Cyberattacks are on the rise and the midmarket companies are the major targets as they hardly use any data protection. A recent report published by Intel security states that 80% midmarket businesses don’t use data protection and are open to Cyberattacks. Alex Sessoms, senior partner marketing manager at Microsoft recently talked about the potential threats and critical cyber security trends to be watched in 2016.
Cyber Security Trends 2016
- Mobile Malware
Cumulative usage of Smartphone could be a reason that the cyber criminals this year are targeting the mobile device increasingly. The attackers target the underlying operating systems with the help of malware infected apps. A joint security report by Microsoft Research team and China’s Ministry suggest that only a quarter of apps in China’s local stores are safe. Mobile payment systems like Google Wallet, Apple Pay and technologies like contactless RFID smart card, and EMV credit cards also help these cyber-criminals steal your personal details. BitLocker and Enterprise Data Protection are two built-in encryption technologies in Windows Phone which can help you safeguard your business against mobile malware issues.
- Online extortion and hacktivism
This year will see more of online extortion and hacktivism, says Sessoms. Ransomware which is one of the most commonly used ploy of attackers will theoretically increase in the year 2016. The attackers use ransomware to encrypt the photos, personal details and conversations of victim and demand for a huge ransom money in exchange to the decryption key. Prevent ransomware and stay safe this year.
- Password recovery scams, spear phishing and smishing
Password recovery scams are somehow related to email phishing and smishing (SMS phishing). A hacker or a cybercriminal needs only your email access or SMS access to recover the password and compromise your account. Sessoms says that this will probably one of the most intimidating threats this year.
- Digital attacks may cause physical damage
It’s not just about compromising your accounts, these awful digital attacks can actually damage your machines and thus it is very important to keep a backup. Microsoft’s Azure Disaster Recovery option can help you safeguard your data after any unexpected and sudden digital attack.
- IoT may lead to cyber-attacks
When we talk about IoT (Internet of Things) it includes everything like devices, vehicles, software, electronics or sensors. Anything which connects via WiFi or Bluetooth and lets you exchange or collect the data could be vulnerable and may lead to mobile driven attacks. Microsoft Intune helps you managing your mobile devices, PCs, and applications. It also includes the remote actions like data encryption, device lock and password reset.
While these cyber security trends 2016 may threaten you of potential cyber-attacks, Alex Sessoms says that you can always prevent any hazard by talking to your customers and using the right security tools and options.
