Cyberattacks have increased since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. This is largely because many companies have been forced to shift their work environments to the digital space as a containment measure against the spread of the virus. For example, many organizations opted for a transition to "home office" arrangements, which required the implementation of new technologies to adapt their services to this new environment. In this new work normality, cybersecurity plays a key role, as companies—aware of the potential risks—have implemented a series of measures and practices to defend against cyberattacks.
Having passed the first quarter of 2021, the landscape for businesses points toward the consolidation of remote work. This suggests that many organizations have permanently established themselves in cyberspace. While this is promising for the members of the organization, we must remain vigilant of malicious actors who may be trying to intercept company information. Cyberattacks can take many forms, with some of the most recognized in recent months being phishing, ransomware attacks, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, among others.
First, phishing is one of the most well-known cyberattacks in this new scenario. According to statistics, phishing grew by as much as 220% in March 2020 due to the global lockdowns. This type of cyberattack involves the impersonation of a cybercriminal who takes on the name of a well-known institution to carry out the attack. Typically, phishing aims to obtain private user information through email or messages, which can then be used to gain access to sensitive data such as bank accounts or login credentials.
Second, 2021 has seen a surge in ransomware attacks. This cyberattack involves rendering your device (of any kind) unusable until a ransom is paid to restore it. In simple terms, we are talking about extortion software. This attack occurs when ransomware is introduced into a device, encrypting the entire operating system. Afterward, cybercriminals demand a payment for the release of the device. Since the pandemic began, figures indicate that ransomware attacks have increased by 767%. According to Martina López, one of the most popular ransomware variants has been Avaddon, a "ransomware-as-a-service" (RaaS) reported in black markets. Avaddon has primarily targeted small and medium-sized businesses in Europe and the U.S., but also in Latin American countries such as Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Costa Rica.
small and medium-sized companies in Europe and the United States, as well as Latin American countries, including Brazil, Peru, Chile and Costa Rica..
Tercero, la denegación de servicios (DoS) consiste en la acumulación de peticiones hacia un servidor dirigido hasta que este se vea incapaz de controlar el ataque y colapse. Ante esta situación, el servidor queda inoperativo, lo que puede generar graves consecuencias y daños económicos a la empresa vinculada. Las estadísticas del informe de A10 Networks indican que desde el inicio de la pandemia en 2020, este ciberataque se consolidó como una “molestia de ciberseguridad significativa”. Estos ataques cibernéticos fueron dirigidos a diversas víctimas entre ellas la educación, el gobierno y la atención médica. En el 2021, el sector de las telecomunicaciones, según Cloudflare, se vio afectado en gran porcentaje por los ataques de denegación de servicio distribuidos (DDoS)
- Cloud Cybersecurity
It is true that nothing can fully protect us from potential cyberattacks. However, cloud cybersecurity has become a key element in the development of businesses. It supports collaborative work and offers protection for the transfer and storage of company data via digital platforms, without requiring access to a physical server.
2. Application of Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity can be significantly enhanced by using Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI techniques have long been fundamental tools for executing tasks and detecting problems. A large percentage of companies have increased their investment in AI systems as part of their defense strategy against current cyberattack trends. AI can be applied to identify and analyze threats, enabling the automation of alert processes and allowing for a quicker response to cyberattacks.
3. Security in IoT DevicesT
The exponential growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has caught the attention of cybercriminals. For this reason, security measures must be implemented on interconnected devices. Since these devices are connected to the Internet, they are always at risk of being attacked. Key security measures include protecting devices with strong passwords and using optimal software that can detect and eliminate malware or other threats within IoT devices.
4. Data Encryption
This aspect is crucial for protecting against cyberattacks. It is essential to ensure the safeguarding and confidentiality of data. This requires encrypting files, information, and general company documentation, especially those containing sensitive details such as bank account numbers, passwords, and other private information that could severely harm the organization if compromised.
As we move through 2021 and witness the growth of digital platforms due to the pandemic, the role of cybersecurity is more relevant than ever in ensuring the smooth operation of computer systems within a company. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent, and while we can never be fully secure in the digital space, it is crucial to take all possible precautions to prevent threats that could lead to significant losses for the business.
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