Tag: Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has elevated to a top priority for both individuals and businesses in the current digital era. As we approach 2023, it is essential to understand the latest trends in Cybersecurity to stay ahead of potential threats. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and it is becoming increasingly challenging to protect data and systems from cyberattacks. Therefore, organizations need to be aware of the emerging trends in Cybersecurity to mitigate these risks.
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Come let’s explore some of the top Cybersecurity trends that we can expect to see in 2023, including the increased use of AI and machine learning, zero-trust security models, supply chain security, cloud security solutions, and the growing importance of Cybersecurity in everyday life.

Top Cybersecurity Trends to watch in 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Cybersecurity

The use of AI and ML in Cybersecurity is becoming more widespread as cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their attacks. AI and ML can help organizations detect and respond to threats more quickly and accurately. These technologies can analyze massive amounts of data and identify patterns that humans may miss. In 2023, we can expect to see more advanced AI and ML tools being used in cybersecurity.

Zero Trust Architecture

According to the Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) security model, all users and devices must first authenticate and receive authorization before they can access any resources. In other words, ZTA assumes that everything is a potential threat and requires constant verification. This model is becoming more popular as organizations move away from perimeter-based security models. In 2023, we can expect to see more organizations adopting ZTA to improve their Cybersecurity posture.

Cloud Security

As more organizations move their data and applications to the Cloud, Cloud Security becomes increasingly important. Cloud providers offer robust security features, but it’s still the responsibility of the organization to secure their data. In 2023, we can expect to see more organizations adopting Cloud Security best practices, such as data encryption, access controls, and regular backups.

Internet of Things (IoT) Security

The network of physical objects, including machinery, transportation, home appliances, and other things, that are equipped with electronics, software, sensors, and communication is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). The increasing number of IoT devices being used in both personal and business settings poses a significant security risk. In 2023, we can expect to see more attention being paid to IoT security, with organizations implementing better security measures for these devices.

Cybersecurity Talent Shortage

The demand for Cybersecurity professionals continues to grow as organizations seek to protect themselves from cyber threats. However, there is a shortage of skilled Cybersecurity professionals to meet this demand.

Trust PeoplActive to hire experienced Cybersecurity professionals.

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks are a growing threat to organizations of all sizes. These attacks involve cyber criminals encrypting an organization’s data and demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. In 2023, we can expect to see more sophisticated ransomware attacks, with cyber criminals using AI and ML to identify vulnerabilities and launch targeted attacks.

Also Read: Evolving Threats and broadening responses to Ransomware in the UAE

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks remain one of the most common types of Cyber attacks. These attacks involve cyber criminals tricking users into giving up sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers. In 2023, we can expect to see more sophisticated phishing attacks, with cyber criminals using AI and ML to create more convincing phishing emails.

Blockchain Technology

The adoption of blockchain technology in Cybersecurity is likely to increase in 2023. Blockchain provides a secure method of storing and sharing data, making it an ideal solution for industries that require high levels of data security, such as finance and healthcare. By using blockchain technology, organizations can ensure that their data is tamper-proof and that any changes made to it are tracked and audited.

Biometric Authentication

Password-based authentication is no longer considered secure, as passwords can be easily compromised. In 2023, we can expect to see an increase in the use of biometric authentication, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. These methods provide a more secure way of authenticating users and are much harder to hack than traditional passwords.

Threat Intelligence Sharing and Collaboration

In 2023, we can expect to see an increase in the sharing of threat intelligence between organizations. By sharing information about cyber threats, organizations can better protect themselves against future attacks. Collaboration between organizations can also lead to faster response times, as organizations work together to contain and mitigate cyber incidents.

Privacy Regulations

Privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA have already had a significant impact on cybersecurity policies. In 2023, we can expect to see more countries adopt similar regulations, further shaping cybersecurity policies and practices.

Quantum Computing

Quantum Computing has the potential to revolutionize Cybersecurity, but it also poses a significant threat. Quantum computers can break many of the encryption methods that are currently used to secure data, rendering them obsolete. In 2023, we can expect to see more focus on developing quantum-resistant encryption methods and other security solutions that can withstand quantum-based attacks.

