Throughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created something of a new playground for hackers. In response, many institutions fortified cybersecurity systems and fast-tracked digital transformation initiatives. But what does the landscape for cybersecurity and the evolution of threats look like in 2021?
This article will give you clear evidence why your cybersecurity needs safer measures and practices to ensure you cut threats off before you fall victim.
What are the most recent cyber threats?
Ransomware attacks, data breaches, and all forms of cybersecurity threats have popped up recently, with a few of them gunning down the top names in the industry. Some were heavily hit, while others escaped narrowly. Here’s what you need to know about the latest cyber threats making the rounds.
1. The Facebook data breach
Most recently, security researchers found data of over 500 million Facebook Accounts on the Dark Web, accessible to all and sundry who cared to have it. This data included personal information of Facebook users, including their Facebook ID, name, phone number, all their location info, DOB, email address, account creation date, relationship status, and complete profile information.
This data, open to all, leaves many Facebook users at the mercy of hackers, scammers, unrelenting marketers, and so many others who could use that data with malicious intent.
2. Apple’s Xcode malware
In March 2021, security experts discovered hackers were infiltrating Apple’s Xcode project on Github with malware they tagged Xcode Spy. According to HackerNews, downloading the compromised code means it installs a “custom variant of the EggShell backdoor on the developer’s macOS along with a persistence mechanism.”
However, security researchers claim that this cyber threat threatens only the Apple developers as it deploys only when they launch a new project.
3. WordPress Gootloader malware attack
This is another recent ransomware attack on WordPress sites by a hacker group called Gootkit. This group deployed malware called Gootloader to millions of WordPress sites through SEO manipulation and Google algorithms’ help.
It injects millions of sites with fake content strategically positioned at the top of search results. These results lure users to download an unsuspicious infected Javascript file that is triggered once they open the downloaded content on their device. Their main targets were top niche websites in the US, Germany, and Korea.
4. Massive cyber attack on airlines
These cyber-threats also reach as far as airline service providers, like the recently affected one, SITA. The cyberattack led to a massive data breach, affecting the service that controlled information of about 90% of airlines worldwide.
SITA had to contact many airlines globally to update them of the breach of their data by a “highly sophisticated attack.” The extent of the damage is unknown; however, close to 600,000 customers of Singapore Airlines alone were affected.
5. A near miss for Tesla
In April 2021, Tesla suffered a close call where a Russian hacker planned to install ransomware into the Tesla network to extort money from them. Luckily, the FBI swooped in on Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov before he could execute his plan. He has been charged with Federal conspiracy.
Cyberthreats to watch out for in 2021
With the above list of cyber threats already executed that dealt staggering blows to some of the companies, it’s necessary to be alert. See a list of Cyber-threats to look out for this 2021.
- Ransomware attacks: Prepare for even more aggressive, and high-end attacks backed up by the latest technology. Malware may even pass undetected through high-end malware detection software.
- DDoS attacks: These have become increasingly common. Sources already say that these threats have gone up two times in the first quarter of 2021 alone.
- Cloud Attacks: Hackers directly attack cloud infrastructure through weak networks more frequently.
- 5G-enabled Attacks: Due to the high-speed networks, advanced threats will escalate through the swarm bot.
How to stay safe
To improve your cybersecurity on the web, practice these few tips:
- Backup your data and create many copies of it to avoid being held hostage by cybercriminals
- Launch a Zero-trust security framework to protect against DDoS attacks
- Monitor your website traffic
- Install a virtual firewall at every data center node
- Be wary of spooky sites and files on the internet
- Use a good, up-to-date antivirus software suite