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Digital innovation has been surging forward, and hackers are too—with new strategies and cyber scams seemingly deployed daily, it’s challenging to keep up. The most effective countermeasure is continued awareness and vigilance to identify and avoid potential cyber threats.
Updated Cyber Stats to Keep In Handy
As technology advances, cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their methods. There are some alarming statistics on the current state of cybercrime:
- In 2023, there were an estimated 2,365 cyber attacks. The result was over 340 million victims.
- 2021 held the previous record for the amount of data breaches. In 2023, there was a 72% increase from that record.
- Today, the average cost of a data breach is $4.45 million.
- At any given time, over 4 million sites are infected with malware.
- The most common cyber scam reported relates to credit card fraud.
The new year brings the latest and most insidious scams to watch out for—here they are:
1. AI-Enhancing
Artificial Intelligence has become increasingly popular across all industries. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are finding ways to exploit this technology. They use AI-enhanced phishing scams or deepfakes that create extremely convincing emails, texts, videos, and audio recordings to gain access to personal information. This can easily lead to identity theft or financial fraud.
2. Tech Support Scam
This scam involves a fake tech support representative contacting individuals through emails, pop-ups, or phone calls. They pretend there is something wrong with your computer or internet and ask for remote access to “fix” the issue. In reality, what they’re really doing is trying to install malware or steal personal information so stay alert.
3. Government Imposter
This cyber scam targets individuals by impersonating government agencies or officials, such as the IRS, FBI, or USPS. The scammers use fear tactics and threaten legal consequences to trick people into giving out personal information or making payments.
4. Fake E-Commerce Stores
Online shopping has become the new normal, making it a prime target for cybercriminals. Fake e-commerce sites are created to look like legitimate retailers, but they steal credit card information and never deliver the promised products.
5. Social Media Hacking
Social media platforms have opened up new opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit personal information. They create fake accounts or hack into existing ones to send messages or post fake advertisements. These scams can lead to financial fraud, identity theft, and even cyberstalking.
What Can You Do to Stay Protected?
With the constant evolution of cyber threats, it’s crucial to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect yourself.
- Enlist an MSP: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer businesses comprehensive cybersecurity services to protect against lurking cyber threats.
- Train Your Employees: Educate employees on the latest scams and how to identify and avoid them.
- Install Security Software: Utilize reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to prevent cyber attacks.
- Stay Updated on the Latest Threats: Always be cautious of suspicious emails, messages, or websites, and stay informed on the newest cyber threats.
Safety Net Will Help Your Business Stay Protected
At Safety Net, we understand the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats and how essential it is to stay ahead of them. Our team of experts offers comprehensive cybersecurity services to protect your business from all types of cyber scams. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can keep your business safe in 2024 and beyond.
