Cyber Threat Predictions For the Near Future

Cybersecurity threats have become part and parcel of living in a modern connected world. These threats aren’t about to go away any time soon. If anything, they will only get worse. Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated by the day. New technological developments make it easier for people to stay connected, but they also make it easier for threat actors to affect computers and users.

While there’s no way to predict the future accurately, looking at current threats and trends makes it easy to see what is likely to happen. Here are the latest cyber threat predictions for the nearest future.

1. 5G Technology Could Make IoT Security Weaker

5G (fifth generation) technology is the most advanced generation of cellular networking technology. 5G promises better bandwidth and speeds and has already been rolled out by some of the biggest names in the business.
As more and more people adopt 5G technology, new vulnerabilities are sure to emerge from the network’s infrastructure.

This is due to the availability of more entry points. Any such vulnerability could potentially be exploited by malicious actors, with IoT devices becoming their infection point of choice.

It may be easier for them to insert backdoors into products, and it may potentially be harder to detect. The idea of 5G causing security vulnerabilities was proposed by the European Union, which issued a warning that 5G networks will present new security challenges.

These new threats will need to be mitigated with sophisticated container security. The self-contained nature of containers means they are the perfect defense against the added threats posed by the inclusion of 5G. It is becoming apparent that securing containers will become even more prominent for any cybersecurity strategy.

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2. Biometrics Will Be Used More for Authentication

Biometric authentication provides access to devices through biological information unique to individuals, such as fingerprints and eyeball scans. As passwords become less and less secure, and with not enough people adopting two-factor authentication, biometrics are sure to become more commonplace.

The problem is that biometrics are not as foolproof as they sound. There have been several cases where vendors and companies have failed to store information related to biometrics properly. If people are going to offer a scan of their fingerprint or iris, they need to be sure that this information will be well protected.

3. Ready-to-Use Hacking Kits Will Become More Common

There was a time when cyberattacks were the realm of experts. Only sophisticated criminals could pull off these attacks. Those days are long gone, as people without any technical skill or know-how can purchase hacking toolkits. Hacking toolkits, such as ransomware-as-a-service, are becoming more accessible to the general public.

It’s never been easier to purchase software and tools that exploit vulnerabilities and steal credentials. The barrier to entry to becoming a cybercriminal is lower than ever. This is sure to lead to an increase in cyber attacks.

4. Local Governments Will Continue to be Crippled by Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malware that prevents users from accessing their data. Several cities have been hit with ransomware attacks in recent months and years, including attacks on Atlanta and Baltimore that became national news. Smaller cities are also being run, and these smaller cities don’t have the budget or security to protect themselves adequately.

This lack of access to resources and cybersecurity means that these municipalities are sure to become ransomware targets. Local governments can’t afford to have dropped in operations, such as those caused by ransomware. These circumstances make them a prime target for hackers.

5. There Will be More Cyber Attacks on Critical Infrastructure

Nation-states have launched several attacks against other states to gain critical information and take out critical infrastructure. This critical infrastructure includes healthcare, transportation, nuclear systems, energy, communications, and financial services.

These infiltration attacks are sure to continue into the near future. Hackers will put down the foundation to launch a retaliatory strike against states that attack them first. This is a problem that we’re already seeing, and it’s only going to worsen over time.

6. Election Meddling

Like it or not, Russia meddled in the 2016 election. Even more importantly, they showed other nations that it isn’t as tricky as it sounds. They opened the door to other countries to do the same thing.

Using social media and cyber operations to spread misinformation and influence election results is sure to become an issue again in the future. Countries like China and Iran were found to have tampered with elections recently. Be extra careful about this election cycle.

7. Attacks on Mobile Devices Will Increase

There was a time when you would need to physically go to the bank to make a transfer or other transaction. These days, you can do anything you need through your phone. This opens the door for cybercriminals to target banking apps.

There are already reports that attacks on mobile apps are on the increase. This trend is sure to continue into 2020 as mobile banking becomes more accessible, and more people use it.

8. Sophisticated Attacks Will Use Artificial Intelligence

Businesses are taking advantage of artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate tasks. AI can perform the same functions as humans, and using AI helps to streamline business functions. The use of AI is set to increase shortly with robots making up more and more of the workforce.

The problem is that threat actors are also using AI. Hackers have used AI to mimic real humans’ voices, which helps them steal funds from bank accounts. Hackers are also using AI to find network vulnerabilities, automate their phishing attacks, and perform large-scale social engineering tactics to spread “fake news” and other things.

9. More Automated Defenses

A significant problem facing cybersecurity is a lack of trained cybersecurity staff. The talent shortage, combined with more attacks, and the financial costs needed to protect against those attacks, will prevent organizations from properly securing against cyber threats.

The answer to this problem, as with other issues, could be automation. Many companies are sure to look for ways to automate cybersecurity defenses.

10. Conclusion

These predictions may not come true, but they present a high starting point to create a proactive approach to addressing future threats. Now is the time to invest in cybersecurity defense contractors and prepare for the future, whatever it may bring. The data covered is sensitive and merits protection.

Federal agencies have, over time, used various methodologies to ensure that contractors are keeping that data secure. By taking steps to prepare for these predictions, you’ll have an advantage over people who don’t make any preparations. Remember that failing to prepare is preparing to fail—cyber Threat Predictions For the Near Future.

Cybersecurity threats have become part and parcel of living in a modern connected world. These threats aren’t about to go away any time soon. If anything, they will only get worse. Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated by the day. New technological developments make it easier for people to stay connected, but they also make it easier for threat actors to affect computers and users.

While there’s no way to predict the future accurately, looking at current threats and trends makes it easy to see what is likely to happen. Here are the latest cyber threat predictions for the nearest future.