5 Cyberattacks You Should Prepare for in 2023

Cyberattacks target weaknesses in computer systems, and even professionals have a hard time preventing them. Attackers only need to find one weakness, while defenders must secure all points of entry. It is even harder for an individual, but understanding the cyberattacks you should be ready for ahead of time is a good place to start, especially as cybercrime continues to rise in 2023.

Malware

According to PIA’s cyberattacks list, malware is always ranked at or near the top for threats and cybersecurity concerns. These types of cyberattacks typically involve unauthorized installation of harmful software or programs on your system that can take the form of viruses that infect apps, arrive as new apps (like .exe files), or hide in the core of your system.

Other attacks can involve trojans or worms that can harm your system by opening a back door or quickly spreading through emails. Common types of malware include the following:

• Trojan Malware
• Spyware
• Malvertising
• Zero Day Attacks

While malware is devastating for individuals, these cyberattacks are expensive for companies, costing them millions and taking a long time to properly repair. There is also the issue of the loss of reputation and loss of customers as security becomes a concern.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their system or personal files until they pay a ransom. While it might have involved mailing the ransom in the past, these days payment can be quickly handled through a credit card or digital currency.

It is a particularly popular method of cyberattack because many businesses stand to lose more by delaying payment and extending the downtime. Moreover, with many businesses being unprepared to face an attack, it is one to look out for in 2023, where economic conditions will make a big payday particularly enticing.

Social Engineering

Social engineering involves manipulation, where a hacker tries to get a person to give away sensitive information or make a poor security decision. It is usually a multi-step process that starts with in-depth research of people and systems prior to making an attempt. Common types of threats include:

• Phishing
• Pretexting Attacks
• Spoofing Attacks
• Whaling Attacks

Many see phishing as the top security threat, and it has been growing increasingly popular over the years. Why? Because it is effective. It exploits human error, perhaps the greatest cyberattack vulnerability of them all.

Cryptojacking

Although cryptocurrency is not seen in the same positive light it once was, it is still the target of cyberattacks. Primarily, cryptojacking. Cryptojacking is when hackers gain access to someone’s cryptocurrency database or wallet with the goal of stealing cryptocurrency.

It is something to remain aware of in 2023 and beyond. In particular, people need to know that cryptojacking can occur through phishing attempts or if a hacker physically gains access to a device.

Man-in-the-Middle Attack

Another serious type of cyberattack to be ready for is a man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attack. It works by tricking two parties into thinking they are having a direct conversation while the hacker is actually intercepting their messages.

By intercepting the correspondence, a hacker can read, change, or copy the messages before they reach the intended recipient, which can result in hackers getting their hands on sensitive information, like passwords, transaction details, and credit card numbers.