Cyber security Threats to Watch For in 2020

1. Cybersecurity Threats to Watch For in 2020 In some ways, the coronavirus pandemic makes other threats that we’re facing seem like child’s play, but the stark reality is that we don’t have the luxury of becoming complacent in the face of these other threats either, whether they are biological, environmental, economic, or even digital. In fact, threats to our digital security in 2020 are as pronounced and menacing as ever. The coronavirus has even found its way onto the cyber threat landscape in the form of dangerous malware, although it is by no means the only big threat we’re seeing this year. Some of the threats populating the cyber threat landscape are based on new exploits and strategies, but not all of them. Some older threat strategies are still around and still dangerous, especially to businesses.

2. So just what are the top cybersecurity threats to watch for in 2020? Much like pandemic, malware and computer viruses are always evolving and expanding. Consequently, every year, there are cyber threats that seem to be more prominent than others, and this year is no different. Below are a list and a brief description of some of the top cybersecurity threats we need to watch out for in 2020. 1. Ransomware - Ransomware has grown increasingly sophisticated in its ability to spread, encrypt files, and compel people to pay ransoms. It caused $11.5 billion in damage in 2019 alone and remains one of the most common and dangerous threats to businesses and individuals in 2020 too. Ransomware gains access to your files and data, blocks your access to them using encryption, and then returns your access only after a ransom fee has been paid. It’s usually delivered using social engineering techniques that attempt to trick users into clicking on a malicious link or downloading a malicious email. Opening the infected email or clicking on the infected link launches the malware infection. Ransomware attacks can be devastating. Travelex, the world’s largest currency exchange company, is a prime example of just how devastating these attacks are. The company is now teetering on the brink of bankruptcy thanks to the Sodinokibi, aka Ravil, ransomware. However, it’s not just large businesses that are targeted by ransomware. Small businesses are targets too, big time: according to securityboulevard.com, in 2019 one in five ransomware attack victims were small and midsize businesses. 2. Phishing -

3. Phishing attacks are the bread and butter of cybercriminals and like ransomware, phishing attacks have also been around for a long while and have become increasingly varied and sophisticated. Also like ransomware, phishing remains a top threat: According to expertinsights.com, phishing attacks are one of the most rampant and damaging threats facing small businesses today, accounting for 90% of all the breaches that organizations face. Hackers typically launch phishing attacks via emails that look like they are from an official representative or website and try to get users to reveal sensitive data or login credentials such as credit card numbers, passwords, social security numbers, etc. This is what makes Internet security and privacy protection so crucial to defend your data. 3.Deepfakes -

4. Deepfakes are manipulated by audio and video content that is made using advanced AI technology. The AI-created content impersonates someone’s appearance or voice and the impersonations are so realistic they can trick people into clicking on malicious links or attachments, or even into stealing from companies. For example, the CEO of a UK-based energy firm was scammed out of $243,000 because he believed the deepfake message he received from a hacker asking him to transfer money to a supplier’s bank account was from his boss. Deepfakes rely on many of the same techniques used to spread other cyber threats such as email attachments, infected websites, and social media. Designnews.com reports that 2020 will see AI technology become a powerful weapon for misinformation, deceit, and other crimes. This threat is another reason to implement strict online security measures. 4.Coronavirus type attacks -

5. Coronavirus malware relies on our penchant for impulsively clicking on links, opening documents or visiting websites that appear to have information about the real coronavirus. Once clicked on or visited, a Trojan downloader is installed that not only makes it possible for the hacker to steal sensitive information and spy on your activity, but also to deliver other payloads. You should be wary of and avoid all coronavirus emails and make sure you have Internet protection that prevents users from visiting infected websites. 5.Insider threats - As much as we don’t like to think about it, for businesses, even small businesses, insider threats pose a real and present danger.

6. They can occur as a result of employee error or intentional wrongdoing, or from third parties who compromise security through negligence or malicious intent. In fact, according to the cybersecurity threat report by cybersecurity-insiders.com, the vast majority of companies are vulnerable to insider threats. Some ways to minimize this type of threat is to implement need-to-know restrictions on data, require increased monitoring and logging of sensitive systems and network traffic, and disable compromised user accounts immediately. Saving the best for last Happily, we can end this post on a positive note: there are ways to protect yourself and your business. Powerful antivirus software, greater awareness, keeping your software up to date with security patches, and using only secure websites will go a long way toward keeping your computers and your data safe. In the age of corona, it’s good to know that you can at least control your data privacy.