What Are Various Emerging Cyber Threats And How To Prevent Them?
Cybersecurity isn’t a new concept. It has existed since the inception of the internet itself. But as time progressed, the way cyber-attacks are done became more innovative and more sophisticated. With each stage of technological advancement, the advancement of cyber threats also increased. Cybersecurity, therefore, is a highly dynamic field, evolving rapidly with growth in technology and advancements.
Now, it is the era of AI and machine learning. While cybersecurity professionals use these technologies to make their defense stronger, cyber attackers are using them to make their attacks more powerful and carry them out on a larger scale.
While cyber threats like DDoS attacks and ransomware attacks are becoming more prevalent and ubiquitous, there are some emerging cyber threats that everyone must be aware of.
So, let us explore such emerging cyber threats and learn how to prevent them.
Emerging Cyber Threats to Look Out For
1. Supply chain attacks
In 2021, we found a massive software vulnerability in the popular Apache Log4jlibrary. This vulnerability which was nicknamed “Log4Shell”, helped attackers to remotely take control of vulnerable systems. This hacking technique indicated the growing trend of supply chain attacks which targeted third-party vendors and software suppliers to gain access to huge number of users and devices.
The Security Week magazine reported that Australia’s DP world was attacked by hackers which led to disruption of its multiple ports and affected about 40% of Australia’s freight trade. This is just one of such attacks, and there are many more. So, such attacks are huge threats to organizations that rely on numerous vendors, and it also makes it difficult to track such vulnerabilities across the entire supply chain.
How to prevent it?
To prevent supply chain attacks, organizations can implement strong vendor risk management programs and conduct regular security assessments of their suppliers. On top of that, they must adopt a “zero trust” security model. This will ensure they minimize the risk of supply chain attacks and limit the damage.
2. Deepfakes and Social Engineering
The use of AI in cybersecurityis on the rise. Deepfakes refer to highly realistic content either images, videos, or audio. They are made using the advanced AI technology and are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Malicious actors use deepfakes to impersonate executives, spread misinformation, damage reputation, demand financial assistance, and more.
As per Markets and Markets, the deepfake AI market is expected to reach $5134 million by 2030. This indicates the growth of deepfake attacks.
Deepfakes are mostly used in conjunction with social engineering attacks like phishing emails. This helps the attackers bypass traditional spam filters as well as create a sense of trust with the target.
How to prevent it?
To prevent deepfake and social engineering attacks, it is important to develop a healthy dose of skepticism. That means, you must be aware of all the emails and calls you receive, and identify if they are from a genuine person, even if you know the person. Additionally, verify information through trusted channels. This will help you avoid clicking on suspicious links and attachments.
3. Internet of Things and DDoS Attack
The amount of interconnected devices aka IoT devices is continuously increasing. Smartwatches, sensors on machines, smart thermostats, baby monitors, and all other devices connected to the internet provide a great attack surface for hackers. These devices can be hacked to carry out DDoS attacks on a large scale.
How to prevent it?
Connect only with important devices. Change the default passwords to strong and unique ones. Disable remote access features if you are not using any such devices in your home or office.
4. Ransomware Attacks
These are the most prevalent form of cyber-attacks that encrypts the victim’s data and devices and demand ransom in exchange for unlocking their systems and devices. Currently, they have become more targeted, and attackers are now focusing on critical infrastructure and businesses that rely heavily on data. As per a 2023 report by Coveware, the average cost of a ransomware attack was a huge $268,000.
How to prevent it?
If your system is affected by ransomware, then there are very less chances of getting them back because even after paying the ransom amount there is no guarantee that hackers will decrypt your data. So, regularly back up your important data, and implement an effective backup strategy to quickly and securely restore data if such attacks happen. Employing endpoint security solutions can also help to identify and prevent ransomware attacks.
Cybersecurity Certifications to Boost Your Career
As we discussed earlier, the threat landscape is evolving and growing. Therefore, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is larger than ever. Whether you are looking to start your career in cybersecurity or want to move to a more strategic position to implement robust cybersecurity strategies in your organization, earning thetop cybersecurity certifications will help you very much.
So, explore the best cybersecurity certification programs and look for one that matches your career goals, the cybersecurity skills you want to gain now, the amount of time and money you can dedicate, and enroll now.
Conclusion
So, the digital landscape is evolving rapidly, especially with the advent of AI and machine learning technologies. The attacks have become so innovative and sophisticated that they will be difficult to identify by normal users. However, by having a vigilant eye, and being wary of various attack tactics, individuals can avoid getting trapped. Also, organizations must adopt strong security strategies and build a more resilient and secure digital ecosystem. This helps prevent and avoid falling victim to emerging cyber threats. Remember, cybersecurity isn’t a one-time fix but an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, vigilance, and adaptation.