2022 is a big year for technology. Major cities around the world will roll-out 5G. Merchants (almost) everywhere are accepting mobile payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet. And new data analytics will help to reshape the web. And that’s only the beginning of the significant advancements of the new decade.
Unfortunately, cybercriminals have their share of new technologies too. It will put you and your data at new risks.
Keeping your business safe online is really important as any breach in security can lead to serious issues that can cost businesses, of any size, money and their reputation.
If businesses and their staff aren’t careful, they may become victims of stolen information or hacking attacks that could shut down all operations – a devastating blow to any business.
Here are the top 8 emerging cybersecurity threats to watch out for in 2022.
Contents
1. Dangerous Online Quizzes
Many people enjoy fun quizzes online. Why wouldn’t you want to know “Which Harry Potter character are you?” Online quizzes may seem innocent, but cybercriminals also use them to harvest your data. Advertisers and companies use similar quizzes to build detailed profiles on customers.
Some hackers also use quizzes to access information stored in connected Facebook and social accounts. They may even be bold enough to ask questions like “what was the name of your first pet”.
It’s the easiest way to get answers to your account security questions. Unless you already share all that information on your social media, that is.
2. Zombie Accounts
Who can remember every site they’ve logged into? Among all the social media, content streaming, language-learning, and other apps, it’s easy to lose track. Add one-click social logins through Google and Facebook, and you have a hacker’s dream. All unused accounts are prime targets for cybercriminals.
Hackers use “zombie accounts” in a variety of ways. They may pretend to be you and ask your friends and family for money. When you stop using an app, don’t just delete it. Make sure you erase your account and personal data completely.
3. Phishing Attacks
Phishing is the act of manipulating individuals to unknowingly give out their personal information so that it can be used for malicious purposes.
These attacks are hard to recognize as they mostly masquerade as emails from respected companies, such as banks and online services.
Some antivirus services such as cyber security services such as Zeta Sky are good at alerting users of potential phishing scams and then installing it is one of the best solutions.
4. Remote Worker Endpoint Security
Work from home is set to increase in numbers and this increases the risk of cyberattacks. In WFH the internet setup will lack the robust network security that can be found at an office. This makes it easy for hackers to access business data that is stored on the cloud.
Good ways to safeguard your business when you have staff working remotely is to ensure that they have firewalls set up as well as VPNs to create protective barriers.
5. Cloud Jacking
With so many businesses now relying on cloud computing for their connectivity and data storage, it now creates an opportunity for more frequent cloud jacking.
This is where code injection attacks, either directly to the code or through a third-party library, are used to affect cloud services. These attacks can be used to eavesdrop, take control of, and even modify sensitive documents, which can cause a lot of havoc to businesses.
Also Read:
6. Cryptojacking
If cryptojacking isn’t a sign that we live in the future, then what is? Cryptojacking is a form of malware used to mine cryptocurrency on your devices without your knowledge.
Hackers place cryptojacking malware onto your system like they do any other malware or virus. Phishing, email scams, malvertising — you name it.
It’s so subtle that you might not even notice it. But it will choke your CPU and internet resources. Thus, one clear sign is an unexplained background activity or lagging network connections.
7. Unsafe Browser Extension
Chrome has nearly 200,000 browser extensions. They can do everything from blocking ads to translating websites and much more. Hackers use browser extensions to log and sell personal data, install malware, or create pop-up ads.
Before adding anything onto your browser, check the background of the extension. App reviews are a good clue. But even if these are solid, you still need to verify permissions. You don’t need to grant them access to everything, only enough to function correctly.
8. Charging Cables Loaded with Malware
It may sound like science fiction, but there are now fake charging cables that give hackers remote access to devices.
These cables look and function as a charging cable should. But after plugging them into a computer, the issues start. After you accept the “trust this computer” warning, it’s open season for hackers to take advantage of you.
Be careful where you buy your cables from. And never use random cables left in public. Make sure to follow the same procedure for USB sticks.
Conclusion:
These are only the latest emerging threats for 2022. You still need to watch out for ransomware, keyloggers, malware, and everything else that has plagued the internet for years. Make sure you protect yourself with all the necessary cybersecurity tools.
Always update your software to get the latest security patches. Run antivirus and antimalware software to prevent hackers from infecting your devices. Use VPN to block cybercriminals, advertisers, and ISPs from keeping an eye on you.
The cybersecurity threats of 2022 are countless. Shield yourself and your data to ensure your safety from any online danger that comes your way.
Also Read:
