With the digital landscape constantly evolving, new cyber threats emerge at an alarming pace, making it crucial for cybersecurity professionals to be aware of the latest criminal tactics. Explore these three cyberattack trends that cybersecurity professionals must be vigilant about.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), cybercriminals can advance their capabilities, creating malware that swiftly analyzes vast data volumes to execute complex attacks. This rapid processing allows threats to adapt and strike with speed and sophistication. Cybersecurity professionals must proactively harness these same AI and ML technologies to enhance their digital defense mechanisms. By integrating intelligent systems, they can detect, analyze, and counteract sophisticated cyber threats more effectively, ensuring a robust defense against these fast-evolving risks.
Mobile Devices
As mobile devices play increasingly larger roles in the workplace, ensuring their security is paramount for cybersecurity teams. The 2023 Global Mobile Threat Report highlights a stark increase, with a 187% year-over-year rise in the number of fully exploited devices. Moreover, mobile-targeted phishing is alarmingly effective, with 80% of phishing sites now directed at mobile platforms, and users being six times more susceptible to SMS phishing scams compared to other methods. By investing in mobile device security, cybersecurity professionals can provide a critical layer of defense, safeguarding the productivity and data integrity of employees who rely heavily on their mobile devices for work.
USBs
USBs are no longer “out of fashion” for spreading malware. Their convenience for storing and transferring files makes them an attractive tool for cybercriminals, enabling them to compromise devices almost instantaneously when connected. Maya Horowitz, Vice President of Research at Check Point, highlighted that USBs were used by three major threat groups as the primary vector for infection in 2023. These malicious USBs are capable of stealing passwords and accessing other sensitive information, posing a substantial threat to entire organizations if connected to networked computers. Cybersecurity professionals must educate their workforce about the perils associated with unsanctioned USB drives, particularly emphasizing vigilance in remote or hybrid working environments, and advocating for the use of company-provided USBs only.
In a world where cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly, staying informed and proactive is essential for safeguarding digital landscapes. Emphasizing continuous education and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness are key strategies that can empower organizations to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
