Just like the years before, 2018 will see continuing digital transformation in both our workplaces and everyday lives. As technology brings us greater connectivity, it also introduces new threats to our digital security.
Throughout 2017, data breaches made major headlines around the world. But if you thought this has been a bad year for cybersecurity, just wait until 2018. Nonetheless, it’s not all doom and gloom – you just need to be ready to plan your strategies with the latest threats in mind.
Here are some threats that we believe will hit the headlines next year:
Ransomware-as-a-Service Will Rise
With high-profile attacks like WannaCry and Petya earlier this year, 2017 has seen an alarming rise in ransomware. However, even more disturbing than the ransomware itself is the speed at which it has been growing and the way it’s being distributed.
The last year saw the proliferation of crime-as-a-service, which allows aspirant criminals to buy the services and tools they need to carry out cybercrimes even if they’re not technically adept themselves.
What this means is that cybercrime is no longer restricted to the realm of lone geeks using their technical expertise for nefarious activities. Thanks to ransomware-as-a-service, even those with little or no technical expertise can turn to the dark web and join in with the increasingly complex world of organized cybercrime.
Criminals Will Focus on Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are no longer limited to the world of IT professionals. Even though the average layman still has little idea about how these virtual currencies work, it’s starting to affect everyday life more than many of us realize. That’s because cybercriminals are increasingly likely to demand that people pay things like ransoms using cryptocurrencies, since the transactions are extremely difficult to trace, and they’re not subject to many regulations.
Given that there’s a huge amount of money wrapped up in virtual currency, it’s also likely that 2018 will see targeted attacks on businesses for the sole purpose of installing cryptocurrency miners. These programs are responsible for generating virtual currency to bring sustained financial reward to the hacker.
IoT Devices Will Become Dangerous Weapons
Internet-connected ‘smart’ devices ranging from security surveillance systems to wearable technology are rapidly becoming part of everyday life for many of us. However, when even some of the most innocuous everyday devices end up with an internet connection, it’s time for everyone to start worrying. After all, every device can potentially be hacked, thus greatly increasing the possible attack surface. Yes, that also means an internet-connected refrigerator could start spying on you.
Many companies are incorporating IoT devices into their technology strategies, but a lot of these are inherently insecure. From vague terms and conditions regarding security to vulnerabilities like KRACK, the weaponization of IoT devices is bound to play a big role in cybersecurity for the next year and beyond.
Supply Chains Will Become More Vulnerable
Companies rely heavily on the ability to share confidential information with their suppliers. However, when information is shared, control over it is also lost, which translates into increased exposure to cybersecurity breaches.
2017 has been a year of severe supply chain attacks, such as Shadowpad, CCleaner and ExPetr. Even more disturbingly, there are probably many more supply chain attacks in the works than have even been exposed. To that end, it’s reasonable to expect them to become more prolific over the next year, forcing companies to rethink visibility and control over every stage of their supply lines.
Every organization, no matter its scope or size, needs to implement a robust security solution that keeps confidential data safe. You owe it to the future success of your company to ensure you’re taking every possible measure to lock down your systems and guard against becoming another statistic.
Our cybersecurity program offers the solutions you need. If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to security, contact SpectrumWise today.
