Cybersecurity threats are constantly changing, and this isn’t going to improve any time soon. Data privacy and security breaches are only going to increase in 2019. Today’s world is powered by the internet, smartphones, computers, and the IoTs (Internet of Things); which provides a constant threat platform for hackers and malicious software.

Threat vectors have demonstrated why cybersecurity has become so important. As attacks grow, experts are predicting the latest trends in cybersecurity. Here are some of the most critical cybersecurity threats facing us today.

2FA vulnerabilities

SIM jacking has turned two-factor authentication on its head. This is where someone can use your phone number to get 2FA codes. Even with its vulnerabilities, 2FA is a necessary procedure to protect your internet connected devices.

Cloud Storage

Given the limiting size of physical storage, many companies store data in the “cloud.” Online storage can present a serious threat to privacy and security if not handled properly and monitored safely. Insecure cloud access and instability put a considerable risk on the confidential information stored.

Phishing

Suspicious domain registrations and domain spoofing are other critical areas that should be focused on. påypal.com pàypal.com look very similar but are completely different domains, but these domains could be used to steal your account information in an email phishing attack.

New Product Vulnerabilities

Technology is being innovated and created at an exponential rate, bringing with it the potential for new vulnerabilities. According to the latest estimates from SANS, known risks and vulnerabilities are behind at least 80% of all cybersecurity problems.

Big Data (Open databases)

Companies are handling more information than ever before. Some would argue it’s too much. As data continues to grow, it comes in new kinds of formats and types.

Even with the introduction of the GDPR which helps to monitor and handle this data to an extent, there are significant security threats associated with a lack of proper internal processes and procedures to manage this big data. It’s more important than ever to stick to the basics such as regularly updating software and maintaining good basic security hygiene.

IOT & ICS

Not all companies are aware of the hidden dangers of these new age technologies; in particular how they may lack security and safety. IOT (internet of things) or ICS (Industrial Control Systems) connects devices which can leave people or companies vulnerable to having personal and confidential information stolen, or even worse, the destruction of private property.

Using faulty communication methods, and using default passwords won’t cut it in the modern age. Privacy breaches are set to become a significant issue with cybersecurity in the coming years.

Ransomware

Ransomware is malicious software that gains access to your system, encrypts all data, then requests a ransom to release it. Users are made to pay large sums of money to obtain a decryption key and access their personal or corporate files. There is no guarantee a decrypt key will be provided or work once someone makes the payment.

Spoofing 2.0

As technology advances to make our lives easier, the threat model increases. How do you stop authorities from pointing your phone at your face to unlock it? Criminals are now 3D printing faces to get past facial recognition software.

State Sponsored disinformation campaigns

If information kept online is not stored safely, the consequences may be felt across countries. There is a significant chance that this insecurity could become a reason that nations go to war with one another. These problems can be hard to resolve because it causes a direct impact on international politics.

Cryptography laws set out by governments can directly lower cybersecurity. Laws that weaken best practices have detrimental effects. The implementation and harmonization of new proposed regulations will take some time to stabilize.

Educating Non-Technical Staff

For most normal cases, a company has a specific group of technical staff that are in charge of maintaining IT systems. As more and more problems arise, it’s critical to provide non-technical staff with basic training. Teaching them simple steps to prevent potential cyber attacks. Similarly, giving ordinary people training on basic cybersecurity helps to eliminate the fundamental problems at the least.

Information Warfare

Given the low cost to implement, information warfare is happening more frequently. Information wars are set to be a bigger issue in the coming years. Stolen Intelectual property, personal data, and access to real-time data aggregation can leave countries in vulnerable positions.

Final Thoughts

Preventative measures are more effective than reactionary security. One must take proper steps to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. It has become essential to hire security experts to combat these issues. We need to focus our attention on internet security as a whole. Taking steps to make a positive difference.

A fully comprehensive cybersecurity plan offers a lot of the essentials including privacy, data security, IP filtering, encryption, and password protection. Staying on top of the situation helps you stay in control of it and helps to avoid being hit by fraud.