As cybersecurity threats evolve, defense technologies must evolve with them. By following the clear trends in cybersecurity threats, businesses, governments, and other entities can protect their assets and data.
Attacks Will Target the Healthcare Industry
At this moment, the safety of the world relies on swift vaccine distribution and ending the global pandemic. At no point in the last century has healthcare been so important to global security. Of course, that means criminals will now target healthcare institutions because they are so crucial. Hospitals, vaccine manufacturers, and healthcare providers have already been targeted by cybersecurity attacks.
Businesses in the healthcare industry must prioritize cybersecurity going forward. This means using secure software, taking precautions to protect data, and training employees to avoid phishing schemes and other attacks.
Cybersecurity Will Play a Role in Geopolitics
The pandemic already caused geopolitical tensions during the early days of countries trading PPE. Now, diplomatic rows over vaccine patents are common. These tensions will only get worse as countries race to manufacture vaccines and vaccinate their people. Cybersecurity threats will play a role in the diplomatic cold wars that are occurring.
Internet attacks can be used to spy on valuable national security information, and at this moment coronavirus information counts as national security. Even the threat of cyberattacks can be used as leverage during negotiations. Expect to see more discussions of hackers and bots during diplomatic summits.
Protecting Data Is More Important Than Ever
Data protection will be more important than ever this year, especially for healthcare institutions. Hospitals and healthcare providers have crucial patient data that hackers are willing to exploit, especially since they know that most providers do not have the time or money to invest in data protection.
Individuals will also need to be vigilant about their data. Scams and phishing schemes, especially using information about COVID-19 as bait, are becoming more prevalent.
Cybersecurity will be a significant threat to safety in 2021. By staying informed about possible targets and taking necessary precautions, governments and private businesses can avert disaster.