As we enter Spring 2023, it’s a time for new beginnings and planning for what lies ahead. However, it’s also important to prepare for potential cyberattacks by prioritizing resiliency.
According to a survey, 68% of business leaders believe that cybersecurity risks are increasing. This is due to the fact that cyber-attacks are becoming more advanced and are frequently carried out by big criminal organizations who treat them as a business venture.
In 2021, the average number of global cyberattacks increased by 15.1%.
To safeguard your business in the upcoming year, it’s crucial to monitor attack trends. Stay informed about the latest tactics employed by hackers and the types of attacks on the rise. This knowledge enables you to enhance your IT security measures and minimize the risk of data breaches or malware infections.
Our team has reviewed the predictions of cybersecurity experts and identified the attack trends to look out for in the coming year.
Vulnerabilities of 5G Network Devices
For the past few years, there has been a lot of excitement around 5G technology. Finally, it’s delivering on its promise of super-fast internet speeds. As providers continue to expand the infrastructure, it’s expected to become a highly competitive market.
Hackers are targeting the 5G hardware found in routers, mobile devices, and PCs for potential vulnerabilities. As with any new technology, there are bound to be code weaknesses that hackers will try to exploit. To protect yourself, it’s important to be aware of the firmware security of the devices you purchase, especially those enabled for 5G. Consider asking manufacturers about their firmware security when buying new devices.
One-time Password (OTP) Bypass
This concerning trend aims to circumvent a highly effective security measure called multi-factor authentication (MFA) that prevents unauthorized login attempts. Even if a criminal has the user’s password, MFA can thwart account takeovers. Hackers attempt to bypass MFA by reusing a token, sharing unused tokens, using a leaked token, or tricking users into revealing their OTP via phishing emails or texts during the password reset process.
Attacks on a Global Scale
Amid the pandemic, cyberattacks surged by around 600%, with big hacking groups capitalizing on world events and disasters for profit. These phishing campaigns target everything from natural disasters to political conflicts, and often employ social engineering tactics to prey on people’s emotions. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and aware of these scams during such times.
Mobile Device Attacks and Smishing
Mobile devices are vulnerable to cybercriminals who use various tactics, including SMS-based phishing (“smishing”). Hackers can obtain lists of cell numbers online and create fake messages that resemble shipping notices or receipts, luring users into clicking on a link that can compromise their accounts or data. Mobile malware is also increasing, with a 500% rise in the first few months of 2022. Protect your devices with good mobile anti-malware and other safeguards, such as a DNS filter.
Elevated phishing scam leverages AI & machine learning to target individuals more effectively
These days, phishing emails are not so easy to spot. It used to be that they nearly always had spelling errors or grainy images. While some still do, most don’t.
Criminal groups elevate today’s phishing using AI and machine learning. Not only will it look identical to a real brand’s emails, but it will also come personalized. Hackers use these tactics to capture more victims. They also allow hackers to send out more targeted phishing messages in less time than in years past.
Schedule a Cybersecurity Check-Up Today
Get ahead of digital criminals in 2022. Schedule a cybersecurity check-up for your business and avoid learning the hard way. Contact us today.
