The new year has always been an important marker for cybersecurity professionals “ just think back to Y2K and the widespread concern that every piece of technology might stop working at midnight on January 1, 2000. After a tough 2018, marked by extensive spam communication via both email and telephone, tens of thousands of different internet scams, and substantial business losses related to online fraud, though, experts are predicting an even more tumultuous 2019.
Here are four threats that may be on the horizon, and what the cybersecurity professionals suggest you can do to stop them.
Cryptojacking Takes Over
Cryptocurrency made significant gains in popularity in 2018, as even some mainstream businesses began accepting these digital funds. In order to keep up with demands, though, users need to mine the funds, and they often do so by using other people’s computer power. In 2019, then, both personal and business computer users should watch out for cryptojacking “ using another person’s CPU power to run cryptocurrency algorithms. Cryptojacking not only slows down computers but is a sign that your system is vulnerable and you need to increase network protections.
The Globe Embraces GDPR
The launch of GDPR, the regulations protecting data use and management in European countries, and among businesses elsewhere that are handling that data, was one of the most important cypersecurity events of 2018 “ and it may represent what’s ahead on a broader scale in 2019. According to numerous tech experts, other countries are likely to embrace GDPR-style regulations, establishing a gold standard for data protections. Currently, a lack of such regulations poses a serious problem for cybersecurity professionals, particularly when attempting to plan for comprehensive data management.
Creating a standard set of data protection regulations would better allow IT professionals to be proactive in planning for cybersecurity threats. Such actions might include developing better BYOD policies and employee education programs, as well as allowing for better design and selection of anti-virus software and VPNs.
Protecting Stable Data
Data encryption is a top priority among security experts, but when they talk about encryption, it’s typically in the context of communications “ in other words, data in motion. In 2019, however, experts suggest that security systems will need to start embracing encryption at rest. Though data may be most vulnerable when in motion, such as when being sent via email, it can also be accessed, modified, and lost when not in use. Better encryption at rest can also protect data stored on devices that are lost or stolen, making it a key element in any cybersecurity program.
Be Mindful Of Manipulation
Finally, in 2019, data security systems need to shift away from simple data access or theft to consider the risks of data manipulation. Why is this important? Simply put, when hackers access information, they can learn a lot about individuals and companies, but there’s a limit to what they can accomplish. By manipulating that same data, however, it may be possible for attackers to modify information to harm another’s integrity or reputation, change vital data in medical records or construction plans, and otherwise create material risks. Some healthcare professionals have even suggested that hackers might be able to change the output of MRI and CT machines and other important healthcare equipment.
In 2019, businesses and individuals will continue to face the old threats “ identity theft and phishing attacks will likely increase, as they have over the last several years. In order to stay ahead of the attackers, then, both security professionals and lay users need to emphasize continuous education. As they say, there’s no defense like a good offense. If you can stay ahead of the threats, you can keep your data safe.
