Cybersecurity Threats To Watch Out For In 2022

In 2021, cybercriminals launched a series of attacks that were not only well-coordinated but also far more sophisticated than any previous attacks. Cybersecurity threats are becoming more common with each passing year and they are unlikely to abate in 2022. Therefore, it won’t be any better in 2022 if your cybersecurity solutions aren’t up to the mark for protecting your organization now. If you are still having trouble integrating and managing your security controls, the resultant complexity and lack of visibility might put your organization in danger. 

Although no one can forecast the future with certainty, here are the top 10 cybersecurity dangers that businesses should be aware of in 2022. 

Remote Working 

Within an organization’s structure, typical cybersecurity threats can be mitigated by various parameter security controls. However, when staff works remotely, putting in place cybersecurity precautions becomes more complicated. The security parameter will decrease as businesses and employees both embrace the remote workforce ethos. This will lead to a rise in the usage of personal devices to access systems from afar. Cybercriminals will use this to attack employees’ personal gadgets, which are easily accessible.

Therefore, during remote work, unsafe networks, usage of personal devices, and human errors are just a few of the top cybersecurity threats that you need to watch out for in 2022. 

In response to these threats, implementing security measures such as VPNs, anti-phishing tools, cybersecurity training for employees, and other latest security tools can help to mitigate the risk to a great extent.

Social Engineering

Human error and mistakes are increasingly becoming prominent causes of data breaches. Cybercriminals use social engineering to compromise the information of their targets and take advantage of our human nature and curiosity. Social engineering attacks will continue to grow in the next year due to a lack of cybersecurity education and the belief that it is only the duty of a cybersecurity team. Social engineering-based mobile attacks like phishing can result in everything from fraud to more advanced espionage. Therefore, with this human-centered approach in mind, it is up to organizations to assist their staff in fending off such attacks. Phishing, Quid Pro Quo, Pretexting, and Tailgating are the common forms of social engineering attacks. 

Therefore, it is important to continuously monitor that your software is up to date, implement email security, train staff on attacker techniques & how to avoid them to protect yourself and your organization’s assets from being robbed. 

Internet Of Things (IoT)

In 2022, cyberattacks targeting edge devices will become more common as the number of IoT devices grows. Digital transformation is all about data management now. One of the primary sources of that data is the Internet of Things. IoT devices are susceptible mostly due to a lack of security mechanisms built-in to protect against attacks. Cybercriminals can obtain access to sensitive data and launch attacks against other linked systems by exploiting vulnerabilities in IoT devices. 

Therefore, every data and information that circulates through an IoT system should be appropriately mapped. Each networked device should be set up with security in mind, including secure usernames and passwords. The organization’s security policy should be developed on the presumption of compromise.

Bitcoin Scams

The emergence and development of the ransomware sector will be fueled by cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, with increasing attacks on critical infrastructure and calls for its regulation gaining support.

Threat actors frequently demand ransomware payments in bitcoin because it provides anonymity for the destination address linked with the ransom demand. A crypto wallet does not require any personally identifying information, unlike a bank account. Therefore, organizations need to concentrate on strengthening their cybersecurity posture and determining their level of preparedness for an attack, as well as performing exercises to uncover any security flaws that need to be addressed. This will aid in the disruption of successful attacks and impose actual consequences on the perpetrators.

Attack Against Linux

Linux is becoming a more attractive target for cybercriminals since it powers the backend systems of many networks and container-based solutions for IoT devices and mission-critical applications. Many firms are accustomed to protecting against Windows but are unfamiliar with keeping up with Linux in terms of defense and malware research. Important data such as Secure Socket Shell (SSH) credentials, certificates, application usernames, and passwords are frequently found in Linux settings, which is the worst situation.

Vermilion Strike is a malicious implementation of Cobalt Strike’s Beacon functionality that may target Linux computers. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is being actively integrated into Windows 11 by Microsoft. WSL is a compatibility layer that allows Windows to run Linux binary executables natively. Botnet malware is increasingly being created on Linux computers. Log4J is also a nice example of a recent attack in which Linux binaries have taken advantage of the situation.

