In 2019, there were 504 new cybersecurity threats every minute. This alarming statistic puts into perspective just how how rapidly threats can, and do, develop.
The cycle goes as follows: Cybercriminals develop a new threat, security professionals figure out a way to combat it, then cybercriminals develop yet another way to penetrate systems. This is a cat and mouse game that doesn’t appear to have an end in sight.
Here are a few of the ways that cybersecurity threats are evolving, and increasing.
Phishing
Phishing is when digital messages are sent to people in an attempt to get them to clink on a link. That link will then install malware or spyware onto the device of the user.
While these types of attacks aren’t new, they have evolved. As companies and individuals began to figure out these attacks, hackers realized they needed to improve their attacks. Now, hackers use machine learning to quickly write their counterfeit emails, and also to widen the scope of their attacks.
The purpose of these attacks is typically to steal credit card information, or other personal information.
Attacks on the Healthcare Industry
As the healthcare industry goes digital with patient records, new threats have begun to present themselves.
There is a robust black market industry for medical records. In fact, The FBI believes electronic health records are far more valuable than financial data to these criminals. This has lead to a vast increase in malware attacks on healthcare facility networks, as well as on smart-healthcare equipment.
This is a concerning trend, as medical records are tremendously personal, and can be used to exploit people in a myriad of ways.
Smart Technologies
As technology becomes “smarter”, hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to exploit the systems.
Without getting too into detail, hackers are able to install malware that can search for connected but vulnerable devices on the same network. This includes things like smart televisions, smart refrigerators, and smart light bulbs. Once these devices are hacked, users can have their lives interrupted, and their piece of mind rattled.
While all these threats may provide a grim outlook on the state of the cyberworld, it’s important to remember that there are tons of committed professionals working to keep you, and your networks, safe. Even still, it’s important to take the necessary precautions, and stay aware of new or changing threats.
Categorised in: Devices, digital, Digital Age, Google Drive, in the news, malware, ransomware, software, spam, spyware, Uncategorized