The ever-changing digital era has a greater impact on cyber security than most people realise. Cybercrime has increased at an exponential rate, in lockstep with technological advancement. As technology advances, so do the types of cybercrime that are perpetrated. Fortunately, as technology has progressed, so has the capacity to detect and protect individuals from cybercrime before it occurs.
The following are some of the most significant changes in cyber security as a result of evolving technology:
Breach of Corporate Security
Hackers use social engineering and fraud to abuse workers, which accounts for the bulk of corporate security breaches. Hackers are growing more competent at detecting gaps and loopholes in corporate security systems and can obtain access to secured files and data as technology advances, creating a serious cybersecurity concern. Regrettably, 2012 may set a new high in terms of business security breaches.
Phishing with a specific intent
Unlike typical phishing emails, which target random people, spear phishing scammers are looking for information for monetary benefit, such as corporate secrets or personal information. Spear phishing is when hackers send emails to employees that look to be from colleagues within their own company, allowing cyber thieves to obtain personal information. With today’s advanced technology, hackers may send emails to employees posing as other employees within the organisation, posing a significant cybersecurity risk.
Identity thieves are increasingly utilising social media to encourage people to download dangerous programmes or expose passwords in order to steal their identities. Hackers with experience may quickly gain access to a user’s social network accounts and then use that information to gain access to their personal email account, work email account, and financial information.
On social networking platforms, the ordinary user posts a lot of information; most expose a person’s name, age, birthday, hometown, and family members, while some go as far as giving addresses, phone numbers, and even real-time location updates. Some of this data may expose just enough for a hacker to see an opening and take your identity over the internet.
Social Media Security Breaches
Not only do social networking networks provide hackers access to personal information, but certain sites also allow you to reveal your exact location at any moment. And if someone knows where you are, they can also tell you where you aren’t. Foursquare, for example, allows users to “check in” to areas they visit, such as school, work, restaurants, and even movie theatres. By entering the social network and glancing at your profile, anyone may simply figure out where you are and what time it is. Your assets and safety may be jeopardised if you are away from home base.
Mobile cybersecurity vulnerabilities are evolving at the same time as mobile technologies. Smartphones, which hold more data than previous versions, are now used by 45 percent of mobile phone owners.Every new phone, tablet, or mobile device provides a new way for a cybercriminal to acquire access to someone’s personal information. Because many mobile devices may be charged by plugging them into computers, sharing charging ports with others might result in malware difficulties for a variety of gadgets.