Cloud Vulnerabilities

As cloud adoption has already increased, threat actors are focusing on more cloud vulnerabilities as organizations continue to install apps and services on the cloud for seamless access. In 2020, the transition to cloud data storage became a trend, and 2021 has been designated as the year for cloud security risks. Organizations are increasingly turning to the cloud to accelerate their digital transformation. In order to improve cloud security in 2022, cyber security specialists would have to work even harder. This is because, despite the increasing adoption of the cloud, data security remains a key concern for many organizations. 

Therefore, establish a data backup strategy and determine who has access to your information. To avert future risks, do penetration testing and, most importantly, teach your staff about cyber threats and how to resist them.

Ransomware Attacks

In 2022, ransomware will remain the most serious security threat. APT actors are the next significant threat, because of their lack of financial motivation. These attacks are more complex than ransomware because they include not only financial security but also the protection of intellectual property and data. Supply chain attacks are the primary concern given the sophisticated tools that are currently being used to readily deliver these sorts of attacks. Threat actors are not as reliant on phishing as they formerly were. Without going through the front door, attackers can get access to the whole supply chain. This security issue isn’t going away anytime soon. Whether it’s stealing IP or money, as long as there’s money involved, someone will always find a way to obtain it.

Therefore, restrict the information a cybercriminal has access to and avoid clicking on links in emails from unknown senders. Set up a standard firewall to protect computers and networks from illegal access. Before you put your devices in danger of being attacked, make sure you backup your data update your software.

Other Upcoming Security Threats 

Phishing

Phishing is a significant cyber security issue. More than 75% of targeted cyberattacks begin with an employee of an organization opening a fraudulent email. Therefore, it will be a great threat in the upcoming year.

Training and awareness are the most effective preventative methods against cyber threats. Employees should be trained on many forms of security risks in general, as well as specialized phishing methods.

Credential Stuffing

It is a cyber-attack in which credentials from one service are used to log in to another unrelated service. These attacks are becoming increasingly common as more sophisticated bots attempt several logins at once while posing as multiple IP addresses.

Therefore, implementing multi-factor authentication, employing behavioral analytics, device fingerprinting, and IP block listing are some of the primary steps that need to be taken to prevent these attacks.

Insider Threats

One of the most prevalent sorts of security dangers is the insider threat. It generally happens when workers abuse their permitted access in a way that causes the organization’s system to malfunction. As a result, they are more likely to email client data to third parties or divulge their login details. Cybersecurity methods designed to delete, sell, or steal data would be thwarted by such attacks.

To avoid such threats, limit employees’ authorized access and train employees on security, and make them aware of its importance. 

Malvertising

Malicious advertising, sometimes known as malvertising, is a relatively recent type of cybercrime. Cybercriminals employ this approach to include dangerous code in digital adverts, redirect consumers to fraudulent websites, or install malware on their devices. Because it is difficult for internet users and publishers to distinguish them from authorized advertising networks, they are frequently offered to consumers through legitimate advertising networks.

Therefore, several actions should be taken to reduce the risk of this cyber threat. Make sure your software and extensions are up to date, use antivirus software, and avoid using Java and Flash programs or ads.

Satellite Attacks

As satellite internet coverage grows, the possibility of new attacks targeting these networks grows as well. Organizations that are relying on satellite communication for low-latency activities such as online gaming or delivering crucial services to remote places would be the primary targets. As corporations install satellite networks to link previously off-grid technologies, such as distant OT devices, the potential attack surface will continue to grow.

Also Read: Cybersecurity Trends That Will Be Dominating 2022

Conclusion

We’ve seen cybercriminals get more knowledgeable and rapid at retooling their strategies over the last year, and it might go the same in 2022 as well. Therefore, with the changing threat landscape and the ongoing effects of the worldwide pandemic, businesses must remain on top of cybersecurity developments to be proactive and effective in securing their data.