No matter if you love technology, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, there’s no doubt it is becoming a bigger part of your life. Our digital world is expanding as more people work from home and more companies conduct their business online. But as our digital activity increases, so does criminals’ desire to take advantage of it, leading to new advancements in computer security threats and digital crime.

In the last few years, major companies across the globe have experienced cybercrimes ranging from data breaches, to unauthorized access of financial accounts, to digital impersonations of CEOs, and everything in between. From new online stores to established corporations, companies of all types, sizes, and industries are at risk.

Although cybercriminals are continuing to become smarter and more strategic, it’s also clear that many businesses aren’t putting up much of a fight when it comes to their cybersecurity. It’s up to you to protect your organization and make sure it’s investing in its security. It’s up to us, as IT experts, to provide you with the information, resources, and services necessary to help make that happen.

3 Major Trends for Computer Security Threats in 2021

Thinking about all the new and varied cyberthreats your company faces today can quickly feel overwhelming. Where should you begin, and how can you make sure you’re staying informed?

To get started, we’ve identified 3 major trends for computer security threats in 2021 that all businesses should be aware of, so you can watch out for them in whatever form they may take.

1. Disruption

Disrupting your business is a powerful way for cybercriminals to distract you, cost you time and money, bait you into making quick and unsecure fixes, or put you at their mercy. For instance, they can use premeditated internet outages to disrupt your organization, hampering business functions and employee productivity.

Cybercriminals can also cause disruption with ransomware attacks, which have increased in popularity over recent years. In these attacks, hackers gain access to information you need, either because it is necessary to run your business or because it is sensitive information you don’t want leaked. Either way, the hackers hold your data hostage and demand you pay a ransom to get it back.

2. Distortion

With the development of technology comes the development of bots and vehicles of misinformation. This could cause more members of the public to distrust the integrity of information they encounter. Or it could cause the opposite: people might mistakenly trust false information.

In either case, it’s often bad for business. It makes it difficult to communicate with consumers or maintain their trust, especially if cybercriminals have falsified information about you or impersonated you.

Hackers are distorting the data and technologies businesses use, too. For instance, criminals who hack into your company cloud might upload fake documents that instruct employees to move money into the hackers’ account or compromise your security even further.

3. Deterioration

The deterioration of a company’s complete control over its business practices can open it up to a variety of risks, which cybercriminals are quick to take advantage of. For example, more and more businesses are implementing AI to increase their efficiency. But if you deploy untested AI, it could lead to unexpected outcomes, including higher exposure to cybercrimes.

Rapid technological advancement can also mean new federal laws to regulate it, lessening companies’ control. Many expect that increases in surveillance laws could put corporations at risk of having their information exposed. Increased privacy regulations can prevent businesses from effectively monitoring employees, making it harder to identify any insider threats.

Top 10 Computer Security Threats to Prepare for in 2021

Strengthening your cybersecurity means being proactive and staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. This starts with identifying which threats are most likely to impact companies this year.

Browse our top 3 in the infographic below, or read on for more information about all top 10 computer security threats to prepare for in 2021.

1. Phishing Attacks

In a phishing attack, a hacker pretends to be someone you trust, such as your boss or your bank. Most commonly, the hacker emails you from a familiar—but slightly altered—email address.

Typically, the hacker emails you a link or attachment. They ask you to go to a website, log into your account, or enter your personal information, such as your Social Security or bank account number. In 2019, phishing was responsible for 32% of confirmed data breaches and 78% of all cybercrimes.

This year, cybercriminals have managed to create phishing schemes through companies’ cloud applications. Because of the crime’s relative newness and the implicit trust that employees have in their companies, cloud-based phishing is one of the top cybercrimes that companies need to look out for in 2021.

2. Cloud Jacking

Cloud jacking is the process by which cloud computing is infiltrated by a third party. Once a hacker gets into your company cloud, they may try to reconfigure the cloud code to manipulate sensitive data, eavesdrop on employees and company communications, and expand their reach to take control of the entire cloud.

As we mentioned earlier, cybercriminals will also use this as an opportunity to create phishing schemes. In these scenarios, cybercriminals upload fake memos, instructions, or other files to the company cloud. Employees, believing these materials are approved by the company, download the malicious files or follow the fake instructions.

This can result in everything from workers granting hackers greater company access, to releasing sensitive data, to even moving company funds into fraudulent accounts.

