Trend in Cyber ​​Threats for 2023

In the ever-evolving cyber world, the trend in cyber threats by 2023 is also constantly changing. As technology advances, cybercriminals are also becoming more sophisticated in their tactics and methods. As we head into 2023, it’s important to stay on top of current trends in cyberthreats so you can take steps to protect yourself and your organization.

Next, we will see the main cyber threats that we will encounter during this year 2023.

Increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in cybercrime to automate and escalate attacks
According to the trend in cyber threats for 2023, a significant increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) by cybercriminals to automate and scale their attacks is expected. AI and ML allow attackers to automate tasks like generating phishing emails and exploiting vulnerabilities. It also allows them to analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends that allow them to improve their attacks.

An example of this is the creation of AI programs that are capable of generating phishing emails autonomously, adapting to the specific person to whom it is addressed. This makes phishing emails more sophisticated and deceptive, significantly increasing a user’s risk of falling for it.

In addition, attackers can also use machine learning techniques to automate vulnerability exploitation and malware propagation. These tactics are particularly dangerous as they are more difficult to detect and block than traditional tactics.

Deepfake use
Another trend in cyber threats for 2023 that must be taken into account is that there will be an increase in the use of deepfake as a cyber threat. Deepfakes are fake videos, images or sounds generated by artificial intelligence that can be used to deceive people and cause confusion or defamation. Some of the trends in the use of deepfake as a cyber threat that are expected to be seen in 2023 include:

Deepfake in phishing attacks: Attackers are expected to use deepfakes. Mostly to create more convincing emails and text messages and trick people into revealing personal or financial information.
In identity theft: To create fake videos and photos of known people and use them to access bank accounts and apply for fraudulent credits.
Deepfake in political interference: Malicious actors are expected to use deepfake to create fake videos and speeches by political leaders. This, with the aim of causing confusion or chaos in the elections and in public opinion.
In violation of privacy: To create fake videos and images of known or unknown people. In this way, use them to harass or extort victims.
Artificial intelligence

It is important to be alert to this trend and take steps to protect against deepfakes, such as learn

nder to recognize deepfakes. Also, verify information before sharing it and do not click on links or download applications from unknown or suspicious sources.

Conclusion
In summary, there is a clear trend in cyber threats by 2023 where the use of AI and ML by cybercriminals can allow them to automate and scale their attacks. This can significantly increase the risk of cyber threats in 2023. It is important that organizations take steps to protect against these threats. Such as the use of advanced security technologies and the training of employees to detect and prevent sophisticated cyberattacks.

Increase in attacks against IoT (Internet of Things) devices to access the internal networks of organizations and steal sensitive data
With the increased use of Internet-connected devices, cyber-attacks against IoT (Internet of Things) devices are also expected to rise in 2023. These, such as security cameras, thermostats, and home appliances, often have vulnerabilities. or wrong settings. Attackers can exploit them to gain access to organizations’ internal networks and steal sensitive data.

Cybercriminals can use these devices to access internal networks and exfiltrate data. Even use these devices as a starting point to launch broader attacks. They can also use these devices to cause interruptions in services. For example, DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks through compromised IoT devices.

Also, IoT device manufacturers often do not implement adequate security measures. This increases the risk of devices being compromised. Many IoT devices come with default passwords. This allows attackers to gain access to the devices and use them for their own malicious purposes.

Conclution
Based on the trend in cyber threats to 2023, it is important that organizations take steps to protect against these attacks. This includes the implementation of basic security measures. Like setting up strong passwords and regularly updating software. As well as the implementation of advanced security solutions; such as anomalous behavior detection and network monitoring. It is also important that organizations are aware of known vulnerabilities in IoT devices and take steps to protect against them.

