The COVID-19 pandemic has made companies more vulnerable as they scramble to cope with the fallout. With the drastic economic decline, lockdowns, slower growth, and ruin of small businesses, security challenges are bound to mount. Remote working became a trend, thus cybercrime an undeniable threat.
It has been predicted by security experts that there will be various data theft and malware packaging that will be specifically targeted at organizations. As such, organizations have started reassessing security strategies and infrastructure. Due to the work from home shift, security measures are being taken to protect against organized cybercriminals.
Companies are largely investing in advanced cybersecurity solutions. Identity and multi-factor authentication will take center stage in 2021. As we adapt to long term changes, the demand for security talent acquisition increases. Companies are reassessing staff needs and hiring remote security professionals.
It is not a surprise that cybersecurity has evolved throughout 2020. It is safe to say that the trends and threats of 2020 will most likely spill over into 2021. Like 2020, social media attacks will also be a threat most individuals and organizations will monitor. Companies have been using their online presence throughout the pandemic to reach their audience. It is quite expected that cybercriminals will expand their social media targeting beyond hacking individuals to targeting businesses as well.
Social media protocols and security provisions around verification, URL redirection, and posting content are so poorly managed, it is expected that hackers will target these platforms, especially given how many businesses will continue using social media in 2021. Remote workers and employees will need to be more vigilant when posting, signing up for online events, or communicating via the company’s social media accounts, or their own, for that matter.
Phishing scams and ransomware will continue to be means of malicious activities. People are working from home like never before and that is a trend that won’t change anytime soon. Since they are on the same home network as their work laptop, cybercriminals will use that as an opportunity to gain access to the work laptop. Means and efforts in preserving and protecting not only work but home systems will be of the utmost importance.
Furthermore, COVID related threats will still continue even after the pandemic subsides. Many cybercriminals will use the pandemic as a front for phishing scams, ransomware, and other malicious campaigns by feeding on information related to vaccine, public and private sector responses as well as the general impact of the pandemic.
Therefore, as seen from the threats and trends predicted for 2021. It is also certain that there will be growth and expansion in the security industry. It imperative that one takes security measures to combat these threats and keep safe.
