5 Cybersecurity threats to be aware of in 2021

Throughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced an unusual number of businesses to operate strictly online. It is a 'do or die' situation for many of them. This pandemic has created a new playground for hackers. 

For instance, Healthcare providers became their prime targets. They are looking for well paid medical records and ransomware payoffs. It happened in the midst of quickly upgrading their technology and their staff's security training to accommodate the new reality. 

In response, many businesses strengthen their cybersecurity services system and digital transformation activities. But what does the evolution of threats look like in 2021? This rapid shift brings challenges for companies, and we think these 5 cybersecurity threats need to be watched out for 2021.

1. Cloud and Remote Service Attacks

Companies are forced to adopt cloud services and remote access tools quickly. However, organizations lack IT experts with relevant training to properly configure these solutions. Either we should focus on lack of time to properly vet available tools or the budget to work with vendors, rather than going towards free options with questionable quality.

The server applications, cloud storage, and data containers are not always well protected. That's why they are the prime targets of cybercriminals.

Compromising on one service may expose others and may expose doors for other cyber attacks. It will sidestep organizational security by infiltrating higher levels in the supply network. And will deploy payloads through tools you rely on and trust.

Misconfiguration will raise the risk and expose more services to attackers. These types of scenarios will lead to data breaches. To not let your organization suffer from cloud vulnerability, take professional security service at Corpus Christi and secure your data.

2. Social Engineering Attacks

Attackers have used social engineering attacks to trap the victims to give up on their sensitive information. It includes information such as their login details and credit card information. Most organizations are now using enhanced email security services to block phishing attacks. But the cybercriminals are ready with their advanced phishing kits that aid in financial fraud and data breaches.

Over time, phishing is an effective, minimal investment, and high reward strategy for cybercriminals to gain authorized access to credentials. It will be a big cybersecurity threat to be aware of in 2021. SMS phishing is another form of attack that will gain visibility soon. Popular apps like WhatsApp, Slack, Signal, and Skype encourage attackers to switch to messaging platforms. They will trick users into downloading malware items on their phones.

3. The Exploitation of System Administration Tools

Cybercriminals breach enterprise networks by using system administration and other authorized administration and management tools. More than 50% of threat groups leverage publicly available penetration testing to develop attack strategies. IT systems become increasingly interconnected in 2021, and exploitation of system administration and penetration tools like PowerShell Empire also increases. 

Attackers will use these tools progressively that are already installed on target computers. They will run harmful software directly into the computer's memory and reduce their chances of being detected. In comparison, it is nearly impossible to manage IT infrastructure tools. But with managed IT services in Corpus Christi, you can prevent devices of your organization from being infected. It includes employee training, up-to-date anti-virus software, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, and restricted privileges.  

4. Business Processes Compromise

Sometimes, cybercriminals find vulnerabilities not in applications and tools but in the process flow of business operations. We see that there is an increase in compromising business processes and threat actors take advantage of it for financial gain.

It demands considerable knowledge of victims to attack business processes. They begin with compromised systems on the network and then identify weak links by observing the processes. These attacks are discrete, and the affected organization may not detect them on time, especially when the process continues to work as expected.

For example, cyber attackers could steal money by compromising invoicing tools by changing the bank account number that is populated in future invoices. To secure your invoice data, get the updated security service at Corpus Christi and don't compromise the process.

5. Smart Contract Hacking

Smart contracts are in their early stage of development. They are software programs that carry self-executing code. Businesses are using smart contracts to execute some form of the digital asset to exchange. It enables developers to create the rules and run the process that builds a blockchain application. 

These contracts are the prime target of online criminals looking to compromise tools. Since it's a new field and experts are getting to know how to design, researchers are still finding bugs. These kinds of vulnerabilities make it easy for criminals to hack the smart contract. 

A Proactive Approach for 2021

The organization needs to adjust its approaches to cybersecurity and data protection. As cybercriminals continue to evolve their attack strategies and technologies. Anti-virus software is not enough to tackle modern threats. File backup isn't also enough to safeguard against malicious actors.

Businesses need to secure their data and applications along with multiple domains, and that requires integrated solutions. Take a piece of advice from the expert at the security service in Corpus Christi and start preparing yourself for the wave threat of 2021. Let's face it with the best cybersecurity services.