3. Network Perimeter and Endpoint Security

From traveling salesmen to equity investors, professionals who work remotely can be at risk from inadequate network perimeter and endpoint security. As more and more workers have had to switch to remote work in 2021, these security issues become bigger targets for hackers.

Remote work environments often lack many of the security measures put in place at your company’s workplace. With network perimeter and endpoint security, we are referring to measures that secure your computer network and its connections to various computers, phones, tablets, servers, databases, and more.

Mobile devices, which professionals often use to conduct business on the road, are often more exposed to phishing schemes because of the ways we interact with these devices. Fast-paced communications and interactions can make people more prone to click on links, playing right into phishing schemes. Experts predict that many data breaches will occur through telecommuters, mobile devices, and off-premises assets.

Even after COVID-related restrictions lift, many workers will not be returning to company offices. In the U.S., 59% of employees working from home during the pandemic say they prefer to work remotely. Some companies have already announced they are switching to a permanent remote workforce, making adequate network perimeter and endpoint security critically important for years to come.

4. Mobile Malware

It’s not just remote employees who use mobile devices for work. Many professionals are increasingly moving from desktops to laptops or smartphones for some or all of their work.

Mobile malware is a type of software used specifically on mobile devices for malicious purposes. As larger amounts of sensitive company data are being accessed and stored on mobile devices, mobile malware attacks are very likely to be one of the most pertinent cybersecurity threats this year.

5. 5G-to-Wi-Fi Security Vulnerabilities

As cyberattacks continue to become more and more sophisticated, attacks are likely to take place in newer digital spheres. In particular, we expect to see cybercriminals exploring ways to attack the 5G-to-Wi-Fi handover.

As 5G becomes more and more commonly used, wireless providers are handing off more calls and data to Wi-Fi networks in an attempt to save bandwidth. And because of this rapid growth in 5G, the technology used to protect this handover is not yet developed enough to fully protect the transition. This gives opportunities to cybercriminals to compromise these mobile devices.

Areas that are popular for professionals to perform mobile work—such as airports, cafes, and hotels—are hotspots for the 5G-to-Wi-Fi handover. This puts the voice and data information on these mobile devices at greater risk. And while these devices have built-in technologies that allow this transition to occur quietly and without notice, researchers have already found vulnerabilities in such technologies.

6. Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

Many everyday devices, such as fitness trackers, smart security systems, and even some in-car apps, are IoT devices. Simply put, these devices are used to communicate and exchange information over a network without requiring human involvement.

For instance, your fitness tracker collects information about your health and exercise, such as your heart rate, steps taken, and calories burned. That data is sent to the cloud and processed. Under certain circumstances, that data might result in an action initiated by the technology. You might periodically receive graphs that show your fitness trends and progress, or you might be sent an alert if your heart rate is too high.

It’s not news that our world is increasingly reliant on these devices. In fact, predictions indicate that the market will grow another billion dollars by 2026. With such a major increase in new technologies, cybercriminals are likely to target IoT devices that experience security issues, as technologies in their infancy often do.

While many of the most common IoT devices are personal or smart home devices, more and more businesses are taking advantage of IoT. Smart locks, connected security cameras, smart thermostats, smart lights, voice assistants, and more are appearing in the workplace. As more company information passes through these devices, more hackers may begin targeting them.

The IoMT, or Internet of Medical Things, is a collection of medical devices and applications that can connect to healthcare IT systems using network technologies. Due to the valuable personal information available through IoMT, as well as IoMT’s unique security issues, it is especially likely that cybercriminals will target these devices.

7. Deepfakes

Deepfakes have been increasingly used against a variety of individuals and industries over the last several years. A deepfake is produced by artificial intelligence that takes an existing video, photo, or voice recording and manipulates someone’s image or voice to falsify their actions or speech. In fact, deepfakes have been popularly utilized in politics to make candidates appear to say or do something that damages their reputation.

As it relates to businesses, experts predict that deepfakes will be used by cybercriminals to impersonate members of a company to gain access to important information. These “synthetic identities” can be used to commit fraud, as hackers create fake versions of real companies to lure in unsuspecting consumers. Deepfakes can also contribute to more advanced forms of phishing, allowing hackers to more convincingly impersonate CEOs and give harmful instructions to employees.

8. Highly Developed Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware has plagued businesses for several years now. Successful attacks have caused companies to lose millions of dollars in ransom payments, encouraging hackers to keep using and refining these attacks.

