Cybersecurity is a continually evolving field. New innovations and technological developments change the way we connect with the online world, but it’s wise to remember that cybercriminals are often one step ahead when it comes to data security.
The biggest threat we face these days is that of data leaks. There were several high-profile data hacks in 2019, including Capital One, where 100 million records were accessed. You can check how much of your data is online by accessing Nuwber and visiting https://haveibeenpwned.com/. But it’s also a good idea to stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends.
Read on to find out what you need to be aware of in 2020.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is being used in a variety of ways, from spotting vulnerabilities in system architecture to making spam emails more plausible. It is also increasingly being used by cybercriminals to cripple cyber defenses. Network admins and cyber experts use AI to spot patterns when hackers attack, so they can predict future attacks before they occur. However, AI can also be used to disguise patterns, which makes it harder to prevent attacks.
Misinformation Propagation
The last US presidential election process was a classic example of how misinformation can derail the democratic process. Fake news propagated by Russian troll factories (among others) caused widespread havoc. The same techniques have also proved highly effective in other countries, including China and Hong Kong, where state actors are using fake news to push pro-government narratives at the expense of the truth.
Technology designed to counter the insidious dissemination of fake news is likely to increase over the next year. Otherwise, the outcomes of future elections will be questionable, to say the least.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology has been a real game-changer in the last few years. Innovative devices such as Alexa and refrigerators that can order food directly are making our lives much easier. Millions of people have invested in Amazon’s Alexa and Google Nest and the market is now worth an estimated $22 billion, but there is a dark side to smart home tech that not everyone is aware of.
Listening devices like Amazon’s Alexa respond to voice commands, which means they are always listening. How certain is it that data is not being harvested while we are blissfully unaware?
Some experts say smart home technology is a trojan horse that’s allowing hackers and cybercriminals through the backdoor of our home. Many smart home devices contain vulnerabilities that allow hackers to steal data. And if one device is hacked, every other device on the same home network is vulnerable. So, in theory, if a cybercriminal can hack your baby monitor, he can then remotely disable your smart intruder alarm.
Self-Driving Vehicles
The more towards self-driving vehicles marches onwards, with companies like Tesla working around the clock to bring the technology to the masses. It sounds great in theory, but there is a very real concern that self-driving cars can be targeted by hackers. At the very least these vehicles are a rich source of data, but imagine how scary it would be if your self-driving vehicle was taken over by a cybercriminal and you had no control over it?
Technology will evolve whatever we do, but if you want to stay in control, it’s wise to keep a close eye on the latest developments. And before you rush out and buy a smart home device, think carefully about the implications. Do you really want to sacrifice your family’s privacy for the sake of saving some time?
