With the Digital revolution in full swing, the term “cybersecurity” has become synonymous with online safety. As our lives move increasingly online, it’s important to be aware of the latest trends in cybersecurity so that you can protect yourself, your family, and your business. Here are 5 cybersecurity trends to look out for in 2019:
1. Rise of Automotive Cybersecurity Threats
Modern vehicles are becoming increasingly reliant on computers and connectivity, which opens them up to new cybersecurity threats. In particular, cars with connected and autonomous features are at risk of being hacked and taken over by malicious actors. These types of attacks could have serious consequences, such as crashing the car or stealing personal data. To protect against these threats, it’s important to keep your car’s software up to date and be aware of any recalls related to cyber vulnerabilities.
2. Targeted Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data and demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt it. In 2019, we expect to see an increase in targeted ransomware attacks, where attackers specifically target a certain type of business or organization. These attacks can be difficult to defend against, as the attackers will often have inside knowledge of the victim’s systems. To protect yourself, it’s important to have a strong backup and disaster recovery plan in place so that you can restore your data if it is encrypted.
3. Increase in AI-based Attacks
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used more and more by both businesses and individuals. However, this technology can also be leveraged by attackers to create more sophisticated and targeted attacks. For example, we’ve already seen AI being used to create “deep fake” videos, which are realistic fake videos that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. In the future, we expect to see AI being used to create more realistic phishing emails and targeted malware attacks.
4. IoT Security Challenges
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the interconnectedness of devices, such as thermostats, home security cameras, and wearable fitness trackers. While the IoT offers many benefits, it also comes with a new set of security challenges. Hackers could exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices to gain access to people’s homes or businesses, or to launch denial-of-service attacks. To protect against these threats, it’s important to only purchase IoT devices from reputable manufacturers and to keep your devices up to date with the latest security patches.
5. Cryptocurrency Hacks
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, these digital assets are also a target for hackers. In 2018, we saw several high-profile cryptocurrency exchanges being hacked, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrencies. We expect to see more of these types of attacks in 2019, as hackers look to cash in on the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies. To protect your cryptocurrency holdings, it’s important to store them in a secure wallet and to only use reputable exchanges.
By understanding these 5 trends, you can help protect yourself against the latest cybersecurity threats.