2021 – what can we expect?
As the world moves into 2021 and COVID-19 vaccines are apparently on the way, people around the world are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Hopes are high for economic, political, and social recovery in the coming year. As economies recover and business and personal activity increases, Cybersecurity in 2021 is critical. Understanding which Cybersecurity trends are expected to increase in 2021 helps combat these crimes.
Why is Cybersecurity Important?
Cybersecurity processes protect computing data, devices, and networks from unlawful access by others. The risks and damages incurred by illegal access are enormous. These damages may include loss of time, money, reputation, and safety. According to a recent report, the global average cost of a data breach to a company in 2020 was $3.86 million. Anticipating upcoming Cybersecurity trends is one key step to staying safe.
2021 Trends
Next-Generation Malware (malicious software)
Malware attacks increase every day, and cybercriminals are developing more sophisticated and deadly malware. From first-level writers and developers, to second-level distributors, to third-level fraudsters, sophisticated malware systems are strengthening and growing.
Next-Generation Ransomware
Ransomware takes malware to the next step by hijacking data until someone pays a ransom. In early 2020, Sophos reported that a Ransomware attack affected over half of 5,000 IT managers working in 26 countries. Fraudsters target data wherever it is located, and the most successful attacks were on data held in the cloud.
Social Engineering
Cybercriminals using Social Engineering methods attempt to manipulate people into revealing confidential and personal information. These types of cybercriminals trick people by using baiting, scareware, and phishing techniques. As more people connect to the internet, social engineering attacks continue to increase.
IoT and Artificial Intelligence
IoT (internet of things) is essentially everything connected to the internet. Some researchers predict by 2025 the number of IoT connected devices will reach 21 billion. Cybercriminals can infect these devices with malicious software that attack and wreak havoc on these systems. As more devices connect to the internet, it may be possible a consumer will receive a message in their car or at their front door that they must pay a ransom before using the product. Also, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning can support cyberattacks, and cybercriminals will use this learning to launch more even more sophisticated onslaughts.
Cybersecurity in 2021 is a necessary concern for both the public and private sectors. The potential losses to individuals and businesses are enormous. Fighting cybercrime in 2021 is a critical focus for everyone.