The Security Risks Associated with New Technology
What is the most common technology security risk to avoid? What are the security risks in a technology-driven world? Let's find out more about The Security Risks Associated with New Technology.
Internet of Things (IoT) vulnerabilities: Exponential increase in IoT devices expanding the attack surface and potential for unpatched security flaws.
The proliferation of IoT devices significantly broadens the attack surface, introducing vulnerabilities such as data privacy breaches, device hijacking, denial-of-service attacks, and firmware flaws. These can be effortlessly exploited due to unpatched security flaws and weak authentication methods. The growth of IoT and connected devices is a major contributor to this expanding attack surface, leading to challenges like a lack of visibility into vulnerabilities, difficulty in prioritizing threats, and the rapidly changing security landscape, which makes organizations more susceptible to cyber threats. As more IoT devices integrate into networks, they bring along new risks due to their diverse software and communication protocols. To understand the full scope of these risks, exploring comprehensive resources like the IoT Risks Glossary can provide valuable insights into mitigating these challenges effectively.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) risks: Data poisoning, model manipulation, adversarial attacks, and AI-driven phishing, as well as potential data leakage and compliance violations.
The primary AI security risks include data poisoning, which corrupts training data to skew AI decisions; model manipulation and theft, which compromise the integrity and ownership of AI models; adversarial attacks, which deceive AI models with manipulated inputs; AI-driven phishing, which enhances social engineering attacks; and potential data leakage and compliance violations, which threaten privacy and regulatory adherence. To gain a deeper understanding of these risks and how to fortify your defenses, you can explore more comprehensive insights on AI Security Risks.
Cryptojacking: Unauthorized installation of crypto mining software to siphon computational power, leading to resource strain and increased costs.
Cryptojacking poses significant security risks, including battery drain and overheating, data privacy concerns, embedded malware, and fraud and scams, as it compromises devices' CPU/GPU power through various methods such as browser injections, phishing attacks, supply chain attacks, and unsecure cloud infrastructure. For further understanding of this term, visit the comprehensive Cyber AI Glossary on the Darktrace Website, where you'll find detailed information about cryptojacking and its impact on cybersecurity.
Mobile cyber threats: Vulnerabilities in mobile devices, including lack of robust security measures and risks associated with multi-factor authentication linked to mobile devices.
Mobile devices face numerous security risks, including improper credential usage, inadequate supply chain security, insecure authentication and authorization, insufficient input/output validation, and insecure communication, among others. Additionally, risks such as device theft, malware, phishing, and vulnerabilities in multi-factor authentication apps can compromise sensitive data and organizational security. For a comprehensive understanding of these security challenges, refer to the OWASP Mobile Top 10, which provides essential insights into mobile security threats and best practices for mitigation.
Botnets: Collections of infected devices controlled by malware to perform automated malicious tasks.
Botnets, particularly those powered by AI, pose significant security risks by leveraging machine learning algorithms to expand their reach and impact, making them harder to detect and mitigate as they can adapt and refine their attacks in real-time. These intelligent threats exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices, intensifying existing security challenges. For more insights on this evolving menace, visit the article on IoT Insider, which delves into the intricate dynamics of AI-enhanced botnets and their implications for cybersecurity. As technology advances, understanding these sophisticated threats becomes ever more crucial in bolstering defenses against non-human adversaries.
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Drive-by download attacks: Malicious code downloaded from compromised websites without user knowledge or permission.
Drive-by download attacks pose significant security risks by infecting devices with malware without user knowledge or consent, exploiting vulnerabilities in browsers, apps, or operating systems. These threats can lead to severe consequences such as data theft, ransomware, and botnet participation. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these threats, the guide on Drive-By Download Attacks offers valuable insights into the dynamics of such attacks and effective preventive measures.
Phishing attacks: Sophisticated and personalized phishing attempts, often enhanced by AI, to trick users into revealing confidential information.
AI-enabled phishing attacks have become highly sophisticated and personalized, utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze vast amounts of data and generate convincing, context-specific messages that are difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. This growing challenge poses a significant threat to Global Cybersecurity, as these advanced tactics increase the risk and potential for widespread information breaches and digital harm.
Quantum computing threats: Potential to render current encryption technology obsolete and the need for quantum-proof encryption.
Quantum computing poses a significant threat to current encryption technologies, such as RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and elliptic curve cryptography, by leveraging algorithms like Shor's algorithm to factor large numbers exponentially faster than classical computers. This advancement necessitates a transition to Quantum-Proof Encryption methods to safeguard digital communications and sensitive data.
Supply chain risks: Vulnerabilities in technology-driven global supply chains to attacks by cybercriminals and other bad actors.
Supply chain risks involve vulnerabilities in technology-driven global supply chains, where cybercriminals exploit trust relationships and target weaker links, such as third-party vendors, software supply chains, and managed service providers, to gain access to sensitive data and systems. This is often achieved through infected software, hardware, or compromised access rights. For more in-depth insights, the BlueVoyant Knowledge Center offers examples and defensive strategies to combat these threats.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Targeted cyberattacks where intruders remain undetected for extended periods to monitor and steal information.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are covert cyberattacks where sophisticated attackers, often sponsored by nation-states or criminal groups, gain and maintain unauthorized access to targeted networks for extended periods to monitor, intercept, and steal sensitive data. These attackers employ advanced techniques such as social engineering, zero-day exploits, and tailored malware to remain undetected. For more in-depth information about these threats and their implications, you can visit the Cisco Advanced Persistent Threat page, which provides comprehensive resources and insights.
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