As the world of internet grows without any restraints, it becomes imperative to understand the repercussions of such unbridled growth. People all around the world use the internet today and a simple smartphone grants you access to terabytes upon terabytes of data from anywhere around the world.
However, this power of technology is as applicable for the bad side as it is for the good. According to statistics, it is predicted that the quantity of data stolen over the internet can rise by up to 175% in the next 5 years. This is a huge percentage and represents the immense threat to data that exists today.
In this context, cyber security must continue to evolve too if the internet is to grant any sense of security. Here are some of the most common trends in cyber security today that how it is evolving:
1. Phishing – Main Mode of Attack
As an increasing number of communication and information is transferred through online platforms of emails, it has become very apparent to hackers that that very medium is where they should focus. As a result, the current modes of attack in the digital realm are more sophisticated phishing methods that target prominent professionals in the field who would use these media to exchange sensitive information.
2. Multifactor Authentication
Another growing mode of attack has been porting frauds that involve interception by taking over a phone number. Moreover, SIM Swaps have also become relatively popular among a number of frauds. To counter these, professionals are learning the fundamentals of cybersecurity and educating users to always opt for multifactor authentication.
Although, at present this sort of authentication does exist, especially for financial operations, it is predicted that they will become the general norm for any sort of logins or operations that require authentication. Even Google is employing multifactor authentication among some sections of its logins.
3. The Dread of Artificial Intelligence
With huge investments going into Artificial Intelligence and the number of people awaiting its newest applications, very few actually realize how easily this very technology can be used in harmful applications. Even more terrifying is the fact that more and more technologies, such as cellphones are trying to add Artificial Intelligence to their features, one way or the other.
With predictions being made of adaptive malware through Artificial Intelligence, all such devices could be at a risk. But, not just those devices, even devices that do not use the technology will find it incredibly difficult to fight AI-powered malware.
4. Cloud Control
It has become standard protocol for the data among organizations to be backed up on a cloud server. This enables immediate control, accessibility, collaboration opportunities and much more. However, it also puts data at risk. In fact, with several attempts already made and several successful ones, cloud hacking is taking root as a common mode of attack for several hackers. This is probably one of the many reasons that many companies shy away from deploying cloud in their businesses.