2020 was a challenging year, to say the least, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To observe physical distancing rules, we spent more time working, socializing, streaming entertainment, playing video games, and shopping from the comfort of our computers at home.
Our changing habits presented an opportunity to cybercriminals. In fact, the FBI reports that the volume of cybercrime complaints rose 400% from pre-pandemic days.
Emerging Threats
While traditional antivirus programs with signature-based technology can recognize and stop established threats, they struggle to tackle emerging threats. Remember, hackers create and spread thousands of new types of malware every day.
To keep ourselves safe from such emerging threats in 2020, we adopted options in cybersecurity that crushed the competition thanks to proactive behavior-based technology, which was powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. Of course, not only did this robust technology secure us from new infections in 2020, but it also destroyed infamous computer viruses and worms before they could harm our computers and systems.
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware can quickly lock your computer or block access to your essential files and folders until you pay a ransom. Usually, the ransom is sent through an untraceable online currency like bitcoin. Most people and businesses pay the ransom because they don’t want to risk losing their data.
Sadly, there’s never a guarantee. For example, you may pay the ransom only to learn that it was the first of several installments. Even after access is restored, you will probably be targeted again in a few weeks, months, or years because hackers realize that you’re vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Fortunately, users who downloaded cutting edge cybersecurity software with proprietary anti-ransomware technology stayed safe from ransomware threats.
Fraudulent Websites
It used to be much easier to recognize a fraudulent website. A malicious website designed to install malware on your computer or trick you into sharing your confidential data would often have spelling and grammatical mistakes, poor UI design, and no security certificates.
To deceive more people, cybercriminals created more professional looking fraudulent websites in 2020 that even had security certificates. Many victims lost their credit card and bank balances to these online traps. However, those who used cybersecurity software that offered web protection against fake websites, infected websites, and other online scams, were spared.
Phishing Attacks
A phishing attack can be in the shape of an email, text message, or social media message that looks like it’s from a trusted source and demands that you reply with your confidential information or click a malicious link.
In 2020, phishing attacks became more sophisticated as cybercriminals worked harder to fool people by using their information against them. For example, hackers took notice if you talked about your bank on social media in order to design more personal phishing emails.
Cybersecurity software that recognized phishing expeditions and malicious links saved users from such elaborate trickery in 2020.
These were four ways top cybersecurity software secured us from hackers in 2020. As cyberattacks become more elaborate, it’s critical for more of us to download advanced antivirus software to stay one step ahead of people with malicious intent.