The new year has just begun and it’s a time of resolutions and renewal as we plan for the possibilities to come in 2023. It’s also a time when you need to plan for resiliency in the face of ever-present cyberattacks.
Sixty-eight percent of the corporate executives questioned believe that cybersecurity dangers are increasing. They have a valid excuse. Attacks keep evolving in sophistication. They are frequently committed by powerful criminal organizations as well. These criminal organizations approach these assaults as a business.
In 2021, the average number of global cyberattacks increased by 15.1%.
It’s critical to keep an eye on attack patterns in order to safeguard your company in the upcoming year. What innovative approaches will hackers employ? What types of attacks are happening more frequently?
It’s crucial to be aware of these things. It enables you to more effectively upgrade your IT security to lessen the chance of a malware outbreak or data breach.
The security crystal ball for the following year has been taken out and we’ve researched what cybersecurity experts are expecting. Here are the attack trends that you need to watch out for.
Attacks on 5G Devices
5G has been making headlines throughout the globe for some time. The promise of blazing-fast internet is now starting to materialize. Expect this to be a high-attack area as providers expand the infrastructure.
The 5G gear used by routers, mobile devices, and PCs is being targeted by hackers. It’s inevitable for new technologies like these to have some coding flaws. This is the very thing that hackers want to take advantage of.
By being aware of the firmware security of the devices you purchase, you can be ready. For those with 5G equipped devices, this is especially true. Better firmware security will be incorporated into some manufacturers’ designs than others. Inquire about this before buying any new equipment.
One-time Password (OTP) Bypass
This worrying new trend aims to circumvent one of the finest account security measures. It is commonly known that multi-factor authentication (MFA) works wonders at thwarting fraudulent sign-in attempts. Even in situations where the criminal possesses the user’s password, it can block account takeovers. There are a few different ways that hackers try to bypass MFA. These include:
- Reusing a token: Gaining access to a recent user OTP and trying to reuse it
- Sharing unused tokens: The hacker uses their own account to get an OTP. Then attempts to use that OTP on a different account.
- Leaked token: Using an OTP token leaked through a web application.
- Password reset function: A hacker uses phishing to fool the user into resetting a password. They then trick them into handing over their OTP via text or email.
Attacks Surrounding World Events
The volume of cyberattacks grew by approximately 600% during the pandemic. Large criminal hacking organizations have learned how lucrative current events and natural disasters are.
For major world events, they start phishing efforts. Everything is attacked, from the most recent hurricane or typhoon to the conflict in Ukraine. People who are unwary frequently fall for these tricks. This is because the crisis frequently diverts their attention.
Scams related to these kinds of events should be avoided by people. They will often use social engineering tactics, such as sad photos, to play on the emotions.
Smishing & Mobile Device Attacks
These days, we almost always carry our mobile devices with us. Cybercriminals are aware of this close relationship to a possible victim. Watch out for increased mobile-based assaults, such as SMS-based phishing (also known as “smishing”).
Many consumers don’t anticipate getting bogus texts sent to their mobile phones. However, the secrecy around cell numbers has diminished over time. Online vendors sell lists of them to hackers. Then they create plausible phony SMS that appear to be shipment notifications or receipts. An account or data breach only requires one wrong click.
There is also an increase in mobile malware. The amount of malware that targets mobile devices increased by 500% in the first few months of 2022. It’s critical to have effective mobile anti-malware. Additionally, your devices may have additional security measures like a DNS filter.
Elevated Phishing Using AI & Machine Learning
Phishing emails are harder to detect these days. They nearly always contained grammatical or image quality issues. Some still do, but the majority don’t.
By using AI and machine learning, criminal organizations enhance current phishing techniques. It will be customized and have the same appearance as emails from a legitimate brand. These strategies are used by hackers to seize more victims. Additionally, they enable cybercriminals to send out more precise phishing messages faster than in years past.
Schedule a Cybersecurity Check-Up Today
Is your business prepared for the cyber threats coming in 2023? Don’t wait to find out the hard way! SimplicIT is your source for all cybersecurity matters. Call and schedule a cybersecurity check-up to stay one step ahead of the digital criminals.