Increase in Ransomware attacks

It is expected that in the trend in cyber threats by 2023 there will be an increase in ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts system files or blocks access to them. Subsequently, demanding a ransom in exchange for the recovery of the data. Some of the trends expected to see in ransomware attacks in 2023 include:

More sophisticated attacks: Cybercriminals will be using increasingly sophisticated techniques to evade security systems and spread ransomware. Such as the use of social engineering techniques and the use of automation tools to spread the malware.
Ransomware attacks targeting organizations: These attacks are becoming increasingly targeted at organizations. Especially those that handle confidential data or have a high economic value.
Increase in double extortion ransomware attacks: Double extortion ransomware attacks involve a ransom demand. This, to recover the encrypted files and the threat of publishing the stolen data on the internet. These attacks will be on the rise in 2023.
On mobile devices: These are becoming more and more common. Since mobile devices store a large amount of personal information and have a high economic value for users.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
In addition, it is expected that there will also be an increase in the trend in cyber threats by 2023 in ransomware attacks “as a service” (RaaS, for its acronym in English). RaaS is a business model in which cybercriminals offer ransomware services through online platforms and the dark web . This allows other malicious individuals or groups to use the ransomware software to carry out attacks. Some of the trends to expect to see in RaaS in 2023 include:

Increased accessibility to RaaS: RaaS is becoming more and more accessible as it is becoming a common offering on the cybersecurity black market.
More personalized ransomware: RaaS providers will be offering more personalized ransomware services. In this way, they adapt to the specific needs of customers.
Greater extortion efficiency: Cybercriminals will be offering services to improve extortion efficiency. This includes automating the payment process and improving encryption capabilities.
Greater sophistication: More and more sophisticated services will be offered. Including detection evasion techniques and the ability to spread malware across networks and connected devices.
Conclution
ransomwareTo protect yourself from ransomware attacks, it is essential to keep your security software up to date, make regular backups, be cautious when clicking on unknown links. It is also important to be alert to trends in the cybersecurity black market. Also, have a contingency plan in place to quickly respond to a possible ransomware attack.

Triple extortion ransomware

Triple extortion ransomware attacks, also known as triple extortion or triple threat, are a variant of traditional ransomware attacks. In them, the attackers use three different tactics to extort money from the victims. These attacks will be trending in cyber threats by 2023. These tactics include:

File encryption: Cybercriminals encrypt system files and demand a ransom to recover them.
Data theft: Attackers steal sensitive information such as passwords, confidential information, and customer data. Furthermore, they threaten to publish or sell it if the ransom is not paid.
Threat of business interruption: Cybercriminals also threaten to cause significant disruption to the victim’s business if the ransom is not paid. Either through a DDoS attack or by publishing sensitive information.
Conclution
These attacks are very dangerous as victims not only have to deal with losing access to their files. Furthermore, also with the threat of your confidential information being exposed or sold. As discussed above, it is essential to keep your security software up to date. As well as, make regular backups, be cautious when clicking on unknown links. It is also important to be alert to trends in the cybersecurity black market. And have a contingency plan in place to quickly respond to a possible ransomware attack.

Increase in attacks targeting the cloud
It is expected that in 2023 there will be an increase in attacks on the cloud. The cloud will be a trend in cyber threats by 2023 as it is becoming an attractive place for cybercriminals. This is due to the large amount of data and applications stored on it and the increasing dependence of organizations on cloud technologies. Some of the trends in cloud attacks expected to see in 2023 include:

Privacy Attacks: Cyber ​​criminals are expected to use advanced techniques to access personal and sensitive data stored in the cloud and use it to extort money from victims.
Availability: Availability attacks include DDoS and other types of attacks that seek to disrupt cloud service, causing downtime and lost revenue.
To integrity: Cybercriminals are expected to use advanced techniques to alter or destroy data stored in the cloud, causing data loss or business process disruptions.
Confidentiality attacks: Attackers are expected to use advanced techniques to gain access to sensitive information stored in the cloud, such as login credentials, and use it to carry out additional attacks.
Attacks on cloud services: Cybercriminals will use advanced techniques to access cloud services and use them to carry out further attacks.
Conclution
cloud computingIn summary, it is expected that in 2023 there will be an increase in attacks on the cloud. Since cybercriminals are becoming aware of the large amount of data and applications stored in the cloud. In addition, the growing dependence of organizations on cloud technologies. Attacks on the privacy, availability, integrity and confidentiality of data stored in the cloud, as well as attacks on cloud services, are expected. It is important to take steps to protect against these attacks. Such as using strong passwords, using a second factor of authentication, conditional access, keeping security software up to date, and making regular backups, among others. In addition, it is important to have a contingency plan in place to quickly respond to a potential cloud attack.

