5 Emerging Cyber Security Challenges in 2022

The introduction of technological innovations has caused things to move towards the internet. Even the grandparents who always had a fuss with online shopping have converted.

But, that ease comes with its set of challenges. We know that 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) are being implemented quickly. This poses a real challenge for people to protect their identity. We see thefts, data breaches, and hacking of key information every day. And this calls for strong cyber security measures.

Cyber security is a broad sector and so are the emerging challenges. 

What Is Cyber Security?

It refers to any malevolent cyber-attacks that gain access to data. These attacks are made for ulterior motives such as:

• Extortion
• Disrupting organizational operations
• Misuse of data
• Tainting one’s reputation

These threats are from hackers, spies, criminal organizations, hostile nations, or unhappy employees.

Recently, all cyber security hacks aimed to get one common thing- data.

In 2017, the breach at Equifax aimed to access personal data. They retracted the data of 143 million customers. The aim was to collect social security numbers, birth dates, and addresses.    

It is an example of many sophisticated attacks in the last three years.

These instances are easy to avoid by implementing some tactful measures. For example, residential proxies from Blazing SEO help secure the IP address. These kinds of proxies give you a different but legitimate IP address, adding a layer of protection to your network. You can also implement methods such as firewalls, testing, and retesting the encryptions.

Top 5 Emerging Cyber Security Threats 

Cyber security challenges have become sophisticated in 2021. Here are some challenges that may need proper actions to curtail in 2022.   

1. Ransomware Attacks

Like everything going digital, robbing and hijacking are also gone digital.

But, these attacks are not new. Ransomware attacks are growing due to the dependencies on the internet.

The attackers often ask for a hefty amount in exchange for sensitive data. And on paying the ransom, extort for more money.

In 2021, these attacks moved from individuals to companies. And some giants also became victims.

• KIA Motors paid 404 bitcoins, roughly 20 million USD 
• Acer paid 50 million USD
• Washington DC Police Department had all their sensitive data compromised and hackers asked for 4 million USD 
• CNA Financial Corp paid off 40 million USD  to get back all their data and operations.

With cryptocurrency, the hackers can ask to be paid anonymously; hence it has become easy to hack and get paid without a trial.

There are some ways companies can deploy to avoid ransomware attacks.  

• Use VPN or residential proxies
• Never click on unsafe links
• Avoid clicking on suspicious emails
• Keep systems and programs up-to-date 

2. Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Attacks

As the world is heading to this dynamic way of payment, the attacks on these modes of payment are also increasing.

These attacks may not affect an average user, but it is a huge cyber security threat for companies and organizations.

According to stats from BBC News:

• BitGrail: An estimated hack of 146 million USD from the Italian Exchange
• MtGox: 450 million USD, which caused the Japanese Exchange to crash
• KuCoin: 281 million USD, stolen from the Seychelles-based exchange
• Poly Network: 610 million USD, hacked from a Chinese platform
• Coincheck: 534 million USD, hacked from the Japanese Exchange

In the above-mentioned cases, few companies reimbursed some of the consumers. While some consumers are still hopeful, they will compensate for the losses.    

3. Remote Work Dynamic

As the world came out of the chaos of Covid-19, the work dynamic also changed. Nowadays, offices are adapting to new, work-from-home methods. It has many benefits, however, we can see some cracks too.  

When in office there are different protocols in place. But a company cannot ensure the security of home networks used by each employee. Hence companies are becoming vulnerable and data gets compromised.  

Offices have secure networks and most data exchanges happen on the internet. Each employee connects to the company website on a secure server. Services like residential proxies.

There are various products and plans that an organization can indulge in to secure their employees and data on the internet.

It is a unique way to protect the devices from any cyber-attacks and protect the data.

4. Internet of Things (IoT)

It is not a new term, but some people don’t know that the Internet of Things is interconnecting all physical objects. The objects connect physical objects with each other.

The data is transmitted between devices and this creates a room for hackers or intruders. It makes it easy for criminals and cyber-criminals to exploit information and collect data.

These devices may be smart and create convenience. But networks are susceptible to these intruders due to vulnerability.

It is high time to increase the unwavering cybersecurity infrastructure. There are service providers that offer plans for mobile and other products to safeguard consumers in every way.

There are various plans available for individuals, businesses, and enterprises. Depending on the size of the company these plans cater to various consumers.   

5. Phishing Scams

It is one of the words we hear since the inception of the internet. Sadly, this factor never was contained. In fact, it developed some sophisticated tactics with time.

Despite all digital literacy, people still fall victim to phishing scams. Recently, a phishing scam regarding covid-19 vaccines is trending. Individuals are receiving emails about their fake appointments for the vaccines.

And unfortunately, numerous people have fallen victim to this phishing scam. It is high time for companies and institutions to implement protocols and create awareness.

These scams have become even more sophisticated to make matters worse. The patterns are becoming untraceable to fool organizations and breach data.  

Conclusion 

As these threats have become sophisticated there is a need to address them for the year 2022. We can clearly see that the use of the internet is only increasing. And so are the cyber security threats. With education and protocols, these attacks can be harnessed for a safer 2022.