Top 10 Threats To Be Aware of 2021
Published by Red Zone Area in Threats · 31 January 2021
With the digital revolution around all businesses, small or large corporates, organizations, and even governments are relying on computerized systems to manage their day-to-day activities and thus making cybersecurity a primary goal to safeguard data from various online attacks or any unauthorized access. Continuous change in technologies also implies a parallel shift in cybersecurity trends as news of data breach, ransomware, and hacks become the norm. Here are the top cyber security trends for 2021.1) Rise of Automotive HackingThe first cyber security trend in 2021 is going to be the rise of automotive hacking. Modern vehicles nowadays come packed with automated software creating seamless connectivity for drivers in cruise control, engine timing, door lock, airbags, and advanced systems for driver assistance. These vehicles use Bluetooth and WiFi technologies to communicate, which also opens them to several vulnerabilities or threats from hackers. Gaining control of the vehicle or using microphones for eavesdropping is expected to rise in 2021 with more use of automated vehicles. Self-driving or autonomous vehicles use an even further complex mechanism that requires strict cybersecurity measures.2) Integrating AI With Cyber SecurityWith AI being introduced in all market segments, this technology with a combination of machine learning has brought tremendous changes in cybersecurity. AI has been paramount in building automated security systems, natural language processing, face detection, and automatic threat detection. Although it is also being used to develop smart malware and attacks to bypass the latest security protocols in controlling data. AI-enabled threat detection systems can predict new attacks and notify admins for any data breach instantly, making it the next cyber security trend in 2021.3) Mobile is the New TargetCybersecurity trends provide a considerable increase (50 percent) for mobile banking malware or attacks in 2019, making our handheld devices a potential prospect for hackers. All our photos, financial transactions, emails, and messages possess more threats to individuals. Smartphone's virus or malware may capture the attention of cybersecurity trends in 2021.Cybersecurity Expert Master's ProgramMaster the Skills of a Cybersecurity ProfessionalView Course4) Cloud is Also Potentially VulnerableWith more and more organizations now established on clouds, security measures need to be continuously monitored and updated to safeguard the data from leaks. Although cloud applications such as Google or Microsoft are well equipped with security from their end still, it's the user end that acts as a significant source for erroneous errors, malicious software, and phishing attacks.5) Data Breaches: Prime targetData will continue to be a leading concern for organizations around the world. Whether it be for an individual or organization, safeguarding digital data is the primary goal now. Any minor flaw or bug in your system browser or software is a potential vulnerability for hackers to access personal information. New strict measures General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was enforced from May 25th, 2018 onwards, offering data protection and privacy for individuals in the European Union(EU). Similarly, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) was applied after January 1st, 2020, for safeguarding consumer rights in the California area.6) IoT with 5G Network: The New Era of Technology and RisksNext raging cyber security trend for 2021 is the IoT with 5G networks. With 5G networks expected to roll out in 2020 globally, a new era of inter-connectivity will become a reality with the Internet of Things (IoT). This communication between multiple devices also opens them to vulnerabilities from outside influence, attacks, or an unknown software bug. Even the world's most used browser supported by Google Chrome was found to have serious flaws. 5G architecture is still effectively new in the industry and requires a lot of research to find loopholes to make the system secure from external attack. Every step of the 5G network might bring a plethora of network attacks that we might not be aware of. Here manufacturers need to be very strict in building sophisticated 5G hardware and software to control data breaches.7) Automation and IntegrationHere's the next cyber security trend - with the size of data multiplying every day, it is eminent that automation is integrated to give more sophisticated control over the information. Modern hectic work demand also pressurizes professionals and engineers to deliver quick and proficient solutions, making automation more valuable than ever. Security measurements are incorporated during the agile process to build more secure software in every aspect. Large and complex web applications are further hard to safeguard, making automation, as well as cyber security, to be a vital concept of the software development process.8) Targeted RansomwareAnother significant trend in cybersecurity is that we can't seem to ignore for 2020 is targeted ransomware. Especially in the developed nation's industries rely heavily on specific software to run their daily activities. These ransomware targets are more focussed, such as the Wanna Cry attack on the National Health Service hospitals in England Scotland corrupted more than 70,000 medical devices. Though generally, ransomware asks to threaten to publish victim's data unless a ransom is paid still, it can affect the large organization or in case of nations too.9) State-Sponsored Cyber WarfareThere won't be any stoppage between the western and eastern powers in attempts to find superiority. The tension between the US and Iran or Chinese hackers often creates worldwide news though the attacks are few; they have a significant impact on an event such as elections. And with more than 70 elections bound to be held this year, criminal activities during this time will surge. Expect high-profile data breaches, political and industrial secrets to top cyber security trends for 2021.10) Insider ThreatsHuman error is still one of the primary reasons for the data breach. Any bad day or intentional loophole can bring down a whole organization with millions of stolen data. Report by Verizon in data breach gives strategic insights on cybersecurity trends that the employees directly or indirectly made 34 percent of total attacks. So make sure you create more awareness within premises to safeguard data in every way possible.