an ongoing concern. Ransomware, botnets, phishing, and Trojans are some of them.
The attacks are becoming more deadly with automation. The hackers also have access to a lot of personal information. They get this from social networks and company websites.
The Covid pandemic forced many people to work from home. Unfortunately, many companies did not have the security infrastructure to extend security to remote workers. It exposed areas of vulnerabilities that the cybercriminals explored to the fullest.
A Deloitte report shows hackers hit over 500,000 remote workers. They used video conferencing services to get access.
- Cryptojacking or Cryptomining
Cryptojacking shares a lot of similarities with ransomware. Only in this case, the hackers use data encryption to mine for Cryptocurrency.
The malware runs in the background and may be challenging to detect. The hackers use computers, applications, and other network resources to find a way in.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Powered Threats
Artificial intelligence is a critical component of threat management and cybersecurity. But, criminals are also taking advantage of it to improve the level of attacks.
One such area is data aggregation for better targeting. They also use it for hacking passwords and Captcha. It makes the threats challenging to detect.
The hackers are also using AI for fuzzing. AI helps detect defects or vulnerabilities within the system. Such become an easy way to introduce adaptive malware into the systems.
- Deepfake
Deepfake uses audio or video recordings to target victims. They may swap the face or voice on an existing recording.
Take the example of hackers impersonating the CEO of a company. They can spread malicious information and even steal millions of dollars.
- Cloud Vulnerability
Many organizations are taking advantage of cloud applications for storing data. Even with the benefits of such platforms, they are areas of vulnerabilities. Such include possibilities of data breaches and access to insecure Interfaces and configurations.
Others include malicious threats from inside and the hijacking of accounts. It is imperative for any company using cloud facilities to invest in the right security.
- Fileless Attacks
Fileless attacks are nothing new. The emerging threat is that the sophistication levels are increasing. Such attacks take advantage of existing features and tools instead of file-based payloads. Since they do not generate any new files, they can be very difficult to detect.
Organizations must be watchful of certain practices that increase exposure. Clicking on links can reroute the user to malicious sites. Hackers can then use social engineering to upload payloads into the system memory.
- Compromise to Business Processes
The flow in your business processes can be a source of vulnerability. Operational and systemic weaknesses can be a major concern. The hackers painstakingly observe the organization through compromised systems.
They detect areas of weakness and discreetly maximize on such. They can, for example, steal funds through a faulty invoicing tool. By changing banking details on future invoices, they get direct access to payments.
- Mobile Attacks
With over half the internet population on mobile, it is prime ground for hackers. Malware attacks are a major concern on such devices. A Kaspersky report shows up to 280,000 malware attacks every single day. The majority target mobile devices.
Yet, for most companies, the focus is on computers and not mobile security. The report goes further to show emerging attacks we need to be on the lookout for. Such include SMiShing, which makes you download malware by clicking on the link.
The second is BYOD, where people use personal devices for business purposes. Yet, they do not have the relevant inbuilt security on their mobile devices.
The third is the internet of things (IoT) that allows for greater connectivity of devices. But, users may not be keen on monitoring or the use of antivirus solutions.
Strategies to Guard Against Emerging Cyber Threats
Emerging threats are a major cause of concern due to their sophistication level. It is important to get the right cyber defense for both companies and individuals.
Some strategies include:-
- Installing relevant security measures such as antivirus and anti-malware protection. VPNs and proxies can also create barriers. It makes it harder for cybercriminals to attack.
- Training staff members on best digital practices and procedures. Such include identifying and guarding against cyber threats.
- Greater vigilance and relevant checks and tests to identify areas of weaknesses
- End-to-end data encryption so that only the intended recipient has access
- Put in place Zero Trust policies. You only give access to authorized or authenticated users and devices. The other alternative is the principle of least privilege. You restrict access to only those who need to see the information.
- Encourage the use of strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Run System updates to take advantage of the latest security measures.
Final Thoughts
The digital space has a lot of potential for both good and bad. Criminals take advantage of vulnerabilities to gain access and cause damage. What makes the situation direr is they are always improving their attack methods.
We have looked at some of the emerging threats you need to be aware of. Some are not new, but they are becoming deadlier and more difficult to detect. Organizations must be more alert to the threats. They have to put in place relevant security measures to remain safe on the online platform.