Also Read: Navigating the Cybersecurity maze in Healthcare

Summing it up

The Cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, and organizations must be prepared to adapt to the latest trends and developments to protect against cyber threats. In 2023, we can expect to see significant changes in the way organizations approach Cybersecurity, including the increased use of AI and Machine learning, a more proactive approach to threat detection, a focus on Cloud Security, and the challenges presented by the IoT and data privacy regulations.

Therefore, it’s vital to have access to the right expertise and resources to address these challenges effectively. Our Cybersecurity Consulting Services can help businesses to identify vulnerabilities, develop security strategies, and implement robust Cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats. Our team of experienced Cybersecurity professionals stays up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, ensuring that we can provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of our clients.

In today’s digital age, the threat of cyber attacks is becoming increasingly prevalent, and one of the most common types of attacks is the Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks are designed to overload and crash a website or network by flooding it with an enormous amount of traffic or requests, making it unavailable to its intended users. Although these two types of attacks share a similar goal, there are significant differences in their methodology, severity, duration, motivation, and prevention and mitigation techniques.
PeoplActive is an ISO 27001:2013 certified leading tech hiring platform. By utilizing an exclusive network of 4000+ Silicon Valley calibre tech talent specialized in 100+ in-demand IT skills, it was pretty easy for businesses to hire game-changing engineers and developers in just 48 hours. So, if you want to accelerate your business, schedule a quick call with our experts now.
In this blog, we will explore the differences between DoS and DDoS attacks in more detail, and provide insight into how these attacks work, the damage they can cause, and the best practices to protect against them. We will also cover the various prevention and mitigation techniques used to safeguard systems and networks from these types of attacks.

What is a DoS Attack?

A DoS (Denial-of-Service) attack is a cyberattack in which a single device or computer is used to flood a website or network with a massive amount of traffic. The DoS attack aims to overwhelm the system’s resources, making it impossible for legitimate users to access the website or network.

There are several types of DoS attacks, including:

• Ping of Death Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker sends a malformed ping request to a website or network, causing it to crash.

• SYN Flood Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker sends a large number of SYN requests to a website or network, overwhelming its resources.
• Smurf Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker sends a large number of ICMP echo requests to a network, amplifying the attack and overwhelming its resources.

What is a DDoS Attack?

A DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack is a cyberattack in which multiple computers or devices are used to flood a website or network with traffic. The devices used to launch the attack are often compromised by malware, which turns them into bots that can be controlled by the attacker.

DDoS attacks are more difficult to defend against than DoS attacks because they come from multiple sources and are often distributed across different geographic locations. DDoS attacks can be used to overwhelm a website or network with traffic, making it inaccessible to legitimate users.

DDoS assaults come in a variety of forms, including:

• Botnet Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker uses a network of compromised devices, known as a botnet, to flood a website or network with traffic.
• DNS Amplification Attack: In this type of attack, the attacker sends a large number of DNS requests to a server, amplifying the traffic and overwhelming its resources.
• Smurf Attack: As mentioned above, a Smurf attack can also be a type of DDoS attack, in which the attacker sends a large number of ICMP echo requests to a network, amplifying the attack and overwhelming its resources.

Key differences between DoS and DDoS

Here are some detailed differences between DoS and DDoS attacks:

Source of Attack

The primary difference between DoS and DDoS attacks is the source of the attack. In a DoS attack, the attacker uses a single device or network to carry out the attack, while in a DDoS attack, the attacker uses a network of compromised devices (botnet) to flood the target with traffic.

Scale

The scale of the attack is another critical difference between DoS and DDoS attacks. In a DoS attack, the attacker can only generate a limited amount of traffic, which may not be enough to bring down a well-protected website or network. In contrast, a DDoS attack can involve thousands or even millions of devices, generating massive amounts of traffic that can overwhelm even the most robust defenses.

Complexity

DDoS attacks are generally more complex than DoS attacks. The attacker needs to infect a large number of devices with malware to create the botnet, which requires advanced technical skills and knowledge. Additionally, DDoS attacks may use different techniques to evade detection and mitigation, such as IP spoofing, amplification attacks, and randomization of attack patterns.

