Cyber attacks are on the rise. Attacks are becoming more expensive. Damage related to cybercrime is projected to hit $6 trillion annually by 2021. With the threat landscape changing every day, it’s getting harder for individuals and companies to defend against these online threats. Traditional cybersecurity measures such as antivirus are no longer sufficient. Here are the top cyber threats to watch out for in 2020.

Cryptojacking

Digital currencies have become a part of the rapidly expanding cybersecurity threat landscape. The mining of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, requires large amounts of processing power. In some cases, cryptocurrency miners may attempt to piggyback on your computer, using your system resources to mine digital currency. This process, known as cryptojacking, can target individuals and businesses alike, including large organizations with extensive computer systems. Partnering with a cisco meraki reseller can help secure your network and detect such threats early. If cryptojacking isn’t addressed swiftly, it can lead to significant performance issues.

Ransomware

In a ransomware attack, cybercriminals use technology to hijack their victim’s data and hold it until a certain amount of money is paid. Ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting businesses and high net-worth individuals. Forbes predicts a 300% increase in RYUK-related ransomware attacks in 2020. The rise of digital currencies such as Bitcoin has escalated the risk of ransomware attacks as they facilitate anonymous ransom payments.

Tools to Protect Yourself

Cybersecurity threats such as phishing, ransomware, cryptojacking, IoT attacks, etc. are everywhere. And, as discussed at the beginning of the article, relying on antivirus software alone for protection is a bad idea. While antivirus is still an essential tool in 2020, people need more to protect themselves. In response to the growing complexity of online threats, many are turning to comprehensive internet security solutions. As such, exploring services such as those offered by consultants such as https://longhurstconsulting.com/internet-security-calgary/ (or similar companies operating in your local area) can provide a robust defense for you and/or your business against a wide array of digital threats. Consultants’ expertise in internet security can significantly enhance your protective measures beyond what traditional antivirus software can offer.

Here are 3 effective security tools to protect yourself from these and more cybersecurity risks.

Vulnerability Scanner

A vulnerability assessment can help you define, identify, classify, and prioritize cyber risks in your computer systems. A vulnerability scanner is a security tool designed to help you with the vulnerability assessment process. This tool will help you to thoroughly evaluate existing and potential threats, weaknesses, and, indeed, vulnerabilities in your system. Identifying these gateways goes a long way toward ensuring that your computer systems are adequately prepared to deal with emerging cyber threats.

VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic. It helps you create a private network from a public network, giving you online privacy and anonymity. An easy VPN download will protect you from a variety of online threats ranging from snoops to malware and DDoS attacks. Individuals and businesses can use this tool to protect their data online.

Email Security

Phishing attacks deploy an email to transmit fake messages intended to trick people into clicking onto links or attachments that install malware or expose sensitive information. Without protection, email can put users at risk of phishing, and malware. Look for a cloud email security solution with tools for phishing detection, email archiving, threat monitoring, and spam detection.

If you want to compromise a computer system, phishing, social engineering, and ransomware are your best bet. These attacks are becoming more common and more sophisticated. Relying on traditional detection-based antivirus for protection is not enough. You need to adopt a more preventive approach to stay safe online.