Predictions & Tips to look out for Cyber Security Threats in 2022

In 2021, we saw cybercriminals use the pandemic to their advantage by attacking organizations using malware and ransomware. We can expect much of the same in 2022, as well as an array of new attacks likely to take companies by surprise. The ongoing cybersecurity crisis reinforces the growing need for these companies to increase efforts in awareness and education to prepare for an inevitable event. Guardian Digital has an insight into what you should be mindful of in the coming months to protect your business.

Predictions for Threats in 2022

The question is not “if” an attack will happen, but rather “when”. To prepare for an inevitable ambush one must first prepare for the future of cyberattacks and how to safeguard against them. Key cybersecurity trends and predictions heading into 2022 include:

• Lack of monitoring of the business environment led to data breaches and malware infections.
• The cyber cold war has been intensifying between several nations.
• Organizations and governments are predicted to face more data breaches, forcing them to spend more money.
• Misinformation campaigns will multiply, playing a part in phishing scams as well as propaganda and misinformation concerning the US midterm elections.
• Attackers will increasingly use deepfake technology for financial theft, by manipulating users on social media.
• Cryptocurrency will be attacked more often as finances are increasingly becoming digitalized.
• Cybercriminals are taking advantage of vulnerabilities in microservices to launch attacks as the development method becomes more common.
• As businesses continue transitioning into remote work, mobile malware attacks will rise.
• Attackers will continue to exploit penetration tools having learned to use them as methods of ransomware attacks.

Top Tips For Securing Against Cyber Threats in 2022

• Implement honeytokens to prevent supply chain attacks, attackers mistake these fake resources and when interacting a signal is released alerting the targeted organization of a potential attack
• To prevent a data breach, keep only what you need and safeguard it by locking it in a private location; anything you dispose of should be destroyed beforehand
• With mobile malware, like email malware, do not interact without first verifying the message and link are legitimate. Think before you click
• Deepfake aims to convince you the source is a reliable source. Before making any transfer of funds confirm the source is in fact real
• Make sure your password is strong and not something attackers could piece together from social media accounts
• Store cryptocurrency and coins in offline hardware

As the future of cybersecurity moves forward, so do the threats to businesses and the need for security systems to protect confidential information. Remaining vigilant and staying up to date on methods of cyberattacks is more important than ever, and should be a uniform goal of each employee. Organizations must assess plans to confirm the people and processes do their part in maintaining the safeguards in place.