Duration

DoS attacks are typically shorter in duration than DDoS attacks. A DoS attack may last a few minutes to a few hours, while a DDoS attack can last for days or even weeks. The longer duration of a DDoS attack makes it much more challenging to mitigate and recover from.

Impact

DoS attacks and DDoS attacks can both have a significant impact on the target website or network. However, DDoS attacks can be much more damaging, as they can result in extended periods of downtime, data loss, and financial losses.

Motivation

DoS attacks are usually carried out by individuals seeking attention or revenge, while DDoS attacks are often carried out by organized criminal groups, hacktivists, or state-sponsored actors seeking to disrupt or damage a target website or network.

Also Read: Role Of Cyber Security In Compliance: A Comprehensive Guide

Wrapping it up

While both DoS and DDoS attacks have the same goal of disrupting or disabling a website or online service, there are significant differences between the two. DoS attacks involve a single device or network flooding a target system with traffic, while DDoS attacks involve multiple devices or networks working in unison to flood a target system with traffic. DDoS attacks are typically more powerful and sophisticated than DoS attacks due to their larger scale and use of botnets. Additionally, DDoS attacks can last for hours, days, or even weeks, making them more difficult to defend against.

Website and online service operators need to be aware of the differences between DoS and DDoS attacks and to have proper security measures in place to prevent, detect, and mitigate these types of attacks. This can include measures such as network monitoring, firewalls, and anti-DDoS solutions. By understanding the differences between DoS and DDoS attacks and taking appropriate security measures, website and online service operators can help ensure the continued availability and security of their systems.

Cyber crimes are a serious and growing threat to businesses of all sizes. A single vulnerability is all it takes to bring down a company, making it imperative to safeguard against these risks. A cyber security engineer is an expert in preventing cyber attacks and can provide the necessary tools and knowledge to protect your business. Act now and hire a Cybersecurity engineer within 48 hours to safeguard your business and your customers’ data.

Over the past ten years, there have been many technological improvements, from more straightforward banking options with mobile banking to comparatively easy transactions, investing, and borrowing solutions; every day, something new is available for everyone to explore digitally. FinTech commonly referred to as Financial Technology simplifies the management of many tasks that are part of daily life. Even though the sector has been around for a very long time, some important problems, like cybersecurity, still need to be overcome because FinTech is still perceived by many as being a relatively new concept. However, if these issues are not resolved, they can cause significant mishaps in the future.

Data breaches result from numerous thefts and hacks, and the main cause is a lack of effective security measures. Banks are compelled by law to accelerate in-house protection, while FinTech companies are comparatively exempt from these requirements. 

Curious to know more?

Come, let’s dive in!

Top Cybersecurity threats in the fintech sector

The vast majority of financial institutions heavily rely on applications to help users complete transactions. Application developers must be aware of the dangers and difficulties to put effective security measures in place to mitigate them. 

Some of the examples of security flaws in Fintech are listed below:

Security Issues with Cloud Computing

Data no longer needs to be kept on home computers or in nearby data centers. Cloud Computing is now the foundation for the internet supply of financial services. It’s crucial to be aware of a few security issues as cloud technology becomes more prevalent. Cloud Computing offers various advantages like speed, accessibility, and scalability. However, because of the volume of data passing through the cloud, hackers can more easily launch cyberattacks. Financial institutions must ensure that the cloud services they choose are reliable. A minor breach can quickly become an irrecoverable loss. One of the main reasons for security vulnerabilities in cloud computing is the improper configuration of cloud resources.

Data Security 

One of the biggest concerns for the fintech sector is identity theft and data breaches. To protect the payment system, fintech companies utilize one-time passwords and other authentication techniques. Hackers are still able to access these systems, stealing financial and personal data. Financial firms have always been in danger of data leaks as cyberattacks become more sophisticated every day and establishing total security in the digital realm is quite a challenge. 

Malware Attacks 

The most frequent kind of cyber risk affecting the financial services sector is malware attacks. Users are vulnerable to malware attacks when using unreliable third-party software, emails, or websites. Malware attacks are more likely to spread quickly and result in irreparable damage. 

