FX.co ★ 7 global cybersecurity threats to watch out for in 2019

Cyberattacks as a way of retaliation

The authorities of many countries have already faced one of the pressing dilemmas of our time: how to respond to a large-scale cyberattack? First thing first, it depends mostly on the scope of the network threat. Analysts believe that in the nearest future the number of cybercriminals will rise.

Evolution of targeted phishing

Targeted phishing is the most successful way of cyberattacks. A key component of a targeted phishing attack is that cybercriminals arouse the victim's curiosity, luring a person into a web of deception. Massive data leaks from social media can help hackers to enhance this type of cybercrime. Experts believe that cybercriminals, who work with social engineering, see targeted phishing as an inexhaustible storehouse of opportunities. At the same time, a number of initiatives have been developed to use machine learning to improve the effectiveness of phishing. It is considered the most innovative way of infection, especially through social networks.

Network equipment and Internet of Things

Experts think that cybercriminals will be able to affect network equipment by using special tools. Many attackers use software viruses to create a universal botnet (a network of computers with stand-alone software infected with viruses). The vulnerability of the network equipment allows hackers to infect a network of computers, a local network or personal computer. When hackers make such attacks, they usually resort to the Internet of Things which uses more botnets than any other system.

New hackers to come

Nowadays, everyone can become a hacker. There are hundreds of effective tools and various software packages in the public domain. While IT specialists are strengthening the protection measures, hackers do not stay behind. They create more sophisticated virus programs. Many young promising companies use scripting tools to secure operations and improve the quality of financial services.

Olympic destroyer

Last year, the Olympic destroyer became one of the most destructive malware, and many cybercriminals actively use it to this day. Destructive malware attacks enable hackers to obtain valuable information. They can steal information about some geostrategic goals related to conflicts between different states. Many countries use cyberattacks as a tool of retaliation. It is a balance between a diplomatic response and military action. Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable to such attacks.

Supply chain security

During last year, many enterprises have faced cyber threats related to the supply chains of a product. That is why companies think twice before choosing a supplier. They check more than one time the potential suppliers 'profile. The scheme works as follows: when the object is known, the hacker can infect the hardware at the starting point rather than on the way to the customer. Supply chain attacks are an effective way to infect the computer. Only highly professional groups of hackers are able to pull off such a job.