The information security industry is now keeping an eye on a myriad of new and sophisticated cyber security threats this year. Assets and data of governments, corporations, and individuals are now at constant risk from cyberattacks involving phishing, malware, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, etc.
As we continue to depend on technology in our everyday lives, we can say that such cyber attacks will also affect us directly or indirectly. The risk that these threats entail can cause the spread of misinformation, undermining of personal privacy, data theft, and the disruption of the processes of our cherished institutions.
Thus, it’s only necessary that we are aware and be always on high alert for these threats. For that purpose, here’s a list of the top cyber security threats to watch out for in 2019.
Cryptocurrency Hijacking
Today, hackers hijack third-party work or home computers to mine for cryptocurrency. Since crypto mining involves massive computer processing power, these cyber criminals can make money by tailgating into other people’s computer systems.
Hijacked computer systems can result in performance issues and costly downtime for many businesses. That’s why it’s a must to bolster cyber security protection to prevent such problems.
Advanced Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks refer to the transmission of phony digital messages that prompt people to click on a link with installed malware and then expose essential and sensitive information. While many individuals and organizations are becoming aware of such tricks, cyber criminals are now upgrading their game to make it less suspicious.
For instance, hackers now use machine learning to create and transmit convincing yet fake digital messages to fool people into clicking and compromising their sensitive data. This modus operandi makes it easy for hackers to access and steal valuable financial information from private databases.
Invasions into IoT Networks
The Internet of Things (IoT) is having its heyday at the moment. In fact, it’s projected that approximately 31 billion devices will be connected to the IoT by 2020. These devices include smartphones, laptops, home appliances, webcams, routers, automobiles, medical devices, home security systems, etc.
Individuals and organizations use IoT-connected devices for convenience and efficiency. Using IoT is also cost-effective for companies to gather vast amounts of data and streamline business processes.
However, the ability of IoT to connect more and more devices also entails great risk, making IoT networks a number one target by cyberhackers. If hackers invade and control IoT networks, they can lock down devices and overload systems to make money. If you want to learn more about IoT, visit sites like robots.net for that purpose.
Electronic Medical Records Attacks
The technological progress we’re experiencing today makes way for the healthcare industry to use smart medical devices and move patient medical records online. Of course, this adaptation to new technologies has its advantages as well as risks. However, growing concerns about safety, privacy, and cyber security attacks are present.
Once devices are digitized, sensitive medical data and information will become more at risk. What’s more disturbing is the danger of tampering a device directly connected to a patient. A hacker can control such devices to disable vital signs monitors, transmit electrical signals, or decrease or increase dosages.
State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks
Cyber crime doesn’t only happen to individuals and business organizations. Nowadays, governments are also applying cyber skills to invade other governments’ computer networks and sabotage critical infrastructure.
State-sponsored cybercrimes, also known as cyber warfare, will continue to be a national concern in the coming years. We can expect smaller nations will perform cyber attacks on larger countries and vice versa, using advanced computers as weapons.
Ransomware Attacks
Cybercriminals can use advanced technologies to hack into an individual or organization’s databases and hold all of the data for ransom. Ransomware attacks are now rampant in the field of cryptocurrency mining and investing.
This cybersecurity threat also happens to large businesses and people with high net-worth. Thus, individuals and organizations must strengthen their computer systems and adopt ways to counter these cyberattacks.
Takeaway
There are a lot of benefits to gain when we adopt new technologies. However, with the emergence of new technologies, cyberhackers are also becoming more sophisticated. We can only counter cybersecurity threats by knowing about them beforehand and adopting solid cybersecurity protection to prevent them from happening.
