Cyber Threats 2019: Prevention Strategies for a Secure Future

Although the Internet has made it possible to work, study, communicate, and interact with the world more easily than ever before, it has also become the primary gateway to cyber threats, which continue to grow in both number and sophistication. What were the main cybersecurity risks anticipated for 2019?

In 2019, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) emerged as some of the most influential technologies, but they also became prime targets for increasingly advanced cyberattacks. According to cybersecurity company Avast, a new category of attacks known as DeepAttacks was expected to emerge. These attacks leverage AI-generated content to bypass traditional security controls. Similar incidents had already been observed during 2018.

Regarding the Internet of Things (IoT), ESET warned that cybercriminals could exploit interconnected IoT devices to invade users' privacy. The company also emphasized the importance of users being mindful of the type and amount of personal information they share through these connected devices.

Forcepoint predicted that cyber attackers would increasingly target industrial IoT devices by exploiting vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure and hardware. Since these devices require constant connectivity, they present a much larger attack surface.

According to Symantec, cybercriminals would not only attack AI systems but would also use AI techniques to enhance the effectiveness of their own attacks. Meanwhile, WatchGuard predicted that AI-powered chatbots could redirect users to malicious websites where they might unknowingly download malware or disclose sensitive information.

The most common threats continued to target mobile devices, with malicious advertising, fake applications, and banking trojans leading the list. Attacks against home routers also remained a concern, while the deployment of 5G networks was expected to further expand the overall attack surface.

Among the emerging cybersecurity risks were cryptocurrencies and biometric devices, such as facial recognition systems and fingerprint readers.

How can you protect yourself?

One of the most important security practices is to install operating system security patches promptly and keep all applications up to date. Outdated software is significantly more vulnerable to cyberattacks. According to Avast, 55% of the applications installed on 163 million computers worldwide were outdated.

Many cyber threats become successful attacks simply because users lack awareness. According to ESET Latin America, everyone should adopt the following security habits:

• Review the permissions granted to applications linked to your accounts.
• Configure the privacy settings of your accounts and social media profiles.
• Never open or share files without verifying that they are safe.
• Update your passwords regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible.
• Back up your data frequently.

Source: Revista Pymes.