The Future is Now: 2023's Most Dangerous Emerging Cyber Threats
Joe Shenouda
Head of Cyber Defense @ Transavia a.i. | CIO & Co-Founder FenxLabs | Member of Cybermeister
Emerging threats are the new kids on the block in cybersecurity. From nation-state espionage to deep fake technology, these threats constantly evolve and can be challenging to defend against. Stay ahead of the game and learn about the top 10 emerging threats facing organizations in 2023!
Emerging threats are new or rapidly evolving cyber threats that pose a significant risk to organizations. These threats can take many forms and can be difficult to predict or defend against. Some examples of emerging threats in 2023 include:
Deepfake technology: Deepfake technology allows for the creation of realistic-looking videos or audio recordings that have been manipulated to show something that did not actually happen. This technology can be used to spread disinformation or carry out cyber attacks. For example, attackers may use deep fake technology to create fake videos of executives making fraudulent statements or to impersonate a company's CEO in a phishing attack.
Cloud security threats: As more organizations move their data and applications to the cloud, they are also introducing new security risks. These risks can include data breaches, unauthorized access to cloud accounts, and attacks on cloud infrastructure. It is crucial for organizations to assess the security of their cloud provider carefully and to implement appropriate controls to protect their data in the cloud.
Cryptojacking: Cryptojacking refers to the practice of using someone's computer to mine cryptocurrency without their knowledge or permission. This can be done through the use of malware or by manipulating a website to execute code that mines cryptocurrency in the background. Cryptojacking can slow down a victim's computer and may also lead to the theft of sensitive data.
Machine learning attacks: Machine learning algorithms can be used to automate and improve the effectiveness of cyber-attacks. For example, machine learning algorithms can generate realistic-looking phishing emails or evade detection by security systems. As machine learning technology becomes more advanced, we will likely see an increase in the use of machine learning in cyber attacks.
Quantum computing attacks: Quantum computers are much more powerful than traditional computers and could break many of the encryption algorithms currently used to secure data. While quantum computers are still in the early stages of development, organizations need to start considering the potential risks and start looking for ways to secure their systems against potential quantum computing attacks.
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Nation-state cyber espionage: This refers to cyber attacks carried out by nation-states or state-sponsored hackers to gather intelligence or steal sensitive data. These attacks can be highly sophisticated and may involve the use of advanced malware, zero-day vulnerabilities, and other tactics.
IoT attacks: The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the growing network of connected devices that are being used in businesses and homes. These devices are often poorly secured, making them vulnerable to attacks. For example, attackers may be able to compromise an IoT device to gain access to a network or to use the device to launch further attacks.
Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS): Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands a ransom from the victim to restore access. RaaS refers to the practice of offering ransomware as a service, where anyone can purchase and use ransomware to attack organizations. This has made it easier for even unskilled attackers to launch ransomware attacks.
Supply chain attacks: A supply chain attack involves compromising a vendor or supplier in order to gain access to an organization's networks or systems. This can be particularly difficult to detect and prevent, as the attack originates outside of the organization. For example, an attacker may compromise a software vendor's update process to deliver malware to an organization's systems.
Social engineering attacks: Social engineering attacks involve manipulating people rather than exploiting technical vulnerabilities. These attacks can take many forms, such as phishing scams, pretexting (impersonating someone to obtain sensitive information), and baiting (offering something to entice a victim to divulge sensitive information). Social engineering attacks are particularly effective because they exploit human weaknesses rather than technical vulnerabilities. For example, an attacker may send a phishing email that appears to be from a trusted source, in an attempt to trick the victim into revealing their login credentials.
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CEO focusing on cyber security solutions and business continuity
2 å¹´Operational technology (OT) refers to the systems and equipment used to control and monitor industrial processes, such as those found in the energy, manufacturing, and transportation sectors. These systems often rely on older technologies and may have limited cybersecurity measures in place, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks. If an attacker were to successfully compromise an OT system, such as a SCADA system in a national power grid, the consequences could be catastrophic. A SCADA system attack could potentially result in a power outage that affects a large area, disrupting essential services and causing widespread disruption to society. Depending on the duration and severity of the outage, the consequences could range from minor inconvenience to serious harm or even loss of life. In a cascading scenario, an attack on an OT system could potentially lead to other attacks on critical infrastructure or other sectors of society. For example, if a power outage disrupted the transportation sector, it could lead to delays and disruptions in the delivery of goods and services, which could in turn have an impact on other sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government.