When so much of our lives depend on our digital devices, one of the scariest prospects we can conceive of is a cyberattack. Cyber threats se...
When so much of our lives depend on our digital devices, one of the scariest prospects we can conceive of is a cyberattack. Cyber threats seem to be more devastating than ever before, compromising not only our devices but our data and threatening our sense of safety into the future. If you want to avoid a cyber attack in these trying times, you need to stay ahead of the latest methods of cyberattack, which experts predict will include:
The Obsolescence of Multi-factor Authentication
For what feels like forever, cybersecurity experts have been advocating for multi-factor authenticity: a system that verifies a user’s identity in at least two ways, with a password and a randomly generated, one-time use code texted to their phone, for example. Multiple methods of identity verification have long seemed like the obvious way to prevent unauthorized access to private accounts and networks — but now experts are saying that the days of multi-factor authentication are numbered.
For several years now, multi-factor authentication has been exceedingly widespread, so it was only a matter of time before cybercriminals found a way to attack this seemingly foolproof system. Already, criminals have found dozens of ways around multi-factor authentication, from creating proxies of user devices to swapping or duplicating SIM cards. Though multi-factor authentication remains a tempting security measure, not least because companies have put in the effort to set it up, it is essential that businesses and app owners look for new ways to verify users’ identities.
The Increasing Risk of Open-source Software
Open-source software is a type of software application that is distributed alongside its source code, which means that anyone who uses the software has the opportunity to modify it to fit their exact needs and even redistribute it under a different product name — if the resulting software is sufficiently different, of course. Most open-source software is available for free or nearly free from online libraries — and those libraries are almost certain to become targets of attack in 2024.
While it might not seem that attacks on open-source software are a concern for the average web user, the truth is that any vulnerability in any type of software can give attackers a foothold to launch bigger and more sophisticated attacks on other targets. Currently, banking and finance software seems to be the most attractive target for cybercriminals, who are eager to gain access to user’s financial accounts, so every user needs to be especially careful when downloading and inputting information into banking-related apps.
The Use of Malware as a Geopolitical Threat
Already, many states are sponsoring hacker groups to infiltrate and debilitate rival governments. The number of cyberattacks on government agencies has been rising for months, and it seems almost inevitable that ransomware will become a compulsory component of geopolitical conflict in the coming years. Even so, many governments are utterly unequipped to handle ransomware attacks. Perhaps because many world leaders are not particularly well-versed in cutting-edge technology, governments struggle to identify the best strategies for protecting themselves from cyberattacks. The international community should not be surprised if a major government agency is devastated by a massive ransomware attack in 2024.
The Widespread Application of AI in Cyberattacks
Generative AI is an exciting development for everyone — but it will almost certainly prove among the most useful for low- and medium-level cyber criminals who no longer need to toil away in the development of malware and cyberattack strategies. Despite various controls intended to prevent AI platforms’ use in nefarious activities, users have found ways to compel AI tools to assist in the creation of malicious code. Thanks to AI, cybercriminals are no longer restricted by their own knowledge and skills, which means that all types of users should expect a new rash of surprisingly sophisticated forms of attack in the coming months.
Though no one can predict what AI will help cyber attackers accomplish, most home users should be able to protect their devices and data with robust internet security tools from trusted cybersecurity providers. Many of these tools are also equipped with some degree of machine learning to help users’ security adapt to the evolving threat landscape and remain defended as new types of malware emerge.
The realm of cybersecurity always seems to get worse before it gets better, and various technological advancements in 2023 could lead to devastating threats in 2024. However, as long as all types of users remain committed to keeping themselves safe and focused on deploying the latest cybersecurity solutions, there is no need to worry about what the New Year may bring.
