8 Cybersecurity threats to remain aware of in 2018

4. Independent software

Independent software packages, including bundled programs and individual apps from unknown publishers, are often a prime method of delivery for viruses, malware and other cyber threats. Even if a developer doesn’t intentionally include such malicious code, undetected infections in their system could be passed onto other users through their latest release or update.

In many cases, the cloud is actually more secure than in-house software. It’s a good idea to backup any important or critical files to a remote server. Not only is cloud space more affordable than ever before, but it can help you safeguard your assets well into the 21st century.

5. Large-scale data breaches

Consumer data breaches are occurring at an alarming rate, and, unfortunately, there’s little you can do about it. The brunt of the responsibility falls on the shoulders of public-serving companies that store sensitive personal info.

2017 was a particularly bad year for data breaches. With large-scale incidents reported by Yahoo, Equifax, the Republican National Convention and many more, it seems nobody is safe from the reach of modern hackers. While the breaches noted above have all received patches by now, new ones are bound to appear in 2018.

6. DDoS attacks

Something that is unfamiliar to many mainstream computer users, the distributed denial of service, or DDoS, attack has the potential to shut down everything from popular websites to government infrastructure around the globe. The FCC was a recent target of these attacks, and some fear that critical systems within the United States government could be next.

More than 2,000 DDoS attacks occur on a daily basis around the world, and there’s no sign that they’re slowing down. There are four common types of attacks, each of which uses different elements of an online connection to flood the system with more requests than it can handle. As a result, poorly defended websites and networks have no other choice but to shut down completely.

7. AI hacks

Artificial intelligence – AI – gained a lot of momentum in 2017. The increased exploration and development of intelligent computer systems is expected to continue in 2018, but hackers are already using the technology as a new avenue for cyberattacks.

While there isn’t any hard evidence that a sophisticated or concerted AI hack exists at this time, the potential is certainly real. It’s a hot topic among cybersecurity experts, and they’re already making moves to mitigate the risks — but it’s only a matter of time until an AI-driven hack occurs.

8. Fraudulent activities

Internet users are still susceptible to outright fraud. Whereas hackers once focused on transaction-based fraud, many are transitioning to the niche of online travel booking. With some datasets containing information like passport numbers, credit card numbers, home addresses and personal contact information, these documents are a goldmine for identity thieves.

Companies are quickly moving to patch any obvious holes or flaws in their systems. But as noted by Si-Yeon Kim, chief risk and compliance officer with American Express Global Business Travel, online criminals will always evolve, adapt and re-focus their attacks.

Keeping your virtual eyes open in 2018

The next few years are exciting times for potential hackers and identity thieves. As more uninformed consumers embrace the Internet, mobile devices and Wi-Fi connectivity, criminals will find more targets than ever before.

Remaining aware of the threats and maintaining diligence is your first line of defense, but the battle is anything but straightforward.

Article source: https://www.technobuffalo.com/2018/01/21/8-cybersecurity-threats-to-remain-aware-of-in-2018/