Third-party Services 

Another security risk that affects banks and other financial institutions is third-party access. Financial companies frequently rely on third-party software. But hackers frequently use these third-party programs as a gateway. They provide hackers with a chance to impersonate authorized users and obtain access to systems without authorization, compromising data security. Financial institutions must pick a reliable provider when working with third-party software. 

How to avoid security flaws in Fintech – best practices

 Here are some crucial Fintech solutions to have in mind when creating secure applications.

Data Encryption 

When using encryption, information is encoded and rendered unintelligible until specific keys are used. You can encrypt your data using one of the following algorithms:

• RSA 
• TwoFish
• 3DES

Secure authentication technologies 

Implement the following measures to safeguard your fintech application against targeted internal and external security threats:

• OTP System 
• Password change 
• Monitoring 
• Time of login sessions 
• Adaptive authentication 

Role-based access control 

In accordance with your affiliation with a certain organization, role-based access control modifies your access level. Even if you hold positions within the company as an IT specialist, customer, manager, etc., you won’t be allowed access to areas outside of your scope. This feature significantly reduces cyberthreats both internally and externally. 

It’s crucial to select the best software development business with the appropriate amount of competence when creating your fintech application to match all of your needs.

DevSecOps 

In conjunction with current Cybersecurity developments, Software Development Life Cycle strengthens a fintech application’s security. DevSecOps greatly facilitates a secure financial application’s development. The key component of this idea is cybersecurity, coupled with other crucial elements like the testing process. 

Importance Of Cybersecurity In Fintech

Fintech startups and firms provide more flexible goods and services as compared to banks. In addition, they provide a faster time to market, which is crucial from a business standpoint. Due to their quick release cycles, fintech companies frequently simplify their products or exclude critical functionalities. Due to this, fintech companies frequently only partially or completely protect their solutions, especially when they cannot immediately see the benefits to their business. Fintech firms may also reduce their non-functional data security standards due to a lack of cybersecurity awareness and the misconception that completely safe products aren’t flexible enough from a business standpoint. 

This frequently results in the creation of goods that are functional but inadequately secured, which are likely to produce significant security expenses when these products are scaled and must be properly secured or corrected. As a result, doing business with fintech startups can be riskier than putting your faith in large banks.

Overall, a fintech company may be more likely to experience a security breach than a rigorously regulated bank, but the repercussions may be similar because both processes the same kind of data.

Summing it up

To secure any financial solution, you must have a strong security engineer. A DevSecOps team, made up of engineers with strong hard and soft skills, can even take security one step further. A DevSecOps team can easily create software that follows the secure-by-design methodology. 

With the aid of a cyber security engineer, you can protect your business from these cutting-edge hazards. You may recruit a qualified Cyber Security Engineer through PeopleActive in less than 48 hours.

With so many digital wallet options, Fintech Cybersecurity Risks like fraudulent transactions, extortion, denial of service attacks, and credit card fraud have increased. These cyberattacks are powerful enough to put the financial sector at systemic risk. Some of the most well-known cyberattacks the financial sector has seen to date have impacted critical economic infrastructures. These cyberattacks have the potential to compromise important company data and intentionally destroy hardware, negatively affecting services. Cybersecurity threats affect nearly all elements of the FinTech ecosystem. They might expose different technologically savvy financial institutions, FinTech start-ups, and monetary clients within the FinTech ecosystem. Technology developers also need to be conscious of any cybersecurity issues that could exploit security vulnerabilities and flaws in the technology they are creating.

This blog reveals various cybersecurity risks faced by the FinTech industry and offers an in-depth analysis of the groups and individuals responsible for those risks.
Let’s Go and find out!

Importance of Cybersecurity in FinTech

Fintech is a term used in contemporary language within the financial industry to describe the application of technology and innovation for financial services and systems.

Fintech apps like Venmo, Robinhood, Chime, PayPal, MoneyLion, Mint, and Card Curator have disrupted and changed the banking and financial services industry in recent years. Global consumers already use up to 75% of fintech services, and that percentage is anticipated to grow as more individuals use contactless payments, mobile banking, micro-investing, online lending, travel hacking, and other fintech-enabled financial practices. Fintech applications are treasure troves for online thieves seeking to steal priceless personal and financial information.

