Cybersecurity is not something businesses can take lightly anymore. Even the largest enterprises in the world have fallen a victim to security breaches and significant data theft. The SolarWinds cybersecurity hack and the Log4j vulnerability were the biggest cyber attacks of 2021. American government agencies, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and so many other businesses have been affected by hackers, ransomware, and malicious code.
We can expect no less from 2022 and the challenges we face to keep our data safe online are only going to get worse. It is important that all stakeholders understand the risks and report fishy links to the relevant authorities as soon as they can. Even household users should immediately get in touch with the Spectrum call center for Spectrum internet speeds and prices if they see something odd. The agents can usually help you spot a phishing email and keep your data safe.
Cybersecurity Challenges to Keep an Eye On
Awareness and training about cybersecurity need to be a regular thing if businesses want their employees to stay safe online. As normal people gain more awareness about the harrowing threats of data breaches, hackers also learn new tips and tricks. The newly reported phishing emails are getting more sophisticated and harder to recognize. Social engineering, machine learning, IoT device vulnerability, and other techniques are increasing challenges for online safety.
#1: Artificial Intelligence and Hacking
AI is one of the most sophisticated technologies and it just keeps getting better every day. While most of its applications may be for positive change, some of it might be dangerous. In the wrong hands, artificial intelligence can be used for hacking and targeting specific people. There is AI-powered software that can access a person’s profile and predict their behavior. This reduces guesswork and trials for hackers who send out phishing emails.
So, if AI can predict what CTA or alarming phrase you are most likely to click on, hackers can use that information. That is why it is more than crucial for all employees to receive training so that they can spot even the least suspicious-looking phishing email.
#2: IoT Devices and Related Vulnerabilities
Smart devices and the Internet of Things have made life simpler for many people. They help in performing mundane daily life tasks in a much lesser time than before. Whether you realize it or not, you may use multiple IoT-powered smart devices in your daily routine. However, these devices might not be the safest. Hackers see any device that is connected to the internet as a potential gateway to the deepest darkest places of your home network. Extracting information can be a lot easier if the hackers have multiple inlets.
You may ensure that your computer, iPad, and smartphones are secure and the data is encrypted. However, most other smart devices like ACs, lights, refrigerators, or watches may be insecure. This can end up being a major security lapse and you can risk losing sensitive information.
#3: Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that hackers use to extort money from the affected organization. The malware will potentially lock down all the systems on the same network. So, while the hackers have all your information, you will be completely locked out. In order to get control of your data back, you may have to pay the hackers a hefty ransom amount. Paying the ransom may seemingly be the easy thing to do but it can be devastating.
There is a lot of commotion over the morality of the decision. When an organization can afford to pay the heavy ransom for their data, it means that there is something they’re hiding. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the hackers haven’t made a copy of the data. And they could potentially blackmail the organization over and over again. Many tech gurus predict an increase in ransomware attacks in the upcoming years.
#4: Cybersecurity Influencing Business Decisions
Like the SolarWinds hack and many others like it, the hackers got access to one server and then slowly made their way to others. It happened because business partnerships between two significant parties make them both susceptible. This means that even if one of them is under attack, the other is also vulnerable. Many businesses are aware of this looming threat now and are making better security decisions.
In many cases, cybersecurity protocols and chances of online vulnerability are deciding factors for business partnerships. So, it might get harder and harder to scale your business if you don’t make it secure first. Businesses understand that their security wall will only be as strong as the weakest brick that they use to make it. Hackers understand that as well and are constantly looking for vulnerabilities that they can exploit.