According to a McAfee prediction report, the process by which attackers are able to purchase ransomware kits on the darkweb is becoming easier. Not to mention, the ransomware itself is becoming increasingly more sophisticated.

The report also predicts that ransomwares will consolidate into fewer—but more powerful—ransomwares that will work in conjunction with one another. By working together in this manner, attackers become even more capable and pose greater threats to businesses. If attacked by these ransomware powerhouses, companies may experience even greater costs from downtime and recovery.

9. Insider Threats

Insider threats, or threats posed by employees, affect 34% of businesses around the world. These employees may be acting intentionally to hurt the company or accidentally, out of ignorance or negligence. As more employees move to remote work, which opens them up to additional risks, organizations should take extra precautions to curb insider threats.

Fortunately, there are specialized tools available to combat insider threats. These tools can detect unauthorized logins, the installation of new apps on locked down computers, users with newly granted authorization access, and new devices on restricted networks. In addition, businesses should provide all employees with routine cybersecurity training to help prevent these mistakes before they’re ever made.

10. API Vulnerabilities and Breaches

An application programming interface (API) is an intermediary between applications. It determines how apps can interact with one another. APIs work behind the scenes in many everyday applications, from streaming services to social media, weather apps, instant messaging, and more.

The security used for APIs is typically less advanced than web app security. This is true for most organizations. As a result, APIs are often not made accessible to the public or outside developers.

Because so many companies are becoming more reliant on APIs, attacks on these systems—and the need for API security—should increase this year.

Protect Your Business IT with Guardian Computer

If this sounds like a full-time job—from staying informed about the latest computer security threats and cybersecurity trends, to identifying and prioritizing your business’ biggest risks, to addressing current threats and protecting against others before they ever reach your business—that’s because it is! And it’s a job our IT experts perform day in and day out, with over 100 years of combined experience in the tech solutions industry.

Guardian Computer is a full-service IT provider. Whether you need help with a single IT project or want us to fully manage your IT, we have a wide range of services to meet your every need. We also provide both in-office and remote assistance. Even if you’re across the country from our homebase in New Orleans, we’re ready to hop on a plane to meet your needs, whatever and wherever they are.

The IT solutions we offer are every bit as varied and sophisticated as the computer security threats facing business IT. To give you an idea of how we can help protect your organization, here is a small sample of our services:

• Patch enabalation and vulnerability management to keep your systems up to date and protected.
• System and SaaS backup so your data can be quickly and easily recovered in the event of a ransomware attack, natural disaster, or any other issue.
• Installation of advanced antivirus and anti-malware to keep your systems secure.
• Protection for all remotely used mobile devices with a full suite of security software, including a firewall, malware protection, and more.
• Emergency response team availability in case of a data breach.

For more information, check out our IT managed services as well as the IT solutions we offer to keep companies safe from computer security threats.

Ready to talk to someone on our team? Contact us today to learn how Guardian Computer can protect your business!

Now more than ever, cybersecurity is the key to business continuity and productivity. Whether you’re looking to protect yourself from a data breach, avoid costly network downtime, or implement secure practices for employees traveling on business or working remotely, your organization can benefit from assessing and addressing its vulnerabilities.

Wondering what threats you might face? With data security at the forefront of our concerns, our security expert, Charles Andrews (better known as Andy), has outlined the top 5 cybersecurity threats facing companies across industries today. Learn more and protect your business!

5. Insider Threats

In a study by Ponemon Institute, 62% of employees surveyed reported that they had access to sensitive company data that they didn’t need to do their jobs. What’s more, Verizon indicated that 25% of the data breaches they reviewed in their 2017 report were caused by insider threats.

When employees have free range over sensitive information, insider threats become more common and the burden of a data breach is left on the employer’s shoulders. Not only that, but many companies lack proper procedures for revoking access once someone is no longer employed with the company.

According to Andy, “A lot of people take into consideration when a new user starts, but we’ve seen cases where someone got fired or someone left the organization two or three weeks ago, and no one sent an email to IT letting them know to deactivate that user’s access, which is a glaring security hole.”

Fortunately, data breaches can be prevented through employee training, restricted access to sensitive information, and a seamless integration of security protocols into your company culture.

