Will COVID-19 Cyberthreats Continue In 2021?

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in many ways, including increased numbers of cybercrime. Criminals focused on malicious campaigns that were made to use the virus and its effects for their benefit. As COVID-19 continues to threaten the world, these kinds of attacks are expected to continue. Here are some cybersecurity threat predictions for 2021 amidst the pandemic.

Cybersecurity Threats In 2021

Phishing Campaigns

As the coronavirus continue to impact the entire world, pharmaceutical companies are in a race to create a vaccine. Phishing campaigns use the promise of a vaccine and this tactic is expected to continue until 2021.

Attacks on Remote Learners

When lockdowns were set in place, schools had no choice but to shift to e-learning. Educational facilities suffered a 30% increase in cyberattacks every weeks during the month of August as they prepare for the new semester. As the school year moves into 2021, these attacks will continue as a way to disrupt the learning activities of remote learners.

 

 

Double Extortion Ransomware Attacks

There was an increase in double extortion ransomware attacks this year. Cybercriminals captured and decrypted confidential data and then threatened to expose them publicly unless a ransom is paid. This kind of cyberthreat will persist in 2021 and the targeted and most vulnerable sector is the health industry.

Companies had to undergo digital transformations and relied mostly on the cloud to scale and run their business. However, this move also exposed a lot of vulnerable areas for cybersecurity Columbia SC attacks.

Weaponized Deepfakes

The technology that was used to make fake audio and video is now advanced that it can already be weaponized. The fake content made to trick people could be used to manipulate opinions , move the stock prices, and create other severe actions.

5G Benefits and Challenges

5G provides an environment in which essential devices are always turned on and linked at high speeds. Some examples provided by Check Point include e-health devices that could use 5G to gather medical data regarding its users, connected car services could monitor the movements of clients, as well as smart city applications may collect data regarding residents. However, without the appropriate protection, this world that’s always on could provide criminals the chance to launch cyberattacks and then disrupt the services.

One of the things that can be predicted about cybersecurity is that the threat players will always try to find ways to exploit major changes or events like COVID-19 or the introduction of the widely anticipated 5G for their own benefit. In order to stay ahead of cyberthreats, companies have to be proactive and leave no part of their business unmonitored or unprotected, or they will risk becoming another victim of the targeted and sophisticated attacks.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our team of IT experts prepare your company for potential online threats and make sure that it’s always protected.

 

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SpartanTec, Inc.
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