FinTech Cybersecurity Risks and Challenges

It’s critical to recognize new issues in the realm of Cybersecurity to comprehend how to make it impenetrable to planned cyberattacks.

Cloud Computing Issues

Most online financial services, including payment gateways, net banking, digital wallets, and form filling, are carried out via a cloud-based computing system. Although cloud computing provides advantages such as scalability, speed, and accessibility, the volume of data pouring into it makes it the ideal cover for cyberattacks. As a result, it requires different security measures than conventional local data centers. It is crucial to pick a trustworthy and safe cloud service provider that can customize the cloud to meet the needs of the client.

Malware Attacks

The most prevalent type of cyberattack is malware. Malware has advanced significantly, making it harder to identify and eradicate. In contrast to other attacks, malicious software can enter through a variety of channels, including emails, third-party software, suspicious websites, and pop-up windows. It is particularly hazardous because of its deadly transmission and spread rates, which can bring down entire networks. Because of this, it’s crucial to pick cybersecurity infrastructure providers with regularly updated malware detection software and capabilities like automated real-time malware detection.

Third-Party Access

FIs and banks frequently use third-party services and software for a variety of applications. Since these programs are connected to the major systems of the organizations, they serve as entry points for hackers posing as authorized staff members or customers of a third party. Banks must use caution when selecting a dependable third-party solution to help fintech overcome cybersecurity concerns.

System Complexity and Compatibility

Large financial institutions and banks sometimes have multiple branches and headquarters around the globe, each of which is outfitted with infrastructure from various producers and developers. These systems are linked together, but they might not be compatible with one another or they might forge complicated relationships, which would leave gaps in the network. These flaws serve as the entry points for cyberattacks.

Money Laundering Risks

Since they have grown in popularity in recent years, cryptocurrencies have become one of the biggest cybersecurity challenges facing the finance industry. Cryptocurrencies can be used to launder money produced illegally and the source of the funds can be hidden. Additionally, bitcoin transactions may be a target for fraud and hacker access points for data theft, resulting in significant losses and issues with law enforcement. Therefore, banks and FIs who work with cryptocurrencies should exercise caution and only trade on secure platforms.

Identity Theft and Authentication

Banks and FIs frequently utilize methods like one-time payments, biometrics, passwords, and other types of authentication to provide security and confirm identity. These techniques do have the disadvantage that they can frequently be copied, opening the door for hackers to steal substantial amounts of money. Although these techniques are helpful, banks and FIs must apply a variety of verification gateways based on various concepts to prevent invasion.

Online Digital Platform

The majority of banks and FIs now use internet platforms. This indicates that PCs and mobile devices—through which the majority of users access their accounts—are vulnerable to hacking. As a result, even if the bank’s network is safe, it is unable to identify a compromise in the user’s device. Customers must therefore complete significant transactions using computers and other devices that offer greater security. Additionally, installing antivirus software with real-time detection and secured browsing is advised when using these devices for banking.

Compliance

Fintech must adhere to regulatory and compliance regulations depending on the kind of service. In a similar vein, rules requiring businesses to “know their consumers” require them to keep an eye out for illicit activity like tax evasion and money laundering. The rules are centered on certain services including insurance, lending and borrowing, stock market trading, and financial advising. Nevertheless, all institutions must comply with certain standards. These rules are in place to uphold a specific level of security for the customers’ money and personal information. Additionally, breaking these rules or failing to comply with them might result in penalties and government action.

Therefore, businesses that want to address the current cybersecurity issues facing the fintech industry must adhere to rules as closely as possible.

Conclusion

FIs deal with millions of bytes of data each day that pertains to private, personal, and financial information, making them a gold mine for hackers. As a result, cybersecurity threats will always be a serious concern. Therefore, it is crucial for cybersecurity and data protection firms to always be in the lead when it comes to coming up with creative solutions to cybersecurity concerns in fintech, thereby regaining the trust of the platform’s users.

With the assistance of a Cyber Security Engineer, you can defend your company against these novel risks. With PeoplActive you can hire a skilled Cyber Security Engineer within 48 hours.

