In 2018 we saw a rise in data breaches and deepening mistrust in social media platforms like Facebook. More than ever digital users should be wary about what data is being sold. Read on for 2019’s cyber security forecast.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning
AI and deep learning enable repetitive work to become digitized. It is predicted these systems will be targeted by hackers to disrupt commercial operations or make these operations execute different malicious commands.
What might this look like?
AI tools can be co-opted by hackers to make things like spear phishing campaigns even more targeted. New tactics have been introduced where the scammers lurk a third party’s email to better imitate someone the victim will trust.
2. Internet of Things (IoT) Attacks
Symantec Security predicts that attacks on IoT devices will go past DDoS botnets and into controlling physical objects, like computerized cars or home thermostats. Increasingly hackers will also use this access to cryptojack, harnessing your device to mine for cryptocurrencies.
In the US, California already passed legislation tightening security features for IoT devices that can be accessed outside a local area network. This restriction protects societal sectors like healthcare that have been targeted before.
3. Data Breaches
Due to the data breaches in 2018 most companies do not store sensitive consumer information. Hacks will continue snatching data en route somewhere, like through ecommerce sites. They do this by embedding bugs into online shopping sites through a process called formjacking.
Another way hackers can intercept your data is through hardware like the VPNFilter attack we saw affecting routers earlier this year.
Check out our cyber security resolutions for habits that will keep you safe in 2019!