Modern Day Cyber Threats You Need To Look Out For

As the internet and technology advances, so do the techniques cybercriminals use to hack into software and devices. While phishing emails and pop-up ads used to be the biggest threat to cybersecurity, there are now much more advanced threats that you, and your business, should look out for.

After the 2017 cyber-attack on the NHS, businesses across the globe became more aware of the importance of data protection and IT security. If a cybercrime organisation can hack into one of the largest businesses in the UK, think about easily they’d be able to do it to your company’s network.

As such, it’s important to ensure you are up to date with IT security, and staff are trained in identifying threats. To get started, we’re highlighting just a few of the biggest cyber threats you need to be aware of.

Advanced phishing

Phishing attacks are no longer just suspicious-looking emails arriving in your inbox. The way hackers are using this technique has taken a few steps into the future.

Now, hackers will use AI or machine learning technology to create incredibly realistic and convincing emails that are much harder to detect. One popular phishing scam imitates Microsoft Office 365, and encourages users to enter their login details with the threat that the mailbox will stop working if they don’t. Of course, Microsoft isn’t going to just stop their product from working, and the details you’ve just entered are now in the hands of a hacker.

It’s also worth confirming any changes in bank details over the phone. If a supplier – or even a family member – send updated account details via email, give them a call to confirm. The real sender could be a cybercriminal looking for a quick payday.

Ransomware

Ransomware leads to billions being lost every year – both in money and data. Hackers will encrypt files within your system so that they require a password to access. You’ll naturally be required to pay the hacker for the password to save your files. You risk either losing huge amounts of money by paying the ransom or losing potentially confidential data and business information.

Cryptojacking

Cryptocurrency has become an incredibly popular investment over recent years. But it’s also a way to transfer money anonymously – making it the perfect currency for criminals. Cybercriminals can make money from mining bitcoins, and to do it, they’ll hijack another person’s device. This hijack can dramatically ruin the performance of your computer, take up processing power and lead to network downtime. And, as we all know, downtime can cost businesses thousands or millions.

IoT Attacks

Remote workers and large corporate businesses now host a vast number of appliances, security systems, and devices via the IoT (Internet of Things). Which makes it a hugely desirable place for cybercriminals to attack.

Attacks on the IoT are becoming increasingly popular and can wreak havoc with devastating consequences.

It’s a good idea to implement multi-factor authentication for just about any device you own to better your chances of preventing cyber-attacks of any kind.