In the context of cybersecurity, 2020 was marked by APT attacks, searching for hardware vulnerabilities and high-profile leaks. When business leaders came to realize the need to build a truly effective information security system, criminals have firmly established themselves in cyberspace. The most striking example was the market on the dark web, where a lot of prohibited goods and services are sold, including hacker tools and access to already hacked infrastructures. Also, criminals continue to exploit the illiteracy of users to ensure their safety.
The balance of power between cybercriminals and defenders is not in favor of the latter: APT groups actively use the latest vulnerabilities, act very quickly, and most importantly, they often change their tools and tactics. The imminent threat of sophisticated targeted attacks prompts companies to rethink the effectiveness of security systems. It’s time to revisit old approaches and talk about a new type of information security. Our security testing company can solve this task for its clients.
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Vulnerability in the cloud
The cloud is one of the best examples of third party vulnerability. Individuals and companies alike rely more and more on the cloud, making it even more prone to serious disruptions or Denial of Service (Dos) attacks. The most important thing to remember, especially in a business environment, is that it is not because you rely on a third-party cloud service provider that you are responsible for the integrity and confidentiality of your data. While it can be difficult to choose a cloud provider, it is imperative to take the time to review its security records.
AI / ML attacks
There are already many alarming and persistent risks to digital security, but one of the most alarming threats to Internet security is the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning-based attacks. More and more companies should start seeing botnet attacks using AI / ML.
Fortunately, most hackers, except for government-sponsored syndicates, do not yet have the knowledge or the means to use such powerful tools. The good news is that while AI / ML can be misused, it can also help make our systems much more secure.
Smart Contract Hacking
Over the past few years, everyone has learned about the ransom in connection with several high-profile cases. This is a type of latest cyber security threats that uses a Trojan to obtain confidential information (webcam tape, passwords, etc.) to block your computer system and then ask you for a ransom. The great thing about this is that hackers not only ask for a “reasonable” amount of money but then unlock your system, thereby increasing the likelihood that you will pay to make it disappear. Attackers force you to pay using some crypto-correct currency, which makes them very difficult to track.
Social engineering
Psychological manipulation of people to obtain confidential information existed long before the advent of computers. However, with the Internet, this has certainly reached new dimensions and frequencies. Even with the best spam filters, we’re all unfortunately used to receiving suspicious emails, texts, or even voicemail. This is called phishing attacks and is one of the most common forms of social engineering. Phishers will send you an email (either text or voice), make it look like it came from a legitimate source (your bank, your online account, etc.), and trick you into sending them confidential information …
Deepfake
With the development of artificial intelligence technologies and neural networks, attackers will be able to create a variety of information fakes – deep fake, which can be used both to bypass biometric identification and to deceive the public and other purposes. This prediction is found in virtually every report, including Kasperksy, McAfee, and Redware against new cybersecurity threats.
Conclusion
There are many more risks to digital security — too many to list all possible cybersecurity threats. The online environment is constantly evolving, and new, unexpected security vulnerabilities are always possible. Modern security pentesting would help to deal with this issue. The elements of cybersecurity must be implemented at all levels of life, from individual use to work in corporate accounts. There are many elements that do not require deep IT knowledge, but at the same time will protect your information.
