Social engineering and phishing attacks are the largest threats to companies, as attackers are increasingly relying on tricking users to gain access to systems. Mobile malware and internet-connected devices are also growing vulnerabilities, as more business is conducted and data is stored on mobile and cloud systems. Companies need to invest in protections against these emerging threats like social engineering, mobile malware, cloud vulnerabilities, and weaknesses in the growing Internet of Things. Staying ahead of changing attack types can help reduce vulnerabilities, but protecting against current and future risks is a ongoing challenge.

1. Cyber Security
Vulnerabilities
4 Emerging Vulnerabilities To Know

2. Introduction
Cyber security is an industry that is constantly in flux. As new
technology becomes available — particularly internet connected
technology — attackers have more points of access into critical systems
and networks. Forward-thinking companies must always re-analyze
the landscape to detect upcoming threats and put the proper
protections in place.

3. Cyber Security Vulnerability Vectors
In recent years, we have seen new technology that leads to a number of
new channels become increasingly common vectors of attack. Social
engineering and phishing have made their way into the common
vernacular as attackers seek to find their way into systems through
human error. As your company looks for emerging cyber security
vulnerability vectors to protect themselves against, keep these four
emerging threats in mind:

4. Social Engineering Vulnerabilities
Social engineering and human error present the single biggest threat to
companies in 2017. In fact, 60% of enterprise companies were targeted
by social engineering attacks within the last year. As cyber security
automation practices get better, attackers are increasingly relying on
social engineering to make their way into systems and networks.

5. Different Methods of Social
Engineering
Phishing is the most popular method of social engineering. A phishing
attack typically involves tricking the user into entering sensitive
information by mimicking another popular website.
Another commonly used attack, which is in part social engineering, is
ransomware. Ransomware attacks take control of your device and
demand a ransom to remove the damaging software.

6. Mobile Malware Vulnerabilities
Mobile malware is becoming an increasingly serious threat to
organizations of all sizes. With each passing year, more people are on
mobile. In fact, the total time spent in front of a mobile device is on
track to surpass TV-usage in the early 2020s. In 2016, there were more
than 125,000 separate mobile banking trojans discovered. Proper
training for employees and industry-standard mobile cyber security
measures can go a long way to protect your company against mobile
threats.

7. Cloud Vulnerabilities
Storing data in the cloud is a pretty sensible thing for a company to do.
Most cloud providers offer solid security, allowing companies to
reduce their data storage costs significantly. However, the one
downside of storing important business data in the cloud is that it
makes it a very valuable target for hackers. Cloud service providers
come under attack increasingly often.

8. Internet of Things
Vulnerabilities
In 2017 there are more than 6.5 billion connected “things” in the
world. Care sensors, refrigerators, pacemakers and security systems
around the world are accessible to would-be attackers.
This expansion should give companies concerned about increases in
security threats. The Research firm IDC is predicting that by 2018,
two-thirds of all organizations will experience some kind of
internet-of-things security breach.

9. Conclusion
Staying ahead of the rapidly changing attack-types can reduce cyber
security vulnerabilities for any organization but can be a difficult task.
Many organizations are still trying to adequately protect themselves
from today’s technologies. However, with some forward thinking and
a willingness to invest, companies can put themselves in a better
position. Keep an eye on these four channels as they continue to
emerge and as threats through them become increasingly
commonplace.

10. References
https://www.siemplify.co/blog/cyber-security-vulnerabilities/
https://www.siemplify.co/blog/5-colossal-cyber-security-incide
nts/
https://www.siemplify.co/blog/ransomware-attack-stuns-globe
-security-orchestration-emerges-answer/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2016/11/27/rou
ndup-of-internet-of-things-forecasts-and-market-estimates-201
6/#3130e6c4292d