Today, malicious software and viruses are more common than ever. That’s why having protection such as antivirus is essential. However, the threat landscape has changed drastically in the past few years and so should your approach to protecting data and identity online. Advanced threats such as ransomware, AI-enhanced threats, and malware created for specific targets are on the rise. These online threats are harder to identify and get rid of using antivirus alone.
The reality is that cybercrime will continue to evolve and find new ways to compromise sensitive personal or company data. You need to make sure that your data is protected from a wide range of existing and emerging threats. Here are the top cybersecurity threats you should be concerned about in 2020.
- Ransomware: In a ransomware attack, a hacker will infect your computer system with a piece of malware that locks all their data. Research predicts a 300% increase in RYUK-related ransomware attacks (a specific type of ransomware) in 2020, most of which will be targeting small businesses.
- Phishing: Phishing is one of the most common cybersecurity threats facing the public in 2020. These social engineering attacks generate fraudulent emails, texts, or websites and use them to trick victims into sharing data. Phishing attacks target information such as credit card details, passwords, and login credentials.
- AI-Enhanced Cyberthreats: In 2020, hackers are using intelligent tech to up their game. Attackers are now able to create programs that mimic known human behaviour using artificial intelligence. Integrating AI and machine learning into malware programs will make it easier for hackers to bypass and infiltrate targeted systems.
Cybersecurity Tools
A couple of decades ago, your PC might have been your only source of cybersecurity risk. Antivirus protection was enough. Today, there are so many connected devices and cyber crooks have dozens of ways to compromise our data. They can attack your smartphone, computer, home Wi-Fi, smart home system, etc. Here are five security tools to protect yourself from these cyberattacks.
VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective tools when it comes to online security. What a VPN does is that it provides privacy and anonymity online by hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. If you want a security tool that protects you from malware, DDoS attacks, snooping, etc., a VPN can help.
Vulnerability Scanner
There is a wide range of cyberthreats out there. You need to know that your computer system is adequately protected against these threats and there are no vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. A vulnerability scanner can help you conduct a thorough audit and identify weaknesses in your network infrastructure.
Email Security
Without protection, email can put users at risk of phishing, and malware. Phishing attacks deploy an email to transmit fake messages intended to trick people into clicking into links or attachments that install malware or expose sensitive information. Email security tools can protect you against threats such as phishing.
Encryption Software
Theft is a major cyberthreat. Stolen laptops often end up in the hands of hackers who may try to access the information you may have stored on it. Using encryption software is the most effective way to protect your data against physical theft. Encrypting your hard drives makes it impossible for hackers to access this data.
Around-the-Clock Protection
Prevention is better than cure. Adapt to the changing threat landscape by combining tools such as antivirus, firewalls, and VPN with 24/7 monitoring. Having a proactive approach to cybersecurity will help you anticipate and prevent possible attacks before they cause any damage.
Digital threats become increasingly complex nowadays, we are not only dealing with less sophisticated versions of malware like Trojan horses or worms like ten years ago. While it still offers some protection against viruses and malware, antivirus software is no longer enough to keep your data secure on its own. In an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, there’s a need for a more proactive cybersecurity approach.
