The risk and severity of cyberattacks have increased tremendously over the last decade. Advances in technology and the adoption of a digital lifestyle have further advanced the threat of cyberattacks. Sophisticated cyberthreats such as ransomware, phishing, or IoT-based attacks are growing by the day. A lot of people have been led to believe — by antivirus ads — that they are safe from cyber-criminals just because they have antivirus protection, but that’s not the case. However, there is a lot more to internet security than that;
Changing Threat Landscape
The cybersecurity threat landscape is fast-evolving, and cyberattacks are not what they used to be ten years ago. Today’s threats are more complex, adaptive, and sneakier. Using antivirus software alone to protect yourself is not enough, not anymore. Here are the most common cybersecurity threats facing the public in 2020.
- Phishing. Phishing attacks use deceptive emails and websites to trick victims into giving them access to sensitive information. The vast majority of cyberattacks involve phishing emails. Hackers may also send a piece of malicious code via email and once you open it, you let them into your computer system. Hackers are now using AI and machine learning to create more convincing phishing emails.
- Ransomware. Just like the name implies, ransomware attacks involve some form of blackmail. In this type of cyberattack, hackers use technology to lock the files in your computer basically holding your data hostage until you pay a ransom. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin facilitate anonymous ransom payments and have increased the risk of ransomware attacks.
- Cryptojacking. Cryptocurrencies are increasingly becoming part of the rapidly expanding cybersecurity threat landscape. Cryptojacking attacks involve hackers hijacking your computer resources to mine digital currencies such as Bitcoin. This process requires a lot of processing power and piggybacking your computers can help Bitcoin miners meet this demand.
How to protect yourself
Your computer system faces a wide range of cyberthreats, including AI-enhanced attacks. Identifying, responding, and defending against these threats requires a high level of preparedness. Antivirus protection alone won’t cut it. You need to do more. Evaluate and classify the type of data you handle and set up a security strategy accordingly.
Secure Your Devices
As we have stated time and again, antivirus alone will not protect you against the numerous cybersecurity threats out there. While antivirus is still an essential tool in 2020, people need more to protect themselves. IT security strategists recommend using a combination of antivirus and other digital security tools for better protection. Here are a few effective security tools to protect yourself from the aforementioned risks.
Get Email Security Tools
In most cases, the weakest link in cybersecurity is the human element. Email security tools reduce the risk of social engineering attacks in an organization. Hackers often use phishing strategies to convince employees to share sensitive information or download malware into their work computers. Email security prevents harmful emails and can be used to block the sharing of confidential information.
Get a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) authenticates communication between a secure network and endpoint devices. Using a VPN is one of the most effective ways to ensure online privacy and anonymity. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your online traffic thus protecting you from online threats such as DDoS, malware, eavesdropping, and more. Follow the link to learn more about how a VPN functions.
Consider using a Vulnerability Scanner
It’s always a good idea to be on the lookout for vulnerabilities in your network or computer system. A vulnerability scanner is a security tool designed to help you assess risks and vulnerabilities in your computer system. A vulnerability scanner can help you identify, classify, and mitigate cyber risks in your computer system. This tool can help you ensure that your computer system is protected at all times.
Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and more dangerous by the day. You need to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from threats such as phishing, ransomware, IoT attacks, crypto-jacking, and more. And no, antivirus is not enough. Antivirus alone will not protect you from newer, more sophisticated attacks. Remember every computer connected to the internet is a potential target for hackers.
