As developing information systems provide increasingly deeper technological infrastructure, they can also lead to vulnerabilities in the face of continuously evolving cyberattacks. Despite strengthening their defense mechanisms against increasingly sophisticated and complex cyberattacks, organizations may still become vulnerable to the very attacks they are intolerant of.

According to the SonicWall Cyber Attack Report, there was an 11% increase in cyberattacks in 2023. Encrypted threats and cryptojacking have emerged as the most rapidly growing methods of cyberattacks.

So, what are the "cutting-edge" cyberattacks?

CRYTOJACKING

Cryptojacking refers to "cryptocurrency theft," where the goal is to engage in cryptocurrency mining. Unlike other cyberattacks, cryptojacking does not aim to steal personal data. The mining software aims to mine virtual currencies like Bitcoin, and the tokens mined are redirected to the attacker’s wallet. Essentially, the victim's device becomes a resource for the attacker.

Cryptojacking can occur through ransomware, malicious websites, or clicking on a harmful link. You might notice that your computer’s performance is gradually declining and it is heating up, as cryptojacking continues to run in the background. High CPU usage can also be an indication that you are under a cryptojacking attack.

AI-POWERED CYBER ATTACKS

Artificial intelligence makes malicious software much more effective and practical. AI-powered attacks allow phishing techniques to be much more convincing by creating emails that do not raise suspicion, analyzing the user’s online habits and easily convincing them to click on malicious links.

AI can also generate lifelike videos and voice recordings using deepfake visual and sound manipulation. The content created with AI technology is so realistic that a study showed only 0.1% of participants could correctly identify all the shown audio and videos. Humans, on the other hand, are not very helpful in closing the cyber attack gap. Research shows that 29% of people do nothing when they encounter a suspicious deepfake. One of the main reasons for this is that they don’t know what to do. Furthermore, 25% of those who encounter a suspicious deepfake openly state that they simply don’t care.

AI is also used to develop cyber attack software. As a tool, AI can change malicious software in real-time to make detection more difficult.

QUANTUM COMPUTING-BASED ATTACKS

Quantum computers are capable of performing much faster calculations than traditional computers. Although they are currently used by a limited group, the processing power of quantum computers could make it easier to steal encrypted data, making them a significant threat to security.

The ongoing "data" battle between those trying to protect their information and cyber attackers will not end soon. As cyberattacks increase year after year, both individuals and organizations continue to use various tools to protect themselves.

So, how far will cyber attackers be able to go in the next 100 years? And what about those trying to protect their data?