Just as technology keeps evolving so do the threats to data and network security. While there are several “old standards” that always need to be guarded against (phishing, malware), there are also new emerging threats being developed every year.
With so much of a company’s operations being dependent upon their technology infrastructure, cybersecurity has become a number one concern for businesses of all types and sizes.
In the first half of 2018, there were 291 data records stolen every second! (CBR)
During the first six months of 2018, there were 945 reported data breaches globally, exposing 4.5 billion records. And no business is safe no matter their size. Small businesses are often chosen by hackers as an easier target to breach.
Connect2Geek is one of the cyber warriors in the never-ending battle against hackers. We make it a top priority through our Managed Security Servicesto keep our business clients in Nampa and the surrounding area, safe and protected from any IT security threats, both current and emerging.
We’re often asked by our clients what hackers are after. From the CBR data, here are the top reasons hackers want to get into your business network or device.
Why Hackers Want to Breach Your Network
- Identity Theft (65%)
- Account Access (17%)
- Financial Access (13%)
- Nuisance (4%)
- Existential Data (1%)
Staying protected from malware and virus infections and data breaches means being able to anticipate what new threats are coming, so we’ve put together a list of the top cyber security threats to prepare for in 2019.
Emerging IT Security Threats Anticipated in 2019
It seems that the list of cyber threats to safeguard against only gets larger each year. Hackers continue using older methods that have a track record of success, like phishing emails, but as technology becomes more sophisticated, so do cyber criminals, always looking to exploit vulnerabilities, especially in newer technology.
Here are threats on Connect2Geek’s 2019 Cyber Security Watchlist.
Hacking into Smart Contracts
Software that generates smart contracts, which facilitate the process of executing a form of digital asset exchange and usually involve a form of cryptocurrency, is becoming a new target of hackers. These digital agreements are stored on blockchains, a system that allows cryptocurrency transactions to be maintained across several computers.
While the system encourages transparency, that’s also a weak spot being exploited by hackers as an emerging threat in 2019.
Attacks on Cloud Computing Companies
Cloud computing is taking over offices around the world due to the efficiency, mobility, and cost effectiveness. But this is making companies hosting all that cloud data bigger targets for hackers looking to steal as much as they can with a single hack.
Protections against losing your data in a hack of one of your cloud providers would be to get reassurances from your cloud provider about their security protocols and to make sure you’re securely backing upall your data on another system as a safeguard.
Exploiting Weaknesses in IoT Devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) is creating more smart gadgets every year. There are smart security cameras, smart lighting, and even smart whiteboards… all of them internet connected and a potential door into your network for hackers.
2019 is going to bring an increased effort by cybercriminals to exploit the software and firmware of these IoT devices, which means any good cybersecurity management plan will need to include them in its strategy.
AI Generated False Videos and Audio
Just like the use of photomanipulation has become so advanced it’s hard to tell if a photo is real or faked, video and audio fakes will similarly evolve in 2019. With new algorithms working with advanced artificial intelligence to make it hard to know what’s real or a phishing scam in the video/audio world.
For businesses this means increased focus on employee training to spot false emails or social media engagements designed to get them to click on a malicious link, as well as adopting security programs that use AI and deep learning to sort false from real.
GDPR and Other Data Security Rules will be Exploited
One of the easiest ways to get a user to click on a malicious link or download a dangerous attachment is to use a form of urgency, and the new cybersecurity regulations provide a perfect phishing email cover.
Watch out in 2019 for fake emails that purport to contain important information or threats related to the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or possibly a new privacy regulation being passed in your state (many states have date privacy bills making their way through the legislature).
Malware that Evades Sandboxes
Many types of anti-malware software use a “sandbox” as an endpoint security solution. These sandboxes detect and stop malware from compromising computer systems and networks.
A new threat to watch for in 2019 are new strains of malware that have been designed to recognize that they in a sandbox environment and cease all suspicious activity, basically putting their digital “head down” to get through undetected, then they reactivate once outside the sandbox environment.
Looking for a Reliable and Trusted IT Security Solution?
Connect2Geek can help make sure your business is protected from current and emerging cyberthreats. We work with companies in multiple industries to monitor and manage their network security and keep them safe from hacks 24/7.
Contact us today for a free security consultation by calling 208-468-4323 or reaching out online.