The 10 most common cybersecurity threats

With remote security threats at an all time high, it’s important to get acquainted with the most common types of threats that your workforce is most likely to encounter.

To help, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 cybersecurity threats that you need to look out for in 2022.

1. Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is an attack where a person’s computer is taken over with malicious code that can spread between devices using the same network. Malicious code can allow a hacker to wreak havoc on a victim’s device; from downloading important files, like credential lists, to turning the computer into a botnet that infects more devices.

2. Phishing

Phishing attacks aim to gather personal information from victims through the use of fake websites and deceptive emails. Since users tend to recycle passwords, one set of compromised credentials could give hackers control over all the victim’s personal accounts, allowing them to commit fraud and identity theft.

3. Credential Stuffing

Credential stuffing is a type of attack where hackers, who have already accessed a large database of usernames and passwords, launch a series of automated login requests against websites or services until there is a match. Once successful, hackers hijack the accounts for their own purposes, usually to steal private information for fraud, or for launching further attacks.

4. Man-in-the-Middle attacks

Man in the middle attacks are where hackers intercept communications between two parties who believe that they are directly communicating with each other. These kinds of attacks allow hackers to listen in on private conversations, video calls and even read confidential emails and documents.

5. Trojans

Trojan is a specific type of malware that masquerades as a legitimate piece of software. It could be in the form of a file, or an application. These corrupted files are designed to wreak havoc on the infected device’s systems, allowing hackers to steal private data and corrupt entire networks.

6. Ransomeware

Ransomware is a type of malware that steals private data, and threatens to publish it or block access to it until the victim pays a ransom to the hacker. This is done by encrypting files and holding them hostage, until the hackers’ demands are met.

Hospitals and healthcare services around the world have been struggling to deal with an influx of ransomware attacks in the last month, proving just how opportunistic and ruthless the dark web’s extortionists can be.

7. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack

A distributed denial of service attack (DDoS) is where multiple compromised computer systems flood traffic to a target, such as a server, website, or other network resource, with the intent to disrupt its services.

This can be done by sending “packets” of data to the target’s server, causing it to run slowly, or crash altogether. Usually, these kinds of large-scale attacks are motivated by revenge, activism or blackmail, rather than petty theft.

8. Attacks on IoT Devices

When users think about securing their smart devices, they don’t usually think about their smartwatch or home assistant. Smart devices fall under the broad term “Internet of Things”.

Often, users fail to either change the default security settings or install updates on these devices, giving hackers a backdoor into the user’s entire network. When connected to the same network, these “smart devices” act as a gateway to a user’s other devices. Once in, hackers can launch malware and phishing attacks that compromise all of the user’s devices.

9. Spamming

Spamming attacks are usually deceptive emails, ads or websites designed to trick victims into making purchases. These attacks can compromise the victim’s credit card details, personal details and of course, result in the victim losing cash.

10. Sim Swapping

SIM swapping attacks are specifically designed to by-pass two-factor authentication security. If the hacker has obtained the victim’s personal details, like username and password and phone number, they can then register the compromised phone number to a new SIM card, essentially “swapping” their SIM and rerouting all messages and phone calls.

Eliminate cyberthreats by going passwordless

Most of the time, those perpetrating these attacks are looking to compromise one thing only: passwords. These weak authentication credentials are the jackpot prize that hackers are betting on when they launch most attacks.

Therefore, it makes sense that the best way to secure your remote workforce is to eliminate passwords from the authentication equation altogether. Eliminating passwords will greatly reduce the chance of your business’ systems being compromised, while simultaneously allowing you to improve the authentication experience for workers and clients.

Interested in trialing Keyless to enable secure work from home?

If you’re interested in how Keyless™ authentication can help deliver secure and seamless digital experiences, whether for your end-users or for an ever more important and dynamic digital workplace, or if you’d simply like to learn more about our platform, then please feel free to get in touch with our team. You can email us at info@keyless.io

We’re always keen to have a chat about how we can help businesses on their journeys toward a complete zero-trust security model.