The digital revolution has created a heavy reliance on IT to manage the daily operations of businesses and organizations. For that reason, professional cybersecurity is always vital for protection against cyberattacks.

The shift from the office to work from home and hybrid work culture has established a new wave of cyber threats and attack vulnerabilities. In addition, continuous change and new technologies have increased cybercrime and more sophisticated techniques for crime success.

So what’s expected next in the world of cybercrime? We discuss the most impactful cybercrime and challenges businesses and organizations are expected to face in 2023 and beyond.

Smartphone Attacks

According to Google, 80% of the world’s global population use smartphones, and mobile phone use accounts for over 60% of internet fraud. Many leading e-commerce platforms are accessible via mobile. We store everything on the phone, from financial transactions to personal information and communications. Cyber hackers target smartphone users and use mobile devices as the perfect opportunity to commit cyber fraud.

A high percentage of smartphone cybercrime, including viruses, malware, data loss, and tampering originating from the smartphone, is set to continue to rise well into 2023. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and mobile virus-scanning apps can help circumvent attacks.

Geo-Targeting Phishing Threats

Phishing attacks are the IT industry’s most prevalent security risk, and many are still victims of phishing emails. Cybercriminals use advanced techniques to develop well-executed business email compromise (BEC) attacks. In addition to phishing emails, malicious URLs stay rampant on the internet with added sophistication for a more believable attack. They are now more personalized, highly localized, and geo-targeted or location-based targeted.

Other lure tactics include imitating local brands and using grammatically correct local languages. Many users have been acclimatized to believing they can recognize scams through incorrect grammar and poor spelling, which increases the likelihood of them falling for well-constructed scam messages.

Security of Remote and Hybrid Workforces

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all businesses and industries adopted a new work culture, either working remotely or a hybrid model. This new work model has become the norm. Network protection in organizations that serve to safeguard against cyber threats is nearly impossible using this new arrangement. Since employees connect using an open Wi-Fi network from anywhere, it’s increasingly challenging for organizations to ensure security and confidentiality.

Remote working is here to stay, and recently, businesses have taken significant strides to restrict emerging cyber threats. However, completely securing remote and hybrid working environments will remain a challenge for cybersecurity as cloud-based attacks are increasing significantly.

While cybersecurity professionals work on how to combat the security vulnerabilities of remote working, here’s how you can reduce the risk of phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks when working remotely:

• Use secure internet connections and VPNs. Avoid working on public Wi-Fi without a backup.
• Use strong and unique passwords for all your systems.
• If you haven’t already, adopt a zero-trust approach where you presume all devices and users are potential attackers.

Cloud Security

Due to efficient cloud management software, there is a steady rise in businesses and organizations migrating to cloud services. Accessing data from anywhere supports the new remote and hybrid working style. However, it also makes it easier for cybercriminals to access your information.

IT security professionals need to focus on tightening cloud security, and clouds need continuous monitoring and updating to safeguard from data leaks. While common cloud apps like Microsoft and Google are well armed with security at their end, the user’s end is a significant source of errors, phishing attacks, and malicious software.

IoT 5G Network

The introduction and growth of 5G networks are in preparation to support the Internet of Things (IoT), the new age of interconnectivity. However, communication between multiple devices leaves them susceptible to vulnerabilities from attacks, outside influence, or unfamiliar software bugs.

Software bugs are not uncommon; even the top-rated web browser Google Chrome was found to have serious bugs. In comparison, 5G architecture is new to IT, and lots of research is necessary to find all the loopholes to secure it from cyberattacks. Software and hardware manufacturers must be meticulous and sophisticated in building hardware and software to control data breaches.

Other security challenges associated with 5G include:

• 4G and 5G co-existence require consistent and enhanced performance security.
• Virtualization introduces new risks.
• Additional devices and bandwidth required to support 5G also support cybercrime.
• Distributed edge clouds encourage new attack surfaces.
• Manual procedures are insufficient to prevent threats.

