With a new decade just around the corner, there’s unfortunately a whole new slew of cybersecurity threats. It seems there’s a never-ending battle between those trying to take advantage of network vulnerabilities and those trying to stop them.
Approximately 230,000 new malware samples are released by hackers every day and they’re often targeted at small businesses. In fact, 43% of small businesses have been severely impacted by data breaches and cyberattacks, some having to close down completely.
Whether you’re protecting 100 workstations and an on-premises server or a smaller boutique firm using virtual desktops and mobile devices from remote locations, securing your endpoints, network, and data can mean the difference between a year of growth and success or one playing catchup after a major breach.
While you can’t stop the increasing threat of malware, cryptojacking, viruses, and data breaches, you can mitigate your risk by being aware of the biggest threats to expect in 2020 and preparing yourself with proactive IT security solutions.
Watch for These Threats to Cybersecurity in the New Year
Innovation goes both ways. Virus designers use AI to keep their malware from being detected by standard antivirus programs and security software developers use AI to detect stealth malware by analyzing behavior.
But no matter how sophisticated a new threat may be, it’s often IT security best practices that keep a business protected from a data breach. These include:
- User training to avoid falling victim to phishing
- Firewalls with advanced threat protection
- Applying updates and patches in a timely manner
- Backing up all data regularly
- Using strong and nimble antivirus/anti-malware programs
- Employing the use of software with web protection capabilities
Cyberattacks cost businesses and average of $200,000.
To be fully prepared to avoid a costly post-attack cleanup and the accompanying loss of productivity, it’s important to know what types of attacks are on the rise. That knowledge empowers you to prepare your defenses and better educate your employees for what to watch out for.
Here are biggest cybersecurity threats to be prepared for in 2020.
Ransomware
When it comes to malware ransomware is “an oldie but goodie” to many cyber criminals. It’s all too easy to deploy using phishing tactics and continues to bring in a payday for many crooks making an average ransom demand of about $100,000.
The growing cost of ransomware caused the FBI to recently put out a public service announcement titled, “High-Impact Ransomware Attacks Threaten U.S. Businesses and Organizations.”
Companies that adopt good backup and recovery policies have the tools needed to diffuse a ransomware attack and avoid paying the attacker’s ransom demand.
Attacks on IoT Devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been the catalyst for more internet-connected devices than ever showing up in our homes and offices. From automated voice-assistant speakers to smart locks and connected whiteboards, the number of network-connected devices has multiplied exponentially.
For hackers, this means new avenues for entry into a network through unsecured IoT devices. Users often leave these devices out of their cybersecurity strategies, forgetting to do updates or even to change the device name and password from the default. Look for these to be a popular target for hackers in 2020 and beyond.
Rise in Mobile Device Attacks
Malware attacks on mobile devices have skyrocketed as they take on more of workload from desktop workstations. Smartphones and tablets now have so much computing power, that they’re just as much at a risk to be infected by malware as computers.
During the first half of 2019, malware attacks on mobile devices (Android in particular) have increased by 50% as compared to the prior year.
Companies employing mobile device management applications, have the best chance of securing those devices and the data they have access to through business apps.
Fileless Windows PowerShell Attacks
Fileless attacks are difficult for older antivirus software to detect because there’s no file with a malicious script to detect and quarantine. Instead, these fileless attacks send commands to an unprotected Windows PowerShell (a normal operating system program) that can cause all types of harm including reducing natural defenses to allow a hacker to gain access to just about anything they want to in the system.
To protect against this growing threat, look for security tools designed to detect unusual PowerShell activity or that employ application whitelisting, which does not allow any program not already approved to execute.
Phishing via Text Messaging
We’re used to phishing being an ever-present threat in email inboxes and there are tools designed specifically to stop dangerous emails before they get to your users. But, what about a text message that contains a phishing link?
Phishing scammers are increasingly using SMS as a delivery method for links to malicious websites. Users typically aren’t looking for phishing via text and it’s also not as easy to reveal a URL in the text interface like you can by hovering over a link in an email.
Look for web protection tools that block malicious sites after a link has been clicked to help prevent an infection due to text-based phishing. User awareness also goes a long way towards strengthening your defenses.
Boost Your Security Profile to Protect Against New Threats
How secure is your business network and connected devices? Don’t leave yourself unprepared for the newest threats, work with Skillio to bolster your IT security and protect yourself with 24/7 monitoring for any threats.
Contact us today for a security assessment. Call 1-888-926-1985 or connect with us online.
