The cybersecurity world has shifted dramatically in the last two years. The COVID-19 epidemic has transformed the way many of us work. This regrettably has created new chances for hackers to exploit the new working patterns. In this piece, we’ll look at some of the major risks to data security in 2022 and beyond. We will also look at the various ways to keep you safe.
1. IoT-based attacks
The volume of internet-connected “smart” gadgets in homes and offices is growing. The issue is that not all of these smart gadgets have adequate security built-in. This allows cybercriminals to hijack these devices and access company networks.
An IoT assault is any cyberattack that takes advantage of a victim’s usage of world wide web-connected devices such as Wi-Fi-enabled speakers, appliances, alarm clocks, and so on.
2. Weak Passwords
A big problem facing people is using easily guessed or weak passwords on various websites. Most of them use several cloud-based services like online banking to pay for services that require different accounts. We have covered this issue in our article: Security Issues In Digital Banking: How To Protect Yourself.
These services frequently include confidential information and financial data. Using easily guessed passwords, or using the same password for several accounts, can compromise sensitive data.
Users should use Business Password Management tools to guarantee that staff utilizes strong passwords. These services assist employees in managing passwords for all of their accounts, recommending strong passwords that are difficult to decipher.
Multi-Factor Authentication systems should also be considered. This guarantees that users require more than a password to access corporate accounts. Multiple verification stages, such as a passcode delivered to a mobile device, are included.
3. Only use SSL or TLS secured websites
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It’s a critical protocol for authenticating and securing data online. A reliable SSL/TLS connection makes sure information is being sent to and received from the right server and not a malicious “man in the middle.” This helps prevent cybercriminals from falsely impersonating a site.
Another important benefit of TLS/SSL is data integrity. The connections ensure that there’s no alteration or loss of information during transmission via a message authentication code or MAC.
Most reputable online services like banking and online sports betting around the world use this method to secure their sites. Fortunately, for the latter, when placing a bet, there are platforms that help you find reputable sites with SSL encryption. In addition, you are able to read a comprehensive review and claim a generous welcome bonus.
4. Malware attack
To acquire malware onto a user’s device, attackers employ a variety of approaches, the most common of which is phishing. Hackers use methods such as opening an attachment or clicking on a link. Malware can also install itself without the user’s knowledge or agreement by exploiting weaknesses in operating systems or browsers.
Once installed, malware can monitor your actions, share private data, and aid the attacker in infiltrating other targets within the network.
The common forms of malware utilized include:
- Viruses – A sort of self-replicating malware.
- Adware – Exposes you to a large number of unwanted advertisements.
- Spyware – Records your personal information via keyloggers.
- Ransomware encrypts sensitive data or prohibits you from accessing your device until you pay a ransom.
- Trojan Horses – Malicious programs that are incorporated into legal applications (typically without the manufacturer/knowledge).
- Computer worms – malware that does not require attachment to other files or applications, resides in computer memory, and infects other machines on the same network.
Malware is typically used to obtain sensitive information (credit card numbers, login passwords, personally identifying information, and so on).
5. WiFi Eavesdropping
WiFi eavesdropping typically occurs on unsecured WiFi networks, with hackers using the absence of encryption to spy on your communications. They might see what sites you visit, email emails you send, or text messages you write into a chat program.
WiFi eavesdropping can also occur on protected networks if the WPA2 encryption is hacked, which is possible but not easy. When most network devices are outfitted with WPA3, the vulnerability may no longer be an issue, but it may take a while before the updated version is available.
