Top 7 Cybersecurity Threats in 2021
2020 saw the largest single breach of personal information in the history of the Internet. The cloud service MEGA suffered a hack that exposed 21 million individual passwords and more than 770 million email addresses.
Hackers and scammers consistently invent new ways to gain access to personal information that’s supposedly secure. Staying safe means knowing what threats exist so you can protect yourself or your business against them.
Check out the seven biggest cybersecurity threats in 2021 listed below to get started.
1. More Sophisticated Ransomware
The ransomware of the past has evolved into a highly targeted, more sophisticated malware. Criminals have and continue to adapt as old techniques become noticed or irrelevant.
Rather than focusing on a widespread attack on multiple targets, ransomware attackers now spend more time targeting high-value victims to maximize the impact. They may spend weeks, months, or years coordinating and planning the attack for a larger payout.
Criminals need their victims to click a link in order to infiltrate the victim’s network. They will research ways to make the most impact and encourage the victim to click by using known logos and email addresses.
Scammers use specific tone, grammar, and references to craft a genuine-looking message that gets their victim to click.
2. Malicious Advertising
Another type of malware attack, malicious advertising, works similarly. But instead of clicking a link in an email, the victim clicks an advertisement containing a malicious code that attacks their network.
Malicious advertising also includes two new kinds of cybersecurity threats in 2021: fleeceware and browser locking.
Fleeceware refers to when you purchase an expensive application for your phone when a better, free version exists. They often list one price and then charge you another or make it difficult to cancel a free trial, so you end up paying the subscription fee.
Browser locking happens when a criminal designs a “fake security alert” to pop up on your device and lock your browser. They want to scare you into thinking you need to subscribe to an expensive, non-existent technical support service. They own the service and get your money and personal info in one quick scam.
3. Endpoint Security for Remote Workers
Businesses across the globe experienced a massive shift towards remote work in 2020. The movement looks to continue through 2021 with more and more people working from home.
Although a company’s network might have a tight security system in place, most workers do not at home. This lack of home network security contriburtes to one of the most worrying cyber security trends in 2021.
Criminals can take advantage of this by hacking into the business network through a home computer’s unpatched endpoint. They also can get in through unsecured VPNs and cloud-based services.
Top 7 Cybersecurity Threats in 2021
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4. Cloud-Based Attacks
Did you know that worldwide 85% of businesses use cloud-based technology? That number will only increase in 2021 with remote work becoming normalized.
This immense, rapid movement to cloud-based services has left a gaping hole open for emerging cyber threats in 2021. Companies providing cloud services try to cover all the security threats, but there are always new challenges.
Incomplete deletion of data, cloud storage misconfigurations, and other security vulnerabilities make cloud-based cyber attacks a real threat for businesses and individuals alike.
5. Hacking QR Codes
Scanning a QR code on a known brand’s banner or an advertisement in a restaurant seems safe enough. However, scammers have found a way to use this technology to find new victims.
The hacker uses the QR code to trick victims into downloading an application with malware. The malware steals their data or accesses the company’s full client database. They can then use the information to pose as the company and run another phishing scam.
6. SMS Phishing
Also known as “Smishing,” the newest of the phishing scam cybersecurity trends uses SMS text messages instead of emails or websites.
A hacker sends the potential victim an SMS text message with a clickable link. The attack only begins once the victim clicks the link.
Since the hacker needs someone to click the link for the attack to work, the link must seem irresistible or important.
Common examples of smishing might include:
“Winning” a contest that you never entered
A “courier service” confirming a package delivery
“Your investment company” asking for financial information for something time-sensitive
Banks and other financial institutions will never ask for important information via text message, so don’t trust any messages claiming to be one.
As for the others, use your common sense. If you don’t recognize the number or what they’re talking about, delete the message. The person will call if needed.
7. Social Engineering
One of the biggest cybersecurity threats comes from the inside.
A 2020 investigation conducted by Verizon found that almost 30% of security breaches involve someone on the inside. It could be an employee looking to take advantage of a loophole or when acting in revenge.
Insider threats also happen when employees negligently use company network systems and data. That often means breaking standard procedures for security.
Sometimes hackers exploit the human nature of employees to trick them into providing access or information. This is known as social engineering.
The hacker may pretend to be another employee or a client’s family member looking for personal or financial information and other sensitive data.
Protect Your Devices from Cybersecurity Threats in 2021
Knowing what scams and cybersecurity threats exist makes it easier for you to recognize one before giving away valuable information. Stay vigilant with the security on your devices and, if you own a business, require your remote workers to do the same.
Afraid you still might fall victim to one of these cybersecurity threats in 2021? Don’t be hesitant to ask for help!
Contact iFixOmaha for reliable and honest cybersecurity management and computer repair service in Omaha, NE.
iFixOmaha’s also offers award-winning smartphone repair and a variety of other IT services. Don’t wait! Contact iFixOmaha to protect your network from cybersecurity threats today!
