In the coming years, there will be an array of top cyber attacks. DDoS and ransomware attacks are two types; they could impact everything from the Internet of Things to chemical companies in South Korea.
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks are on the rise in frequency, volume and sophistication. Businesses and individuals must be ready to respond should an attack take place; this risk is especially prominent in industries that depend on personal information.
Ransomware attacks are malicious software programs that encrypt your data and demand payment to decrypt it. This is usually accomplished through phishing attempts to gain access to your company’s network through email.
Recent cyberattacks on public utilities, hospitals and healthcare networks serve as a reminder that hackers are targeting more and more entities. Even some government agencies have been affected.
One of the largest cities in south Texas had its water provider compromised. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
The vice society, a well-known cyberattack group, was believed to be involved in the attack on Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. It allegedly posted data from IKEA stores located in Kuwait and Morocco for posterity.
DDoS Attacks
DDoS (Denial-of-service) attacks are becoming a more and more frequent form of cybercrime. These attacks are perpetrated by hackers using botnets – networks of infected computers connected by malware. With these devices equipped with powerful weapons, hackers can launch powerful assaults against websites.
DDoS attacks have grown increasingly serious over the last several years, posing a serious danger to businesses worldwide. These attacks are typically used for blackmail, extortion and political gain and can take down any unprotected system with ease. Their primary goal is usually disruption and havoc.
Attackers are developing new DDoS tools, which is revolutionizing how attacks are carried out. Previously, social engineering-based attacks were employed to infiltrate networks; however, with modern DDoS tools it is now possible for attackers to launch more potent and long-lasting assaults.
Hacking Campaign Targeting Chemical Companies in South Korea
The Lazarus Group, a North Korean government-linked cyber espionage operation, has targeted chemical companies in South Korea with various methods. Google researchers reported that this group uses spear-phishing emails, malicious HTML application (.hta) files, and recruitment themed lures as means to collect data and intelligence on targets’ activities.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, four Russian government employees were charged in relation to hacking campaigns between 2012 and 2018. Furthermore, it is believed that Russians breached six states’ government networks within America as well.
Russian hackers employed phishing tactics to spread malware-laden emails among diplomats and energy industry employees working abroad. The malicious emails included links to websites impersonating legitimate job searching platforms.
Russian hackers claimed responsibility for the hacking campaign against Lithuania’s state-owned energy provider, resulting in temporary disruption of services across the country. This attack came as a reaction to the Lithuanian government’s condemnation of Russia’s escalated conflict with Ukraine.
The group claimed responsibility for a DDoS attack against the Finnish defense ministry’s website. A press release issued by them described it as one of the biggest and most ambitious cyberattacks ever witnessed in Scandinavia, noting that e-Albania, a public service website, had also been affected along with many of the country’s government websites.
In addition to the DDoS attack, there were other hacking attempts, including a ransomware strain which disrupted payments at several energy companies. While not the biggest or most ambitious hack, it was nonetheless the only one to cause any permanent harm.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem encompasses a vast array of devices from manufacturers around the world. These include sensors, switches, smartwatches, consumer wearables and industrial IT systems. Unfortunately, IoT also presents new opportunities for data compromise.
IoT systems are particularly vulnerable to attackers due to their intricate structure and potential for exploiting communication channels, outdated software, and other security holes. Securing data, creating an identity, and securely transferring it are all essential steps in IoT security.
A recent study revealed that IoT devices were responsible for 1.5 billion attacks in the first half of 2021 – an increase of more than 100 percent from just six months prior.
One major cause of IoT’s increased risks is the absence of centralized risk management. Furthermore, organizations have been slow to implement security protocols.