Increase in targeted attacks on privacy, including theft and exposure of personal data
It is expected that in 2023 there will be an increase in attacks directed at privacy, including the theft and exposure of personal data. These attacks can have serious consequences for individuals, as they can put their privacy and financial security at risk. Some of the main types of privacy-targeted attacks expected to see in 2023 include:

Identity theft attacks: Identity theft attacks involve the use of personal information to access bank accounts, apply for fraudulent credit, and perform other malicious actions.
Data Exposure: These data exposure attacks involve posting or selling personal information online, such as social security numbers, addresses, and credit card numbers.
Privacy on mobile devices: These involve the theft of personal information through malware or the use of malicious applications.
IoT (Internet of Things) privacy attacks: IoT privacy attacks involve unauthorized access to Internet-connected devices such as security cameras, thermostats, and home appliances to obtain private information about individuals.
Conclution
To protect yourself from these attacks, it is essential to be aware of the privacy risks and take steps to protect personal information. Like using strong passwords, not sharing personal information with strangers, and keeping security software on all devices up to date, among other things.

Increase in cyber attacks against organizations considered “small”
There will be a trend in cyber threats by 2023 in cyber attacks directed at organizations considered “small”. This is so because these organizations typically have fewer resources to spend on cybersecurity and are less likely to have an in-house security team. Cybercriminals target these targets with the expectation of succeeding in accessing valuable data or causing disruption to operations.

Organizations considered “small” include small businesses, non-profit organizations, local government organizations, and community organizations. These organizations may not have the same level of protection and security as large companies or government and corporate institutions. This makes them an attractive target for cyber attacks.

Conclution
To protect against these attacks, it is important that organizations take appropriate security measures. Including strong security policies, staff training, up-to-date security software, and IoT device security measures. It is also advisable to have an incident response team and a contingency plan in case of a cyber attack. In addition to staying informed about current trends and threats in cybersecurity.

Increased use of advanced phishing and social engineering techniques to access victim accounts and data
It is expected that in 2023 there will be an increase in the use of advanced phishing techniques and social engineering to access the accounts and data of victims. Phishing is a cyber attack technique in which attackers attempt to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or performing malicious actions. Some of the advanced phishing and social deception techniques expected to see in 2023 include:

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Spear-phishing: Spear-phishing is a highly personalized phishing technique in which attackers seek to trick victims using specific information about them, such as their name, job title, or company.
Business email compromise (BEC): BEC is a phishing technique in which cybercriminals pose as a trusted person, such as a boss or vendor, to trick victims into obtaining sensitive information or conducting fraudulent transactions.
Social Media Phishing: Cybercriminals can use social media to deceive victims through phishing and social deception techniques, such as creating fake profiles or using direct messages.
Smishing: Smishing is a phishing technique that uses text messages to trick victims into obtaining sensitive information or performing malicious actions.
There are other methods, such as vishing (Phishing through phone calls, VoIP, etc.), but without a doubt, these will continue to be used in a very common way during the year 2023.
Conclution
To protect yourself from these attacks, it’s essential to be vigilant about suspicious emails and text messages. Also, do not click on unknown links and do not share confidential information with any unknown senders. It is important to keep security software up to date and educate employees on security best practices.

Increase in DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks to cause significant disruption to online services
The DDoS attack (Distributed Denial of Service) is a type of cyber attack that is clearly trending in cyber threats by 2023. In which a network of devices is infected with malware. Usually using IoT devices, known as a “botnet”. These are used to “flood” a website or server with a large volume of fake traffic, with the goal of causing significant disruption to online services. DDoS attacks have been a growing problem in recent years and are expected to continue to increase in 2023.

DDoS attacks can have a significant impact on businesses, as they can cause significant financial losses due to disruption of online services. Some preventive measures such as protecting servers with firewalls, limiting access to services and using anti-DDoS solutions can help mitigate the risk of an attack.

More complex, advanced and sophisticated cyber attacks that seek to evade traditional security systems
Cyber ​​attacks are constantly evolving to evade traditional security systems. The trend in cyber threats by 2023 is expected to see more complex, more advanced and sophisticated cyber attacks. Some of the most complex and sophisticated cyber attacks expected in 2023 include:

Advanced phishing attacks: Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, using techniques such as using phishing domains that resemble legitimate ones. In addition to the use of social engineering techniques to deceive users and the use of artificial intelligence to carry them out.
Advanced Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware attacks are becoming more complex and sophisticated. Using techniques such as the use of exploits to evade security systems, strong encryption to prevent data recovery, and the use of extortion techniques to obtain payments.
From APT (Persistent Access Threat): These are advanced and persistent cyberattacks carried out by groups of cybercriminals, seeking to access and maintain access to a network on a persistent basis. These attacks are often conducted by sophisticated cybercriminal groups and can be difficult to detect and prevent.
IoT (Internet of Things) attacks: IoT attacks are becoming more common and involve using Internet-connected devices such as security cameras, thermostats, and home appliances as entry points to attack a network, such as we have explained above.
Conclution
To mitigate these complex and sophisticated attacks, a comprehensive, multi-layered security approach is recommended. This includes training employees, implementing advanced security solutions, and conducting penetration testing and continuous monitoring of networks and communications.

