Increasing Cybersecurity Threats in 2021

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Increasing Cybersecurity Threats in 2021
Image by Arthur Bowers | Pixabay

With global cybercrime growing exponentially, business and private users all need to protect themselves against these real threats. Here we have outlined some of the increasing Cybersecurity threats in Nigeria and how to protect yourself.

Phishing Scams

Phishing is now one of the most prevalent forms of cybersecurity attacks. Phishing is when a hacker attempts to trick someone into providing personal and sensitive information and downloading malware. Phishing has become incredibly prevalent due to the increasing use of all forms of electronic communication. Hackers take advantage of forms of communication that everyone uses daily, instant messaging, social media accounts, texts, emails etc.

Possibly the most common form of phishing scam is attempted through email. An email is created to look like an official body such as the local government or bank; you are then asked to fill in personal information to access the side. The best defence against this type of cybersecurity attack is awareness of the signs of a possible attack. For example, usually, the request for sensitive information is unusual, and incorrect grammar and language are often used. It is essential to educate yourself, or your staff on how to identify phishing, and of course, installing antivirus software is critical.

Increasing Cybersecurity Threats in 2021
Image by Arthur Bowers from Pixabay

Auto Redirects

With auto redirects or URL redirection, the attacker will get a user to unknowingly redirect to a malicious website. In some cases, you are redirected to a website that looks like your intended URL or by having the user click on a link. The attacker will use this method to download malware to the victim’s computer or other device and steal data. Another method of redirection is when a user receives an urgent message or pop-up saying you have won something, or that your device is infected with a virus or malware.

Unfortunately, we are all vulnerable to this method of attack, and, in the last few years, high-profile attacks have been on the rise, with around 95% of auto-redirects leading to scams. Fortunately, it is now possible to protect against and prevent auto-redirect ads. Cutting-edge technology means a user can monitor and block known issues and detect and block threats in real-time. These technologies mean you can block and eliminate malicious ads and exclude inappropriate ad content.

Increasing Cybersecurity Threats in 2021
Image by Gerd Altmann | Pixabay

Deepfakes

Deepfakes is a type of AI and comes from deep learning technology. This technology can be used to swap out faces in videos and other digital content. It means that an image can be manipulated to show a person involved in an activity that did not happen. Deepfakes pose a cybersecurity threat as they can be used to commit identity fraud. Despite the fact that deepfakes are becoming more advanced and realistic, it is also becoming possible to protect against these AI technologies.

Companies have been creating new technologies and algorithms that can compare deepfakes with authentic videos with a digital fingerprint, which means it’s possible to protect against the threat of deepfakes.

Cyberattacks, threats, and criminals have become more sophisticated in their approach. Fortunately, simple steps and technologies are being developed to protect you and your business from such attacks.