According to a report released today by global cybersecurity leader ESET,ransomware, attacks on critical infrastructure and electoral campaign hacking are among the predictions that will pose even greater threats to our society in 2018.
The report,“Cybersecurity Trends 2018: The Cost of Our Connected World,” compiled by ESET security experts from around the globe, does a deep dive on topics that impact businesses, individuals and governments, and come on the heels of an increase in the sophistication of cybersecurity incidents in 2017.
While examining the ransomware revolution, we have seen many companies spending large sums in ransom payment, sometimes rather than investing in their cyber defenses. The report warns that this unsustainable trend is likely to continue in 2018.
ESET Senior Security Researcher Stephen Cobb warns about the unsettling and lesser-known supply chain attacks that he predicts will become increasingly prevalent in 2018. Cobb notes:
“While many large companies appear to be taking cybersecurity more seriously these days, with security teams getting both the budget and the C-level backing required to do a good job, many smaller businesses supplying goods and services to larger organizations are struggling. That makes them an attractive target.”
In the report, one of the topics, “Doing time for cybercrime: Police and malware research join forces,” demonstrates the importance of security companies and law enforcement working together to contribute to making the internet a safer place for everyone – except cybercriminals. This was exemplified in ESET’s successful collaboration with Microsoft, Europol and the FBI earlier this year that led to the arrest of cybercriminals involved in the Gamarue botnet.
The vulnerability of elections was emphasized in 2017 as major voting events took place around the world. Can votes cast by an electorate be tampered with, and can an electorate be swayed in the run-up to an election by hacktivists working to change public opinion? Countries should invest in preventative measures in 2018 to safeguard the digital security of the democratic process.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force in May 2018, replacing the Data Protection Directive and increasing the legislative concern surrounding data privacy. In the report, ESET security expert Tony Anscombe focuses on user awareness of data collection, the risks faced by data collected through the Internet of Things (IoT), and the significant fines for companies that fail to protect personal data.
Technological innovations and their use in 2017 have produced remarkable possibilities in the digital world while also exposing users to new kinds of threats. This year, we have seen cybercriminals focus their attacks on sensitive and private information. In 2018, people and businesses need to increase their awareness of cyberthreats and manage their digital world more responsibly.
To download the report, visit WeLiveSecurity.com or click here.
About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint and mobile security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give consumers and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defences in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
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