4 - 7 minute read
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly changing and evolving, with new threats and attacks appearing all the time. In 2023, we can expect to see a range of cyber threats driven by various geopolitical and economic factors, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and rising poverty and food insecurity around the world. Cybercriminals are also being forced to innovate as their old tricks stop working and authorities crack down on pandemic-related fraud.
1: Business Email Attacks
Business email compromise (BEC) attacks are one type of threat to watch out for in 2023. These scams involve spoofed emails that look like they’re coming from a trusted source, such as a company executive or vendor, and typically ask the recipient to transfer funds urgently. BEC-related losses totaled nearly $2.4 billion in 2021, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
To protect against BEC attacks, it’s important to be cautious when receiving emails from unfamiliar sources and to verify the authenticity of any requests for money or personal information. It’s also essential to educate employees about the signs of a BEC attack and to have robust policies and procedures in place to prevent these types of scams from succeeding.
2: Malware and Ransomware Threats
Malware and ransomware attacks are another type of threat to be aware of, as they can have serious consequences, as seen in the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in 2021. This type of activity is likely to continue, particularly in relation to the conflict in Ukraine and the associated sanctions. Russian state-sponsored organized crime teams that specialize in ransomware will help sustain the war efforts and target U.S. government agencies, defense contractors, and other organizations assisting with Ukraine’s defense.
To protect against malware and ransomware attacks, it’s important to keep all software and systems up to date and to use a reputable cybersecurity solution to protect against these types of threats. It’s also essential to regularly back up important data and to have a plan in place to deal with a ransomware attack if one occurs.
3: Crypto Scams and ‘Pig Butchering’
Crypto scams, also known as “pig butchering” scams, are another type of threat to watch out for. These scams involve scammers using translation programs to communicate with global victims and lure them into investing in fake crypto projects. The scammers then disappear with the victim’s money, leaving them out of pocket and without any crypto.
To protect against crypto scams, it’s important to do thorough research before investing in any crypto projects and to be wary of any promises of unrealistic returns. It’s also essential to be cautious when communicating with unfamiliar individuals online and to avoid giving out personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know.
4: SIM-Swapping Attacks
SIM-swapping attacks are another type of cyber threat to be aware of. These attacks involve attackers taking control of a victim’s phone number by transferring it to a SIM card they control. They can then use this control to access the victim’s accounts and steal their personal information and money.
To protect against SIM-swapping attacks, it’s important to use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. It’s also essential to be aware of the signs of a potential SIM-swapping attack and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
5: Supply Chain Attacks
We can also expect to see an increase in supply chain attacks, where attackers target a company’s suppliers or partners in order to gain access to their systems and data. These types of attacks are often hard to detect and can have serious consequences for the targeted company.
To protect against supply chain attacks, it’s important for companies to have robust cybersecurity policies and procedures in place and to regularly audit their supply chain for potential vulnerabilities. It’s also essential to ensure that all suppliers and partners are using secure systems and to have a plan in place for dealing with a supply chain attack if one occurs.
Conclusion:
To protect against these and other cyber threats, it’s important to take a range of precautions, such as using strong, unique passwords for all accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments. It’s also essential to keep all software and systems up to date and to use a reputable cybersecurity solution to protect against malware and other attacks. Finally, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a potential cyber attack and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. By taking these precautions and remaining vigilant, we can reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats and protect ourselves and our businesses from harm.
