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Technology has incalculably transformed the 2021 business landscape. Task automation, artificial intelligence, IoT (the Internet of Things), and cloud computing are now more advanced than ever. As a result, companies operating under coronavirus-induced remote structures are getting considerable value.

However, the continuously advancing technology also comes with increased cybersecurity risks and threats targeting both established and growing companies. 

Common Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

Here are the common cybersecurity loopholes and threats for organisations in 2021:

Cloud Threats

In the current remote workspaces, it's near impossible for distributed teams to manage their tasks and maintain constant communication without leveraging SaaS platforms and cloud applications. But this rapid migration has come with a plethora of cybersecurity challenges and threats. 

Common issues with cloud usage include poor storage configuration, limited control and visibility into devices and apps, deleted or incomplete data, vulnerable could apps, and cloud phishing attempts.

Credential Theft

Threat actors are now stealing victims' credentials or identity to access all their private and professional accounts. This allows them to reset passwords, lockout the owner, access devices on the network, download sensitive data, and wipe backups and data entirely.

Attackers leverage the highly efficient yet inexpensive phishing scams to access systems and data. They may also search for your employees' social media pages for contact information that may help them access critical information.

Ransomware

Ransomware is among the most reported incidences in this highly connected and digitised era. Cyber attackers use this malware to access organisation and personal files and encrypt them, then demand payment to authorise the victim's access. Staff may unknowingly download the malware through downloadable apps, email attachments, malicious websites, and social media links.

The compromised files are now the hostage, and they'll benefit from your need to recover your digital assets. Besides the financial loss, this could damage your reputation and compromise your data.

Endpoint Threats

Remote workstations have a higher risk of endpoint threats. On-site workers' endpoint devices are usually safe from external threats using established firewalls and closed networks. This perimeter security is mostly missing at home, and attackers have realised that staff work without the vital cybersecurity layer.

Poorly secured VPNs, unpatched remote computers, and cloud solutions that lack multi-factor authentication are the most vulnerable endpoints used by attackers to access unsecured systems.

Mobile Menace

The coronavirus pandemic period has also seen a substantial surge in mobile threats, a trend that cybersecurity leaders expect to last. These threats range from exclusive software capable of snooping on encrypted messaging apps to attackers exploiting vast security vulnerabilities in Android devices.

Architectures that lack mobile-focused security solutions can be at significant risk, and hackers might use vast loopholes to access their "de-perimeterised" networks. 

With all these threats and vulnerabilities constantly targeting businesses in Australia and globally, companies must deploy robust cybersecurity tools and effective policies.

How to Navigate The 2021 Cybersecurity Threat Landscape

The following best practices will protect system and data and keep your IT functions ahead of the constantly advancing cyber threats:

• Minimise data transfers – It may be hard to limit the transferring of files across devices, but you can always pay attention to the devices containing sensitive data and limit transfers from them.
• Download source verification – Before downloading anything, staff should continually evaluate the source or website from which they're downloading to detect false links and malicious sites.
• Regular updates are vital – Software developers constantly update their solutions with advanced security capabilities to beat adept hackers. So always update your software to boost security.
• Use encryption where possible – Encryption is a great way to limit access by unwanted individuals. But where it's not possible, you can leverage the password protection alternative.
• Always stay vigilant – Use reliable breach monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity and inconsistencies in your data. These solutions offer real-time data theft prevention.
• Have a comprehensive plan – Hackers are an intelligent lot, and breaches always happen. That's why it's essential to have a company-wide, codified strategy to limit the damage extent and reverse the harm.

You're in Safe Hands

The constant changes in the tech landscape aren't new, but the phenomenon has certainly reached unprecedented heights right after the novel coronavirus hit the headlines. However, the advancement has come with lots of cybersecurity challenges and risks for businesses of all sizes.

You don't have to struggle through the risks alone. CyberUnlocked is here to relieve you of the burden. Reach out so we can begin working on your cybersecurity plan.