In November, Intel Security released its 2017 McAfee Labs Threat Predictions Report, which details all of the expected trends in cyber security, including what to watch out for in the coming twelve months when it comes to trying to keep your business safe from hackers and malware.
It’s important for any business to be aware of common threats to cyber security, as well as any trends in security to be part of, and so the team at Syntax IT Support London have prepared a list of some of the issues for 2017 which could have an impact on you and your business.
1. McAfee predicts that ransomware attacks will decrease in volume and efficiency in the latter half of 2017. If you don’t know, ransomware is a type of malicious software which hackers use to block data or devices until a sum of money is paid, so a drop in this will be good for your business’s security. However, this will largely rely on the quality of your organisation’s own defences.
2. Windows vulnerability exploits will continue to decline, as they have been for a while, so it makes sense this trend will continue. However, McAfee also predicts that exploits targeting infrastructure software and virtualization software will increase.
3. Hardware and firmware will be increasingly targeted by sophisticated attackers. This can be detrimental to your business, as damage to your hardware can affect all of your devices and data, so make sure your security is always up to date.
4. Hackers using software on laptops will attempt ‘dronejackings’ – a kind of hacking that targets drones such as those sent out for deliveries, law enforcement or camera crews. If your business uses drones for any purpose, be sure to keep them secure.
5. Mobile attacks will evolve to combine mobile device locks with credential theft, allowing access to bank accounts and credit cards. This is important if you allow your employees to work on their own devices, as any financial data shared could be put at risk.
6. The Internet of Things – the prospect of everyday objects being connected to a network – could open the door to malware which could lie undetected for years. So before you open your business to the latest tech trends, think of the possible consequences.
7. Machine learning will increase the amount and sophistication of social engineering attacks. Machine learning allows computers to grow and learn when exposed to new data. It can be extremely useful, but if you use a lot of devices in your business then look into the risks of it too.
8. Fake ads and purchased likes will continue to erode trust. This means that your business could be competing with others who are willing to work with ‘clickbait’ and buy support, making it even more difficult for your business to stand out.
9. New techniques in delivering ads will be copied by attackers to boost malware delivery. If your business allows other companies ad space, be sure that company is legitimate. Also, make sure your employees know the risk of clicking random advertisements.
10. Law enforcement will put a dent in cybercrime through a collaboration with industry. Always remember that cybercrime is indeed a crime and you can contact the law enforcement should you fall victim to it.
11. Security and cybersecurity will collaborate to come down harder on cyber security risks. Remember that as new methods of hacking are constantly being developed, so are new ways of tackling it. Keep your business safe by keeping in the know about what you can do to protect your company.