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, cyberattacks spread through the Middle East, making both public and private institutions very susceptible and turning the pandemic into a physical as well as a digital menace. Despite physical isolation on a global scale, more people were connected online than ever before, greatly increasing the attack surface for eager cyber threat actors. More than two years later, we have seen how such actors were able to effectively exploit the new reality in the wake of the widespread panic and social unrest that followed the outbreak of the pandemic by bringing social engineering attacks to a new level. The Middle East has experienced a quick and widespread increase in ransomware assaults, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whose sophisticated digital economy and connections made it an attractive target.

Ransomware is a sort of malware that constantly evolves, hacking into devices and encrypting data that can be locked and encrypted. It can lock and encrypt data, preventing victims from accessing it, and it holds the data hostage until a ransom is paid to unlock it or give the victim access again. A closer examination of how ransomware attacks developed throughout the UAE during the pandemic, the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) employed by TAs, and the UAE’s response offers an ideal case study for comprehending how cyberattacks can impact a digital economy and emphasizes the necessity for greater digital security throughout the Middle East.

The Scale of Threat

According to Kaspersky statistics, attacks involving social engineering, phishing, and other threats to data loss considerably increased in the UAE in the second quarter of 2022 by 230% when compared to the same period in the previous year. After a ransomware attack, businesses are under extreme pressure to resume operations and must choose between paying the ransom and going through the laborious and time-consuming process of attempting to recover and restore the programme that runs that data. Paying the ransom entails a significant risk because businesses frequently aren’t aware of any extra TA interference, such as backdoors or password copying. Because of the harmful material that is still on their network, businesses are susceptible to repeat attacks and may even invite new attacks if appropriate cleanup is not done.

Also Read: UAE businesses are increasingly utilizing cloud-based applications

The Rise of RansomOps

Over time, relatively straightforward reused malware variants using antiquated techniques like phishing have been replaced by so-called RansomOps. These changes have led to increasingly sophisticated and intricate operations where the payload is the last link in an attack chain. RansomOps is the term used to describe the ransomware operation as a whole, which is currently a highly focused and human-driven organization operating in a sophisticated, organized, and unpredictable manner. The more predictable and automated traditional ransomware malware is no longer in use, and RansomOps have become much more organized and resemble software-as-a-service businesses. The distinction between RansomOps and ransomware is primarily made by four factors, all of which highlight the greater sophistication and specialized nature of these attacks:

• Ransomware-as-a-service providers
• Initial access brokers
• Cryptocurrency exchanges
• Ransomware affiliates

With the advent of the pandemic, leading ransomware in the Middle East found an opening in the UAE. These organizations first capitalized from the unique vulnerabilities caused by the pandemic, but they are now continuing their efforts as a result of both the quick adoption of digital technology and the increasingly sophisticated attacks. The following ransomware organizations have targeted and are still targeting the UAE: Egregor, LockBit 2.0, Conti, Snatch, DarkSide, REvi, BlackByte, Xing, AvosLocker, Avaddon, Rook, and Pysa; LockBit, Conti, and Snatch are the main organizations that have targeted the UAE specifically. These groups are typically assumed to come from Iran, Russia, or China and target top institutions in the public sector, the IT industry, and the financial sector.

Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

These operators develop similar TTP that provide insight into the RansomOps technique.

