(from the MIT Technology Review) From costly ransomware attacks to hacked elections, cybercriminals will refine their capacity to break through the security measures organizations put in place to protect their critical data. Here are six threats to monitor this year:
- Huge data breaches: Unregulated organizations that hold data such as individuals' personal web-browing habits are expected to be especially popular targets.
- Ransomware in the cloud: This form of malware, which uses encryption to lock down computer files, is expected to target cloud-computing businesses that host data (including email and photo libraries) for businesses and consumers.
- AI weaponization: Machine-learning models, neural networks and other AI technologies are getting better and better at designing malware, driving phishing attacks and crafting convincing fake messages.
- Cyber-physical attacks: Electrical grids, transportation systems and other critical infrastructure components are vulnerable to disruption.
- Mining cryptocurrencies: In order to target holders of digital currencies like Bitcoin, hackers must steal computer processing power that will help them solve complex math problems. This could put complex computer networks such as hospitals, airports and other sensitive locations in the line of fire.
More at the MIT Technology Review
