Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and with the rise of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, end-users are more vulnerable than ever. These threats can cause significant damage to individuals, businesses, and even governments. It is essential to understand the top cybersecurity threats facing end-users in 2021 and how to protect against them.
Phishing attacks remain one of the most common cybersecurity threats. Phishing is a type of social engineering attack in which attackers send fraudulent emails or messages, pretending to be a reputable source, to trick users into providing sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card numbers. In 2020, Google reported that its systems blocked 18 million phishing emails every day.
To protect against phishing attacks, users should be cautious of unsolicited emails, especially those that request sensitive information. Users should also verify the sender's email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a user's files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. In 2020, the average ransom payment increased by 31% to $233,817, according to a report by Coveware.
To protect against ransomware attacks, users should regularly back up their important data and avoid downloading files from untrusted sources. It is also essential to keep software and operating systems up to date to prevent vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices that communicate with each other. However, IoT devices are often poorly secured, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks. In 2020, researchers discovered a vulnerability in a popular IoT device that could allow attackers to take over the device and access users' personal data.
To protect against IoT vulnerabilities, users should change default passwords on their IoT devices and keep them up to date with the latest firmware. It is also essential to avoid connecting IoT devices to public Wi-Fi networks.
Mobile devices are ubiquitous, and users often store sensitive information on them. Mobile malware is a type of malware that targets mobile devices, often in the form of malicious apps. In 2020, researchers discovered a new type of mobile malware that could steal users' call logs, contacts, and location data.
To protect against mobile malware, users should only download apps from trusted sources, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Users should also keep their devices up to date with the latest software and operating systems.
The cybersecurity threats facing end-users in 2021 are diverse and constantly evolving. To protect against these threats, users should be cautious of unsolicited emails, regularly back up their data, keep software and operating systems up to date, and avoid downloading files from untrusted sources. By taking these precautions, users can reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber attacks.