1. RansomOps uses the software-as-a-service technique known as “ransomware-as-a-service” (RaaS) to industrialize cybercrime. These ransomware organizations use business-minded hackers who take advantage of various RansomOps. In the “Ransomware Threat Report 2022” from Palo Alto Networks, it is stated that “this is a business for criminals, with agreements that specify the rules for distributing genuine ransomware to affiliates, frequently in exchange for monthly fees or a portion of ransom paid.” RaaS streamlines attacks, making them simpler to carry out, expanding the target audience, and decreasing the entry barriers. LockBit, Conti, and REvil are all RaaS operators among the ransomware organizations described above, but their strategies vary. The LockBit ransomware RaaS model allows its associates to create a wide range of strategies and resources. Contrarily, Conti took a different tack, lowering the bar and compensating its affiliates even in the absence of a successful breach. As a result, there is a stronger motivation to try more, which could lead to more breaches and payouts for the group.
2. Another significant TTP is double/multiple extortion methods. Attacks using ransomware have disrupted several organizations in the UAE, raising worries about business continuity, revenue loss, and the loss of critical human resources. Even though the frequency of ransomware attacks has dropped and businesses have implemented better safeguards, ransomware has grown more complex and menacing due to the usage of multiple extortion attacks. These kinds of attacks begin with the exfiltration of the victim’s data while encrypting it on their systems, and then demand a ransom in return for the decryption key. If the ransom is not paid, the TA will threaten to make the data public. Even while businesses now have better systems in place to back up their data in the case of an attack, if the ransom is not paid, sensitive data and intellectual property may still be released or sold. In the end, the TA goes beyond just encryption by using leak sites and threatening more attacks (distributed denial-of-service, or DDoS), to coerce the victim into paying the ransom.
3. A third TTP frequently used by these operators is “zero days”. Zero-day vulnerabilities are defects that make a defect in hardware or software visible before engineers can fix it. A zero-day attack occurs when attackers can discover a vulnerability before it can be fixed. Ransomware groups will continue to exploit them, especially high-profile vulnerabilities, as long as these vulnerabilities are not addressed. Ransomware groups can also attack supply chain components or take advantage of third-party software, which might ultimately have an impact on numerous firms. Zero-day attacks have been used by Conti, DarkSide, and REvil to target organizations before they can defend themselves.

Also Read: Three business trends that will determine how cloud technology develops in the UAE

What is the role of the UAE in raising awareness against cyber attacks?

The UAE has shifted to the digital economy as a national priority, with technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Fintech, the Internet of Things, and 5G quickly gaining traction across the public and private sectors but this also means that it now faces a higher risk of targeted cyber threats than ever before. In conclusion, the UAE’s recent attacks may be an indication of things to come, and the nation’s response may serve as a template for how the region should address this growing security concern in the short and long term.

Recently, the UAE has established the UAE Cyber Security Council. The Council was established to define a cyber security policy, provide a secure cyber infrastructure, and ensure quick response times to combat cybercrime. The UAE has recently been moving toward a “service-centric approach,” establishing preliminary deals with numerous companies, including Huawei, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Deloitte, to attain ambitious goals for combating cybercrime. With this kind of strategy, organizations adopt a service-based approach to cyber security as opposed to a technology-focused one. As a result, they outsource security operations to a professional and contract with a service-level, agreement-based offer.

Additionally, this strategy reduces expenses, increases efficiency, and enables firms to concentrate on their core competencies.

Specific goals of these agreements, along with one signed in March 2022 with the UAE-based Cyber Protection X, include strengthening local cyber security knowledge, expanding cyber training capacities, exchanging best practices, and promoting research and innovation in the sector. These collaborations are anticipated to speed the UAE’s transformation to a digital economy and strengthen its cyber security infrastructure.

Summing up

While earlier operations targeted third-party storage, in 2022 RansomOps targeted consumers more specifically. This has already begun to occur, with 70% of UAE businesses reporting that ransomware attacks have specifically targeted consumer data. Such attacks will pose a threat to numerous levels of security and civilian infrastructure, including potentially everything from oil to food supply chains, which continue to be fragile and exposed given the pandemic’s continuing effects on the world, the conflict in Ukraine, and the ensuing economic disruptions. Additionally, this dynamic is unlikely to end with ransomware, and innovation will certainly bring about new dangers and difficulties. In the upcoming years, as cyber security develops, cybercriminals will follow closely behind the new trends, utilizing cutting-edge technology to evade the defenses.

Cybercrime is expanding like nothing else. Be ready and protect your company against these risks because all it takes is one weak spot for it to fail. A Cyber Security Ninja can help you shield your company against these emerging dangers. Within 48 hours, Hire a Cyber Security Expert.

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With an Internet connection comes the fear of getting our data breached. Cyber attacks have become the new norm in recent years. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs will increase by 15% per year over the next five years, reaching USD 10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from USD 3 trillion in 2015.No wonder why the need for top-notch cybersecurity is increasing on a day-to-day basis.

The trust in outside or inside networks requesting access has gone low to ZERO. And voila, John Kindervag heard us, back in 2010 and coined the term “zero trust,” which centers on the notion that an organization shouldn’t trust anything inside or outside its boundaries.

