Cyber-security Threats in 2020

Cybersecurity Threats Cybersecurity refers to technologies, processes, and practices developed to protect networks, devices, applications, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Due to ever-evolving cybersecurity threats, nature and implementation of cybersecurity policies in organizations must change. Therefore for these changes to be realized the trends in cyber threats must be clearly understood on the go. The following are some of the cybersecurity threats that are evolving with time. Phishing attacks Phishing is getting complex and sophisticated each time. This is where digital messages are transmitted to people to lure them into clicking on a link that in return installs malware or expose sensitive data. Many organizations all over the world are investing in their employees in terms of cybersecurity threats. Employees in many organizations are more aware of the dangers of email phishing or of clicking on suspicious links; hackers are also advancing in their techniques of attack in broadcasting their phishing links. For instance, they are even using machine learning to create and distribute convincing fake messages with expectations that recipients will compromise their organization’s networks and systems. These attacks empower hackers to steal user logins, credit card credentials and other types of personal financial information Ransomware With ransomware, hackers have one intension to deploy technologies that enable them to access and get hold of an organization’s database for a ransom. The use of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin has been touted to fuel the increase in ransomware attacks the world over. Cryptojacking Cryptojacking involves cybercriminals hijacking third-party home or work computers to “mine” for cryptocurrency. Because mining for a cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin, for example) requires immense amounts of computer processing power, hackers can make money by secretly piggybacking on someone else’s systems. Cyber-Physical Attacks Its where computers are used to disable cameras, turn off a building’s lights, make a car veer off the road, or a drone land in enemy hands. Slowly cyber-physical attacks are replacing physical attacks in crime, warfare, and terrorism that have dominated the world in the last decade. IoT Attacks The Internet of Things is becoming more omnipresent by the day, Statista.com estimates that by the year 2025, 75 billion devices will have been connected to the internet of things. It includes laptops and tablets, of course, but also routers, webcams, household appliances, smartwatches, medical devices, manufacturing equipment, automobiles and even home security systems. Connected devices are handy for consumers and many companies now use them to save money by gathering immense amounts of insightful data and streamlining businesses processes. However, more connected devices mean greater risk, making IoT networks more vulnerable to cyber invasions and infections. Once controlled by hackers, IoT devices can be used to create havoc, overload networks or lockdown essential equipment for financial gain.