Cybersecurity is the most important aspect of people’s lives in this digital era. With the passing of every year cybersecurity threats are also increasing. Whether it is an individual or an organization everyone needs to learn about the top cybersecurity threats and take measures to prevent damage from such threats. Here are some top cybersecurity threats organizations should watch out for in 2022.
Ransomware
According to CheckPoints mid-year security report, ransomware attacks have increased over 90% in the first half of 2021. This surge in attack is due to the rise of the ‘triple extortion’ ransomware technique. In this technique attackers, in addition to stealing sensitive data and threatening to release it unless they get a payment, are also making organizations’ customers, vendors or business partners their target. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, it is expected that ransomware cost can reach $265 Billion by 2031.Most commonly ransomware spread through compromised websites, malicious email attachments, infected software apps, or infected external storage.
Cloud security should be the Focus
Cloud is a critical part of our everyday life and Cloud adoption is increasing year-over-year. Companies continue to use applications and services on the cloud and can get seamless access. The attackers are also starting to focus more on cloud vulnerabilities. It is an important point to note that all cloud services do not provide secure authentication and encryption. Misconfiguration can lead to several problems, including intrusions, network vulnerabilities, and data leaks.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most common ways of cyber attacking. It has become a huge cyber security problem. According to a report more than 75% of targeted cyberattacks start with a malicious email. The new normal after the pandemic and the shift towards hybrid working environments, make it much more likely that phishing attacks may surge because employees have become used to interacting with colleagues over email, and other digital mediums.
So an effective preventive measure is training and awareness. Employees should be trained and make aware of different types of security threats in general, as well as specific strategies used for phishing.
Remote Workforce needs to be secure
As the corona pandemic has changed every aspect of life, change in way of working is one of them. Many organizations and businesses continue to embrace the remote workforce culture and this brings to the security parameters of this environment. Remote workforce will increase the use of personal devices to remotely access business systems. Cyber attackers will take this as an opportunity to target employees’ personal devices that are easily vulnerable. So it is important to take extra precautions while working remotely.
Internet of Things (IoT)
As per the Forbes website, it is estimated that the number of connected devices, which are known as the Internet of things (IoT) will reach 18 billion by 2022. This will lead to a hugely increased potential access points for attackers and they can easily gain access to secure digital systems.
Cybercriminals can use connected household appliances such as fridges, televisions and kettles to get access to networks, and from there they can g access computers or phones to attack the valuable data that could be stored in those devices.