A zero-trust network operates under the theory that neither users nor computers should be taken for granted because both inside and outside the network there are potential attackers. User identity, rights, and the identity and security of devices are all verified by Zero Trust.

Well, let’s cut to the chase and understand, What is ZERO TRUST SECURITY, deeply!

Zero trust is a security concept that states that no user or device trying to access the firm network, whether physically or digitally, should ever be trusted. It is a security framework that requires all users, inside or outside the organization, to be authenticated, authorized, and validated for security configuration before granting access to applications and data. The zero trust model exceptionally challenges modern-day security problems including remote working, ransomware threats, and cloud transformation.

Core principles of the zero trust model

• Never trusting and always verifying
• Consider the ongoing threats to the network
• Authenticate users by least privilege access
• Establish end-to-end analytics

Zero Trust Architecture:- One of the best practices for modernizing Federal Government Cybersecurity

The market for zero trust security was estimated to be worth USD 19.8 billion in 2020, and from 2021 to 2028, it is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 15.2%.

Zero Trust Architecture- Explained in points

• Designing the cyber security infrastructure based on the Zero Trust model.
• No component of the network should ever be trusted when building it, regardless of whether the request originates inside or beyond the boundaries.
• Gaining trust only when the users prove their identity by showing their credentials.
• Considering the simplest requests as potential threats.
• Taking into account multi-factor or multi-authorization factors.
• Recheck the credentials on the new access request.

Also Read : Top 10 Considerations in Cybersecurity Risk Management

Zero Trust Security BENEFITS

Zero-trust architecture offers a lot. Such as a considerably more secure environment that safeguards against unauthorized access to critical data and digital assets.

Let’s find out the other benefits of the Zero Trust Security Model-

BYE-BYE RISK

When using a zero-trust security architecture, no apps or services are allowed to communicate until their identity attributes—immutable characteristics that adhere to predetermined trust rules, such as authentication and authorization requirements—have been confirmed.

‍ As a result, zero trust security lowers risk since it reveals what is on the network and how its assets are interacting. A zero trust strategy eliminates overprovisioned software and services as baselines are created and continuously verifies the “credentials” of every communicating assets to further decrease risk.

Got high privacy standards

In a zero-trust architecture, every connection is shielded from the internet, lowering the risk of exposure and exploitation. Compliance with privacy regulations and laws including FISMA, HIPAA, PCI, GDPR, and CCPA is well established since invisibility results in fewer audit findings.

Micro-segmentation, an element of zero trust security, uses precise limitations to distinguish between regulated and unregulated data, allowing the establishment of perimeters.

Boost Data Security

One of the core principles of Zero Trust security is authenticating users by least privilege access. This helps in preventing malicious software or rogue personnel from acquiring access to a sizable area of your network.

Gaining access in a zero-trust security model is like gaining trust. And without trust, the cyber attacker won’t be able to gain access to your data and breach it.

Identity is a Priority

Remote work is highly accepted and spreading across tech giants. With users spread across the world and data on the cloud, there is a significant increase in the risk of companies’ security breaches.

But, thanks to the zero trust security model, where identity is the core perimeter and is attached to users, applications, and devices seeking access, strengthening the security.

Core components of ZERO TRUST ARCHITECTURE (ZTA)

• Policy Engine- decides whether to grant access to any network resource.
• Policy Administrator- Executes access decision
• Policy Enforcement Point-PEPs serve as a system portal for establishing, maintaining, and severing connections between authenticated users and the resources they have access.

How to implement zero trust security?

• Outline the defensive surface
• Illustrate the transactional flows.
• Establish a network with zero trust.
• Implement the Zero Trust policy
• Follow up on the network and maintain it.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The “Never Trust, Always Verify” tenet underlies the Zero Trust security approach. It is a more secure and trustworthy method to defend businesses from cyber threats since it continuously checks for identification and verification. This framework could appear complex, but it is the most straightforward one when teamed with the right technological partner.

With PeoplActive‘s cybersecurity consulting service, you can protect your business against data breaches. To eliminate risks and maintain the security of your business, we develop comprehensive security plans and offer ongoing support.