Technology is changing the way we operate every day. Latest technologies like Blockchain Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) are the new normal. As technologies evolve, so do the threats. Organizations need to prepare for cyber threats, both internal and external.

In this article, we will discuss the top ten cyberthreats to prepare for in 2021 that you need to prepare for. 

What are the Top 10 Cybersecurity Threats in 2021?

Since the dawn of the internet, cybercriminals are exploiting vulnerabilities in a system. After the COVID-19 pandemic, more than half the people started working from home. On one hand, work from home is safe, but it also leaves companies open to more cyber threats. Remote workers 

To make 2021 safer than the last one, you need to prepare your company for the top ten cyber threats. The first step towards preparation is understanding, so without further delay, let’s begin!

Deepfakes

If there’s one equally amazing and dangerous technology to look out for in 2021, then it’s deepfakes. The concept and its applications are mind-blowing but so are the threats. 

Deepfakes are images or sounds that appear to be real but are not. It relies on artificial neural networks to recognize patterns in data. The process involves feeding hundreds or thousands of images (training data) into the system. It then analyzes the training data to identify and analyze patterns. 

Here’s a video that demonstrates deepfakes in action!

Synthetic Identities

In the information age, it’s very difficult for criminals to remain unknown. On the other hand, it’s equally easy for them to attain new identities. 

Synthetic identity merges genuine information with fabricated details to create a new person. A completely new identity that is in fact, fake. In the hands of a cybercriminal, these fake identities can be used to commit a variety of identity frauds.

Combine deepfakes with synthetic identities, and you’ve got yourself the recipe for disaster.

Social Engineering Attacks

With a vast majority of people working from home, social engineering attacks are more real. These programs don’t just rely on bots, but rather on human-machine interaction through the internet. Humans are prone to error making social engineering attacks, a threat to watch out for!

In the 21st century, social media is the main source of new information for many. With its many advantages, the swift spread of inaccurate information is the chief drawback. 

Cloudjacking 

No one can deny the benefits of cloud computing. It enables you to access a multitude of services anytime, anywhere. However, with great power comes great threats. 

Cloudjacking is where cybercriminals find a vulnerability in your cloud architecture and exploit it. If they successfully gain access, there are few things that they can’t do. 

With the world turning to remote jobs and e-learning, it’s more critical than ever to keep your cloud-based systems safe.

AI-enabled Cyber Attacks

Artificial intelligence has made so much possible. Even a whole new generation of cybercrimes. AI hackers have created bots that mimic humans to the dot. These bots can be used in a variety of cyberattacks including social-engineering attacks and phishing. 

Weaponized AI

Artificial intelligence has a major flaw. It needs to learn something before implementing it correctly. Learning a new model leaves the system exposed to attacks.

Cybercriminals can inject information into the AI system that leads them to pick up bad habits. This trick called poisoning attacks has been around for a while. 

An example of the posing attack can be an AI system training to detect spam mail. It does so by training the system using training data. If a cybercriminal feeds the system poisonous training data, then the system will misbehave without knowing it’s doing so.

5G-related Cyber Threats

5G is all the rage in 2020. With tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei bringing 5G in all their flagship models, it’s important to know what it implies in cybersecurity.

The technology sounds amazing! With the promise of ultra-fast multi-Gbps data speed, and ultra-low latency, is it safe to assume that 5G is reliable too?

For IT risk experts, 5G means a new breed of cyber threats. One that can gravely disrupt supply chains and dependent infrastructure. If hackers attack the embedded IoT devices, it can affect the whole network in peril.

Vehicle-targeting Cybersecurity Threats

With the dawn of 5G, we’re already seeing a flurry of smart devices everywhere. If your business has its vehicles connected to the internet, then beware. 

Vehicle-based cyber attacks are a principal concern in 2021. These attacks don’t reveal sensitive data, but it means that hackers can gain access to route details, driver location, and more. 

In some cases, hackers can take control of certain vehicle functions or disable them altogether, leaving the drivers exposed.

Cyber Attacks on The Public Sector

In the wake of COVID-19, the public sector raised to the occasion. Most critical services like healthcare are brought online. 

Hackers invest a lot of time and energy into building The Best System! The public sector, on the other hand, doesn’t, which leaves it vulnerable.

Most businesses fail to understand the importance of cybersecurity, which leaves them vulnerable to the worst. Cybercriminals know that the public sector is the most outdated and vulnerable, hence makes for the best mark. 

Quantum Computing Related Cyber Attacks

We left quantum computing to the last because the technology is very much in its infancy. However, as it evolves, the systems can change the very face of computing.

Quantum computers are ultra-high-speed machines that can make the best of computers look like children’s play. If a cybercriminal gains access to such a machine, the sky’s the limit!

Are You Ready for The Top 10 Cyber Threats in 2021?

In the business world, it’s better to be proactive than reactive. What sounded far-fetched a decade ago is now normal. Make sure that your organization is operating safely in this challenging time by keeping your IT policy and procedures up-to-date. 

IT Procedures Template is a group of British and Dutch auditors with extensive experience reviewing IT processes in highly complex situations. We offer IT policy and procedures templates to help companies in formalizing their internal processes. Contact our team today for more details.