Hackers are just like us. As we use the start of a new year to make changes and improvements to our lives, so do the hackers. Here is what you can expect from cyber attacks in 2019, as well as how you can protect yourself.
Hackers are getting more sophisticated
One thing you can be sure of is that cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and harder to recognize. So far, much of hacking has been done by actual people. Hackers to scour the internet looking for a way to infiltrate personal accounts to multi-national corporations and state networks. As our lives become more automated, so will the hacking.
Artificial intelligence
Phishing scams will become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence in 2019.
“Narrow artificial intelligence is going to supercharge malware in the next couple of years.”
When used for good, artificial intelligence (AI) can improve our lives and make our days more efficient both personally and professionally. When used for evil, AI can disrupt and bankrupt our lives, both personally and professionally. Hackers are going to use AI to mimic human online behavior making it easier and much faster to target specific online environments. As AI gets better at imitating, human behavior hackers will be able to move about more freely and undetected. And, at superhuman speed.
Phishing
We’ve all been warned against malicious and suspicious emails asking for login information or other personal data. Artificial intelligence is going to make phishing scams much harder to detect. So far, phishing scams will rely on you clicking a link or opening an email that has been sent from a seemingly trusted source. However, with AI, the hackers will be able to infiltrate an email chain that is already in progress and has already been deemed “secure.” You may not even realize that you are responding to a malicious email before it is too late.
Alexa! Download cybersecurity
Cyber attacks and cybersecurity is a neverending game of cat and mouse. Hackers may be using AI to make their attacks smarter, faster, and harder to detect but cybersecurity measures are also becoming more sophisticated. AI can also be used to combat cyber attacks and give you more advanced security. Cybersecurity technology will also be using AI to recognize and target malware and bad-actors before they become a problem. However, before you turn to Alexa to solve all of your cybersecurity fears, there is something to be said for taking personal responsibility for your cybersecurity.
Update, back-up, and change your passwords to increase cybersecurity.
Updates, back-ups, and passwords
Two of the simplest and most effective ways to take cybersecurity measures in your own hands is to:
- Be vigilant about updating your programs, apps, and systems as updates become available.
- Change passwords regularly using a password generator.
- Back-up, back-up, back-up.
For more information about how to maximize cybersecurity for your small business, talk to a cybersecurity expert at OnePointSync.
