As we enter the new year, we must be aware of the various cybersecurity attack trends on the horizon. Hacking has become increasingly sophisticated and common, so it’s important to be as prepared as possible.
Here are some of the most notable ones:
Phishing Attacks
Phishing is nothing new, but these attacks are becoming more common as hackers become more sophisticated. These attacks usually involve hackers posing as legitimate companies or individuals to trick victims into giving them sensitive information, such as passwords or financial information.
What’s more, phishing schemes are becoming more targeted. Hackers are now using personal information that they’ve gleaned from social media sites to make their attacks seem more believable. For example, they might pose as a friend or family member to trick you into clicking on a malicious link.
To protect yourself from phishing attacks, you must be cautious about the emails and links you click on. If you’re ever unsure about the legitimacy of an email, you can always contact the company or individual it’s supposedly from to verify its authenticity.
Ransomware
Ransomware has also become increasingly common in recent years. In a ransomware attack, a hacker will encrypt a victim’s files and demand a ransom to decrypt them. These attacks can be extremely costly and cause a lot of disruptions for businesses.
To protect yourself from ransomware attacks, it’s crucial to have a robust backup strategy in place. That way, even if your files are encrypted, you’ll still be able to access them from a backup. It’s also a good idea to keep your anti-virus software up to date and be cautious about the emails and links you click on.
Cloud Security Breaches
Cloud security breaches can be devastating for businesses. Not only can they result in the loss of sensitive data, but they can also lead to downtime and loss of productivity. To protect your business from a cloud security breach, it’s important to use a cloud security solution that includes encryption and access control.
With so many businesses now depending on the cloud, we’ll likely see more cloud security breaches in the future. So, it’s important to be prepared and take the necessary steps to protect your business.
Insider Threats
While phishing attacks come from outside an organization, insider threats come from within. These threats can come from malicious employees or disgruntled ex-employees who can access sensitive company information.
Insider threats can be hazardous because these individuals already have trust within the organization. They might also be more familiar with the company’s systems and procedures, making it easier to bypass security measures.
Organizations need strong security measures to combat insider threats, such as access control lists and data loss prevention systems. They also need to be aware of the warning signs that an employee might be planning to commit malicious acts.
IoT Security
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the growing trend of interconnected devices. This includes everything from smart thermostats to fitness trackers to security systems.
IoT devices are becoming increasingly common but also becoming increasingly vulnerable to hacks. This is because many IoT devices are not adequately secured, which leaves them open to attack.
What’s more, IoT devices are often interconnected, which means that a hacker who gains access to one device can often gain access to others. This can create a domino effect that can lead to severe consequences.
To protect yourself from IoT hacks, it’s essential to ensure that your devices are adequately secured. Consider isolating all IoT devices on their network as an added layer of security.
BYOD Negligence
Bring Your Device (BYOD) policies have become increasingly common in workplaces as they offer several advantages for employees and employers. However, they also present a new cybersecurity risk.
With BYOD, employees are using their devices for work purposes. This means that sensitive company data is now stored on devices that are not necessarily secure. If an employee’s device is lost or stolen, or if they accidentally click on a malicious link, this could put the company’s data at risk.
Cybersecurity Depends On You
These are some of the most notable cybersecurity attack trends on the horizon. However, it’s important to remember that cyberattacks can happen anytime and that cybersecurity depends on everyone being vigilant.
So, ensure you are aware of the risks and take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your business, and your data.
Need a cost-effective way of getting the IT service your business deserves? Then you need PartnerIT. Reach us via our contact form or call us at 519-772-2525 (Kitchener) or 519-672-0900 (London).