Deepfake Technology (AI)

Rapidly evolving tech deepfake is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technique for producing authentic-looking fake videos. Deepfakes generate fake events or news stories to damage a reputation. Deepfakes can also potentially be used in cybercrime to spread malware or create phishing attacks.

An example of a deepfake attack occurred when the CEO of a British energy company received a call that he mistook to be the head of the company’s German parent company. The CEO was fooled into thinking his boss was asking him to transfer thousands of dollars to a Hungarian supplier’s account. This deepfake tech mimicked the boss’s precise tone, variation, and slight German accent.

Ransomware Attacks Advancement

In recent years there’s been considerable growth in ransomware against organizations and individuals, which doesn’t appear to be slowing anytime soon. Cybercriminals threaten to circulate their victim’s data or block access to valued files or data until the ransom is fulfilled. Data suggest that approximately $1 billion was paid as ransomware in the U.S. during the 2021 first quarter. And it’s projected to increase. As a result, more individuals and businesses are at risk.

Firmware Attacks

Firmware attacks are a form of cyberattack that targets firmware. Firmware is software kept on a device’s read-only memory (ROM). This attack allows cybercriminals to gain control over a device or its information and can be problematic to identify and defend.

These attacks target any device with firmware installed, including routers, IoT devices, and computers. An example of a firmware attack is “badUSB.” This attack turns a USB device into a “keyboard” by reprogramming the USB’s controller chip. It lets the attacker send keystrokes to the victim’s PC to allow the attacker to control the computer or install malware remotely.

Unfortunately, many organizations undermine firmware security, and firmware attacks are likely to increase and become more sophisticated. Industries experiencing the most firmware attacks should implement an efficient hardware-based malware protection strategy.

Increased Automotive Hacking

Many modern vehicles are equipped with automated software for seamless connectivity to advanced systems for driving assistance. These vehicles use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi tech for communication, but this setup opens several vulnerabilities or threats from hackers.

With more automated vehicle use, hackers gaining control of vehicles or eavesdropping on conversations via microphones is expected to rise during 2023. Self-driving or autonomous cars use complex processes that need stringent cybersecurity measures.

Automation and Integration

Due to the size of information multiplying by the day, automation must be integrated for more advanced control over data. Today, hectic work demands pressure engineers and professionals to deliver fast and intelligent solutions, making automated systems more of a necessity now than ever.

Security measurements are included during the IT agile process to develop more secure software in all facets. Large and complicated web apps are more challenging to protect, making automation and cyber security key areas of software development.

Political Attacks

Moving into 2023, we have an unstable political landscape. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine resulted in a cyberspace war, with Russian hackers allegedly initiating attacks against Ukraine and its supporters.

More standard and advanced attacks from pro-Russia groups are expected. For example, KillNet, a pro-Russian group, allegedly attacks banks in NATO-aligned countries.

Stopping orchestrated attacks is difficult. However, the best protection is to carry out frequent penetration testing. Seek out system weaknesses and address them immediately. Attackers need only one vulnerability to access a system and cause significant damage.

Critical Infrastructure Attacks

In the cybercrime world, “bad actors” always want more, and they go after more prominent and impressive targets like, for example, taking an entire city offline. In 2023 more attacks on businesses linked to critical infrastructure are expected.

Consider how you’ll deal with such attacks whether you’re in the healthcare or energy industry or loosely associated with them.

Cybersecurity Challenges in 2023

IT has become significantly valuable in our daily personal and business lives. However, technological advancements are like double-edged swords. Progression introduces new security holes and more opportunities for sophisticated cybercrime. For example, remote working capabilities, cloud-based apps, and new tech like IoT and AI offer more cybercrime prospects than ever before.

In 2023 and beyond, businesses and organizations are expected to spend more on safeguarding their infrastructure and assets. Several recommendations for taking proactive measures are recommended to up your security game. Options for tighter IT security include continuously working with cybersecurity experts for network infrastructure evaluation, regular penetration testing, and investing in IT security training for staff.