Latest Cyber Security Threats & Trends: 2020 In Review

Uncontrolled access to personal data undermines confidence in the digital world. The healthcare, shipping, and remote networking industry are increasingly being targeted by hackers.

This article reviews the key cybersecurity threats and trends every business needs to understand in 2020 and beyond. By Eddie Segal 

By Eddie Segal

Trending Cybersecurity Threats

To keep your systems and data secure, you need first to understand what the most common threats are.

State-sponsored attacks: Modern cybercrime goes beyond individual hackers trying to make a profit through ransom or data theft. Today, state-sponsored cyberattacks have emerged as one of the preeminent threats targeting critical infrastructure.

The frequency and severity of these attacks continue to increase. According to Verizon, state-sponsored attacks increased from 12% to 23% in 2019, and the numbers are expected to be even higher in 2020. The most obvious example of this approach is Russian hackers accused of affecting elections, releasing confidential information into the public domain, and hacking into critical infrastructure.

Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams phishing scams: The number of people using videoconferencing services has significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hackers use Zoom, Google, and Microsoft domains to pose as official links. These fake links enable attackers to trick people into giving access to personal information or accidentally downloading malware.

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) attacks: IoMT is a connected infrastructure of medical devices, and applications that generate, collect, analyze, and transmit healthcare data. IoMT enables you to connect medical devices to the Internet. This includes personal insulin pumps, glucose and heart monitors, and pacemakers.

As with other IoT devices, hackers can exploit software and network vulnerabilities to execute attacks on both individuals and health organizations. Researchers have identified a growing number of software vulnerabilities and demonstrated the feasibility of attacks on IoMT devices. 

Attacks on smart consumer devices and smartphones: Protecting devices like fitness trackers, smart speakers, smart watches, and smart home security cameras has become one of the main concerns in cybersecurity. Connecting from public Wi-Fi networks, or accessing your company email from your smartphone can make sensitive data available to everyone. Furthermore, the use of instant messaging services and file sharing can enable hackers to easily compromise smart devices, giving access to credentials and data.

Shipping cyber attacks: Many aspects of shipping can be vulnerable to attacks, including ship navigation systems, port logistics, and ship computer networks. According to maritime cybersecurity experts, Naval Dome, shipping-targeted attacks increased by 400% since February 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During the pandemic, equipment technicians are unable to fly out to ships and rigs to upgrade and service critical OT systems. As a result, system operators find a way around established security protocols, leaving systems unpatched and vulnerable to attack. 

Latest Cyber Security Trends

The threat landscape changes constantly, as do security approaches and solutions. These solutions enable security teams to adapt to new attack methods, and identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.

Zero-trust network technology replaces VPNs: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many of the problems with traditional VPNs, including latency and open access to the entire network. Emerging Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) enables organizations to control remote access to specific applications by hiding them from the public internet. Applications communicate directly to the ZTNA service provider, and can only be accessed through the provider’s cloud service.

This approach reduces the risk of exploiting the VPN connection to attack remote networks. The adoption of ZTNA requires accurate mapping of network users and their access permissions, which can slow the process.

Network security transforms from LAN-based models to SASE: 
The popularity of cloud-based security solutions is growing increasingly due to the evolution of remote network access. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technology enables organizations to secure remote workers and applications by routing traffic through a cloud-based security stack, instead of backhauling the traffic through a physical security appliance in a data center.

5G security: Most of the security risks in 5G mobile networks are not new. They include service provider vulnerabilities and critical infrastructure risks. However, 5G also introduces some new risks related to user safety and privacy.

5G’s short-range communication requires more cell towers with closer proximity. This proximity can increase the risk of collecting and tracking the actual location of users. In addition, service providers can potentially have access to large volumes of user data, thanks to the increased interconnectivity of 5G. This data can show what’s happening inside your home through connected devices, and smart sensors. Hackers could steal this valuable information and sell it on the black market.

Conclusion

As you can see, the current year is not short on new threats thanks to new technologies like 5G, IoMT and the increase in remote workforce. These new technologies will undoubtedly improve our lives, but also offer significant security challenges.

No matter what industry you’re in, make sure you know how your company could be affected, then plan proactive solutions like SASE or ZTNA to protect your business.

 

Eddie Segal is an electronics engineer with a Master’s Degree from Be’er Sheva University, a big data and web analytics specialist, and also a technology writer. In his writings, he covers subjects ranging from cloud computing, agile development, cybersecurity, and deep learning.

You Might Also Read: 

Five Risks That Will Define Cyber Security In 2020:

 

« Cyber Security Training For Employees
Cyber Security Should Be A Mandatory Requirement »

ManageEngine
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Check Point

Directory of Suppliers

Resecurity

Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence.

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

ZenGRC

ZenGRC

ZenGRC (formerly Reciprocity) is a leader in the GRC SaaS landscape, offering robust and intuitive products designed to make compliance straightforward and efficient.

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

Alvacomm

Alvacomm

Alvacomm offers holistic VIP cybersecurity services, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Our solutions include risk assessment, threat detection, incident response.

Lantronix

Lantronix

Lantronix is a global provider of secure data access and management solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) and information technology assets.

Telos

Telos

Telos offers cybersecurity solutions and services that empower and protect the world’s most security-conscious enterprises.

Sucuri

Sucuri

Sucuri have offered holistic website security solutions since 2008 including malware removal, malware monitoring and website protection services.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

ORNL conducts basic and applied research and development in key areas of science for energy, advanced materials, supercomputing and national security including cybersecurity.

National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) - Hungary

National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) - Hungary

The National Cyber Security Center was established in 2015 by uniting the GovCERT-Hungary, National Electronic Information Security Authority (NEISA) and the Cyber Defence Management Authority (CDMA).

ZenGRC

ZenGRC

ZenGRC (formerly Reciprocity) is a leader in the GRC SaaS landscape, offering robust and intuitive products designed to make compliance straightforward and efficient.

Department of Justice & Equality - Cybercrime Division - Ireland

Department of Justice & Equality - Cybercrime Division - Ireland

The Cybercrime division is responsible for developing policy in relation to the criminal activity and coordinating a range of different cyber initiatives at national and international level.

Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF)

Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF)

OCF is dedicated to ensuring secure interoperability ensuring secure interoperability of IoT for consumers, businesses and industries.

Red Points

Red Points

Red Points protects your brand and content in the digital environment.

Everbridge

Everbridge

Everbridge provides enterprise software applications that automate and accelerate organizations’ operational response to critical events in order to keep people safe and businesses running.

Rampart AI

Rampart AI

Tackling DevSecOps Issues In Application Security. Rampart has revolutionized the shift left security approach, applying zero-trust to application development.

Eqlipse Technologies

Eqlipse Technologies

Eqlipse Technologies provides products and high-end engineering solutions to customers in the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

Beround

Beround

Beround is an IT consultancy firm specialized in software testing.

S2W

S2W

S2W is a data intelligence company specialized in cyber threat intelligence, brand/digital abuse, and blockchain.

Velotix

Velotix

Velotix empowers organizations to maximize the value of their data while ensuring security and compliance in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Elixirr

Elixirr

Elixirr is an award-winning global consulting firm working with clients across a diverse range of markets, industries and geographies.