With Blue Bear Software, an administration platform for educational institutions got recently hit by a cyber attack from Magecart, the wheels of 2020’s cybersecurity threats have started to set motion.
So, we rushed ourselves to come up with PART 2 of this article, where we will present forward-looking projections of near-term cyber trends.
Of course, we agree to the point that no one can really make a flawless prediction about what the future is going to hold. However, we’ll look at how the most prominent threats of 2019 are likely to change in 2020 in terms of tactics and scale, and guide organizations as per that findings, to adjust their cyber defences in the days to come.
Before moving on to that, we recommend you to make sure we are on the same page by reading PART 1 of this article.
- Mobile – The Real Attack Vector
Even as attractive signs of progress occur in mobile devices, these same advancements seem
to cause negative societal turmoils that make headlines. With virtually everybody using mobile devices frequently now, it is hardly unexpected that these are on the top place of the list of potential gateways to hacking endeavors.
As per a recent study by Watch Guard and CITE Research, around 90% of mid-market businesses employees work half their week out of the office. Yes, remote work can definitely boost productivity, but it bears with it severe security risks. From criminals watching over their shoulder while typing in passwords to public WiFi networks that are compromised, it is more difficult to protect a mobile device than a computer that sits safely in the office!
Even though it is unable to provide comprehensive protection against data breaches in such circumstances, we suggest businesses implement off-network protection for employees, as well as grant access via a secure web application infrastructure, with real-time vulnerability management.
- Revenge In The Form Of State-Backed Cyber Attacks
Apart from hackers trying to gain profits by stealing data from individuals and corporate, most of the nation-states are using their cyber skills presently to infiltrate other governments and conduct attacks on their crucial infrastructure. The fallout from these is felt at both national and international levels.
In the coming years, the risk of such cyberattacks is only likely to grow, as both the private and public sectors will increasingly rely on technology, leading to more interconnected systems, and more competent threat actors.
To defend such assaults, raising skills and awareness on the subject across all the sectors and levels of society is something that has to be done on priority.
- IoT – Growing Opportunities, Growing Risks!
Just like the Internet of Things (IoT) changed the way companies analyze and use data, it has exposed vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can quickly take advantage of.
However, most organizations don’t clearly understand the vulnerability risk related to their IoT devices. To help them out, we will share some key strategies to manage the risks created by the known and unknown IoT and Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices here:
- While internally implementing any connected products, ensure that you assess how the products and the data they produce, are protected; and based on that, develop a cyber strategy to drive improvement.
- Be sure that the apt people are engaged with the right process – from leadership to the product security subject matter experts for the production units.
- Assemble a dedicated team that has enough product-based expertise and render proper training to enhance their knowledge.
- AI’s Breakthrough Year!
Fortunately, at the end of 2019, AI has started to show promising advancements in malware and intrusion detection. Along with effectively scoring network risks and handling behavior analysis of both machines and users, AI has also won over prevailing cybersecurity practices with better prediction, and reduced response time, incident time, as well as cost.
Be that as it may, AI is now found to perversely weaponized by cybercriminals to create more complicated malware and attack methods. So, in 2020, the need for companies to deploy superior heuristic solutions with AI, efficiently in network security, data security, endpoint security, and identity and access management, is more than ever.
- Stronger, Scarier Phishing!
While the threat climate continues to evolve, phishing remains one of the most active attack vectors this year. Studies reveal that at least one in every 99 emails is a phishing attack.
There are predictions from experts that Ransomware and DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) targeting databases and sites will continue to be the top threat for 2020. Also, query string manipulation and SQL injection are forecasted to be popular website attacks for the years to come.
To defend, a multi-pronged approach in strengthening authentication and credential management is your best bet. You may deploy defensive software and boost security awareness among the organization. A frequent or automated web security audit too can go a long way!
Bottom Line
Going into 2020, honestly, everyone is at risk – be it a large enterprise or an individual!
However, keeping the trends from both parts of these articles on your radar, and making quick decisive actions accordingly to head off security concerns is paramount to make sure that you stay protected ahead. In case of any requirements for additional guidance on ramping up your efforts for Cybersecurity, talk to experts at Cybernetic Global Intelligence (CGI) – a cybersecurity company with years of experience in the domain.
Keep in mind, higher the barricades erected by you become, the safer your business will eventually be.
Wish you all a safe and secure 2020!