Technology is incredibly useful in our daily lives. Advancements ensure that we are constantly evolving, availing us of more ways to work. With these developments come fresh risks of cybercrime. Threat actors are advancing in tandem with technology, finding more sophisticated ways to benefit from their victims. Irrespective of the industry, businesses such as GG Bet must implement the necessary tools to protect themselves from these threats. However, how can you protect yourself without knowing the threats you face?
Poor cyber hygiene is the leading cause of these attacks. Through proper awareness, individuals can implement the right steps to combat potential threats. Let’s explore the leading cybersecurity threats in 2024 and how you can mitigate them to stay cyber-safe.
Human Risks
Humans constitute the weakest link in any cybersecurity protocol. Even when the technology has all the features to combat threats, we may unintentionally leave the door open for threat actors. Careless acts like weak passwords, unprotected Wi-Fi, or using unknown Wi-Fi connections can cause issues. You may lose sensitive data and money in the process.
Insider threats also fall under this category as they originate from within the organization. Whether for financial gain or revenge, current and past employees can bypass security controls and access data. This threat is very dangerous as it can go undetected for long periods.
Human risks are easy to combat. Businesses should ensure good cyber hygiene through awareness and frequent training. Here are some effective strategies to implement:
- Use VPNs;
- Enable multifactor authentication;
- Implement stringent policies for passwords;
- Encrypt your data;
- Enable firewalls on devices;
- Update your software frequently;
- Limit access to a need-to-know basis;
- Implement password managers;
- Utilize Human Risk Management (HRM) tools.
Social Engineering
Human error can cause significant disruption of services. Threat actors exploit human psychology, causing individuals to break security protocols. There are different ways threat actors implement social engineering, such as:
- Spear phishing: Using customized and convincing messages to target individuals. They may pose as family, friends, or colleagues to get what they want;
- Voice phishing (vishing): These attacks are made through phone calls. Scammers call pretending to be other people to extract sensitive information. A common example of this attack is impersonating a bank’s customer support to access personal details, leading to financial theft;
- SMS phishing (smishing): Using text messages to instigate urgency. It commonly carries a link that leads the victim to a malicious Internet site with the intent to compromise personal data.
Ransomware
This cybersecurity threat involves hacking a victim’s device. The accessed data is encrypted, and a ransom is requested before the data is decrypted and released. Statistics show that this is one of the more fearsome cybersecurity threats affecting individuals and businesses. Over 4,893 attacks were recorded between April 2023 and March 2024. The top ways to combat them include the following measures:
- Holding cybersecurity awareness training;
- Implementing advanced email filtering tools;
- Using effective endpoint protection measures;
- Segmenting your networks.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
An APT involves complex cyberattacks designed to steal information or sabotage operations. It involves long-term presence within a network, targeting large corporations and even governments. The threat actor(s) must remain undetected within the network for extended periods to garner information and plan their next move strategically. Businesses can mitigate this threat by implementing these strategies:
- Regular monitoring of network traffic;
- Access control;
- Endpoint monitoring and detection tool implementation;
- Penetration tests;
- Data encryption;
- Frequently updating software and hardware;
- Threat intelligence sharing.
Attacks on IoT Devices
Many of our devices and appliances are interconnected. This connection enables them to collect and exchange data. This automation and interconnectivity opens the doors to advanced threats. IoT devices often lack the necessary features, causing significant vulnerabilities like weak authentication protocols and insecure networks. A threat actor can compromise these devices and launch DDOS attacks. They may even access other, more important devices on the network through them. Strategies that can mitigate such attacks include control over account access to your devices and regular updates of your software.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Businesses rely on third parties like software providers, hardware manufacturers, and service providers. Over time, relationships are built, and these providers have some level of access to data and systems. By breaching a single partner, a threat actor can gain access that may not be detected easily.
Here are some implementations to combat them:
- Third-party audits to guarantee compliance;
- Policy management tools to help develop and manage security policies.
Stay on Top With Cyber Awareness!
Being cyber-safe can be overwhelming. With new technologies being developed every day, threat actors are finding it easier to launch attacks. Newer strategies are being implemented before businesses can combat the previous attacks. In all, prevention is way better than any cure. By ensuring employees are cyber-aware, businesses can implement strategies that will help keep hackers out. The right protocols, in tandem with professional cybersecurity, will keep you as protected as you can be.