Over the past few years, cybersecurity has become a widespread priority. The emerging security threats for individuals, companies, and even the government, have placed the information security sector on high alert. Unfortunately, the technology we have right now has become both an advantage and disadvantage for cybercriminals. As people continue to strengthen their security, they are also improving their sophisticated methods for their cyberattacks.
Now that most sectors have shifted to remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cybercriminals were given more opportunities for large-scale cyberattacks. Unfortunately, in 2020 and 2021, cyber threats were at their peak with the new techniques and tactics proven effective by these cybercriminals.
As the shortage of cybersecurity professionals worsen, many experts have warned the public about the cybercrime epidemic that affects personal privacy, democracy, and capitalism. This year, the stakes are much more higher than before, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with the cybersecurity threats and trends this 2022 and gear up your online security.
Biggest Cybersecurity Threats and Trends in 2022
The costs for the damage related to cybercrimes are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, representing the unfortunate use of economic wealth to cover these costs instead of directing funds to innovation and investment. From identity theft to hacking financial data, here are some of the biggest cybersecurity threats and trends we have to face this year.
1. More Sophisticated Phishing Techniques
Phishing attacks are classic methods of fooling people into clicking a link that will install malware or reveal sensitive information on their devices. With the growing demand for high-speed internet, like Dish Network Internet, in both urban and rural areas, cybercriminals’ potential targets are just increasing day by day.
Regardless of your occupation, you are still at risk for phishing attacks as long as you are connected to the internet. Cybercriminals have been revolutionizing their phishing techniques to craft realistic and convincing fake messages, encouraging individuals to uncompromise their security by clicking the link.
Phishing attacks are very dangerous, as they can provide the hackers with your login information, banking details, and other financial information. If you are a part of an organization, say you’re working for a large company remotely, hackers can also penetrate into your company’s database as long as you have access to it.
2. Cryptojacking
With the growing population of cryptocurrency enthusiasts, especially with the increasing worth of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, cybercriminals made sure not to miss this excellent opportunity to earn money. Cryptojacking is a cybercrime that involves using other people’s devices unauthorized to “mine” or “farm” for cryptocurrency. With the massive amounts of processing power needed for it, hackers are secretly making money by using someone else’s system. Businesses are also at risk as cryptojacked systems can cause performance issues and downtimes as the IT department resolves the problem.
3. Rapidly Increasing Cyberattacks
Every year, cybercriminals continue to increase their efforts to develop effective and lucrative attack techniques, like cryptojacking and ransomware. However, the significant growth of cybercrime during 2021 has become one of the most worrying trends in cyberspace.
Compared to 2020, the cyberattacks in 2021 have increased by 50%. Moreover, most cyber threats are targeted in different sectors, especially healthcare, education, and research. This worrying observance indicates a specific focus by cybercriminals, especially since the affected population is one of the least protected from cyber threats.
These rapidly increasing cyber attacks combined with the most advanced cybercrime techniques would massively affect the online population this 2022. Moreover, their refined automation and machine learning will likely grow their attacks regardless of their targeted industry.
4. Cloud Services are Primary Targets
With the growing number of remote workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most companies have utilized cloud-based infrastructures and services for a more efficient work process. Software as a Service (Saas) solutions have closed massive gaps in the need for file sharing and online meetings. At the same time, cloud-based infrastructures were more accessible and convenient to manage for the remote workforce population.
This uncertain time for companies and remote workers has encouraged them to look for a reliable internet for business to promote productivity at work. However, security risks are still everywhere, so it’s best to make sure you get a reliable and secured connection, like HughesNet business internet. This way, you don’t have to worry about a specific
Since the pandemic began, the rapid shift to remote and the cloud has left most companies unready and unprotected from potential cyberattacks. Fortunately, they’ve already had the chance to address many major and minor security issues to protect their data. But, some cloud security gaps are still left unresolved, making these businesses an ideal target for cybercriminals. The increased cloud-based attacks are alarming, and it’s no surprise if there will be more cloud security issues that will be discovered in 2022.
5. State-Sponsored Attacks
Government hackers are no stranger to the media. These cyber experts utilize their skills to work for the government, infiltrating other government’s databases and attacking critical infrastructures. Unfortunately, cybercrime in today’s time is a major threat, not only for individuals and private sectors but also for the nation and the government as well.
Most state-sponsored attacks focus on other nations’ systems and infrastructures. However, it has been a substantial threat for businesses as they are easier and more convenient targets to resolve geopolitical issues. This 2022, this type of attack is expected to grow not only in the United States but also in different regions.
Bottom Line
The cybercrime epidemic has been rapidly escalating in the past years, and it’s imperative for everyone, individuals, corporations, and the government, to do something about their online security. The shortage of cybersecurity personnel is also a concern that must be addressed as fast as possible to safeguard the nation’s systems and infrastructure. As we are reaching the second half of the year, we have to be alert and cautious of what we do online, from visiting unsecured websites to opening emails. Cybercriminals will continue to develop polished cyberattacks and threats, especially since they are aware of the scale of the unprotected online population worldwide.