Andy’s Tips

• Limit employee access to only the data they need.
• Use separation of duties where needed.
• Establish clear company processes and procedures to bolster data security.
• Control the offboarding process as well as onboarding.
• Utilize data monitoring and auditing technology to track anomalous behavior.
• Use a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) program to send an alert if someone tries to exfiltrate sensitive data, such as bank account information or Social Security numbers.

4. Passwords

It’s a common misconception that a password is all it takes to protect your information. Forbes reported that there are around 15 billion stolen passwords available for sale on the dark web, giving us a glimpse into how widespread an issue this is.

Earlier this month, the CyberNews Investigation team analyzed 15,212,645,925 passwords from across the globe that were breached and publicly released. Less than 15% of the passwords were unique and over 75% of the passwords included 10 or fewer characters, suggesting that an overwhelming majority of passwords are weak and easy to guess.

Andy said, “These easy-to-guess passwords leave your data open to brute force attacks, such as a dictionary attack, which guesses passwords until it gets it right.” Furthermore, a survey conducted by Google revealed that 65% of respondents reused a password across multiple accounts, if not every account.

Weak or outdated passwords can leave your organization’s accounts vulnerable to a cyberattack, putting you at risk of data loss as well as company downtime, which can quickly rack up a high price.

Andy’s Tips

The best way to handle the issue of weak passwords is proper employee training and authentication, said Andy. Your company should have at least a two-factor authentication (2FA) to validate user identity, and passwords should be changed at least once every six months. In industries where HIPAA compliance is a factor, organizations should consider changing their passwords at least once every three months.

3. Ransomware

The rate at which ransomware has exploded is alarming. In 2014, there were just 3.2 million ransomware attacks worldwide. In 2019, there were 188 million, and these attacks only continue to grow in popularity and sophistication as more people work remotely.

Hackers have moved away from hitting the occasional laptop or desktop, instead developing more patient strategies to infect and encrypt file servers, web servers, and more.

There’s a common misconception that small businesses don’t get targeted often by hackers. Tech Times reported that 71% of ransomware attacks were aimed at small businesses, with an average ransom of more than $100,000.

“Cybercriminals know that small businesses are more likely to pay up because they often don’t have the most robust backup solutions,” Andy said. “Backups are important, not just in case a server breaks down, but also in case someone manages to get ransomware on your network and effectively torches your data.”

Andy’s Tips

The two best ways to protect your organization from ransomware are:

• Implementing a centrally managed antivirus software that will alert you to infections and monitor your endpoints.
• Regularly backing up your data, as well as checking to make sure it’s backing up correctly. According to Andy, too many companies run backups without confirming that they’re working properly. “And if you don’t have backups,” Andy said, “I don’t have enough coffee for that discussion!”

2. Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common cyberattacks affecting businesses today. In fact, the SANS Institute reports that phishing is responsible for a whopping 95% of attacks on company networks. It only takes one of the many employees on an enterprise network clicking on a malicious link in a phishing email.

While there are a number of ways to filter out a large portion of these emails, some will invariably get through. According to Andy, “End users need to be able to spot phishing attacks and flag them without being tempted to click a link. It’s important for a framework to be in place for sensitive tasks like these.”

Andy’s Tips

The most effective way to combat phishing is to prioritize user training. Your organization should have a system in place to properly filter emails as well, and you can even add a banner for emails that originate from outside your organization. But nothing can replace having knowledgeable staff who are able to catch phishing attacks before they harm your business.

1. Failed Compliance

Failed compliance is the number one concern that companies should know about. “Compliance can be a nightmare if left unchecked,” said Andy.

Whether it’s HIPAA, PCI, GDPR, GLBA, or another regulation, failed compliance could put you out of business. The American Medical Association states that each HIPAA violation could cost your organization up to $50,000, with an annual cap of $1.5 million for repeat violations.

Compliance can be a tangled web of provisions, audits, and fines, but these regulations are in place to ultimately protect the sensitive data of your customers and your business.

Andy’s Tips

Vulnerability scans, keeping IT systems updated, and proper monitoring and management are the best ways to stay ahead of the curve. As a business owner, it is vital that you stay on top of the constantly evolving regulations in your industry and keep your organization prepared for anything.

Improve Your Security with Guardian Computer

You already have enough on your plate. Let the professionals handle your security, so you can focus on your business.

Guardian Computer has been serving businesses across the U.S. since 1996. With knowledgeable IT professionals like Andy, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), our team can help you navigate these security challenges and many others.

Contact us today and build the cyber resilience you need to thrive through 2021 and beyond!