Increase in cyber threats based on vulnerabilities in online applications and services
It is expected that in 2023 there will be an increase in cyber threats based on vulnerabilities in online applications and services. Some of the main threats in this area include:

SQL injection: It is one of the most common attack techniques used to exploit vulnerabilities in web applications. It is done by injecting malicious code into SQL queries or queries.
XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks: XSS attacks are a technique for injecting malicious code into a website, through a vulnerability in input validation.
Command injection: It is an attack technique used to remotely execute malicious commands on a system through a vulnerability in input validation.
Brute force: It is an attack method to crack passwords through the use of an automated program that generates combinations of characters until the correct password is found.
Privacy attacks: Privacy attacks are carried out by harvesting users’ confidential or private information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal information.
Conclution
To protect yourself from these threats, it is recommended that you keep applications and online services up to date, implement security measures, and perform regular security testing of applications and online services. It is also recommended to educate users on security best practices and how to identify and avoid cyber threats.

Increase in cyber attacks against critical infrastructure such as hospitals, power grids and financial services
It is expected that in 2023 there will be an increase in cyber attacks against critical infrastructures, such as hospitals, electrical networks and financial services, among others. These attacks can have serious consequences for national security and public safety, as they can cause disruptions to essential services and put people’s lives at risk.

Attacks on power grids: Attacks on power grids can cause interruptions in the supply of electricity, which can have serious consequences for the economy and national security.
To hospitals: These can cause interruptions in essential medical services, which can put people’s lives at risk.
Attacks on financial services: Attacks on financial services can cause significant financial loss and put people’s privacy and financial security at risk.
Conclution
critical infrastructureTo protect yourself from these attacks, it is essential to implement strong security measures and be prepared to quickly detect and respond to cyber incidents. This includes the implementation of advanced security solutions, continuous monitoring of networks and communications. An important part is the training of personnel and collaboration with other sectors and organizations to share information and improve resilience to cyber incidents.

Expansion of confidential information theft, including intellectual property data, business and personal information
It is expected that by 2023 there will be an increase in the theft of confidential information, including intellectual property data and business and personal information. The theft of confidential information can have serious consequences for businesses and individuals. This can cause significant financial loss and put privacy and security at risk. Some of the main ways in which confidential information theft is estimated to take place include:

Phishing attacks: Phishing attacks are one of the main ways sensitive information is stolen. Attackers can use social engineering techniques to trick users into obtaining sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
Malware attacks: These are another common way that confidential information is stolen. Attackers can use Trojans, keyloggers, and other types of malware to collect sensitive information from the infected device.
From ransomware: Ransomware attacks are done by encrypting system files and demanding a ransom to get them back, they can obtain sensitive information through these tactics.
Cyber-espionage: Cybercriminals can use cyber-espionage techniques to collect sensitive information from an organization, such as intellectual property data and business strategies.
Conclution

To protect yourself from these attacks, it is essential to implement strong security measures and be prepared to quickly detect and respond to cyber incidents. This includes the implementation of advanced security solutions, continuous monitoring of networks. An important part is the training of personnel and collaboration with other sectors and organizations to share information and improve resilience to cyber incidents.

In summary on the trend in cyber threats for 2023
In summary, it is expected that in 2023 there will be an increase in cyber threats, at a general level. Including DDoS attacks, sophisticated cyber-attacks, vulnerability-based threats, attacks against critical infrastructure, theft of sensitive information, use of advanced phishing and social engineering techniques, targeted privacy attacks, ransomware attacks, and Ransomware as a service. Increased use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to evade detection and automate the spread of malware is also expected. It’s important to be alert to these trends and take steps to protect against these threats, such as keeping security software up to date, performing regular backups, and educating employees on security best practices.

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