New Year, New Cyber Threats
This is my first blog post of 2022, and I’m afraid the news I’m here to bear isn’t ideal: cyber attack stakes are high. In 2022, hackers are literally betting on a growing market spreading online across the U.S. Before I get into our Data Breach Industry Forecast, let’s take a quick look back.
In 2021, we witnessed a sea of change in digital connectivity and activity during the pandemic. As vaccines became widely available and distributed, the recovery, on all fronts, felt close. But now, as new variants continue to develop and spread, it seems like we are in a one-step-forward, two-steps-back scenario—what the Ninth Annual Experian Data Breach Industry Forecast calls the “Cyberdemic Hangover.” As we aim for stability in 2022, companies must continue to secure weak technologies, and consumers must be vigilant in their daily digital lives.
The 2022 Data Breach Industry Forecast report tells the story of what we’re facing this year better than I can, so I encourage you todownload a copy. However, here’s a preview of one prediction to get you started.
Hackers Bet on New Gamblers
Again, cyber attack stakes are high. The online gambling market reached more than $70 billion globally in 2021. With more U.S. states legalizing online sports, cyber thieves will look to place scams, particularly phishing scams, on the likes of fantasy sports sites and more. The possible targets will add up over the course of the year as this market grows and alternative payments like cryptocurrency become more widely accepted.
Experian’s deep expertise in helping companies navigate more breaches over the last 18 years informs the other four predictions. To find out the other areas hackers are hoping to cash in on this year,download the predictionsnow.
