Cyber Security is one of the top global threats facing all kinds of businesses today. The financial and reputational cost of a data breach can be devastating for any business, which is why it’s so important to have the right cyber security protocols and professionals in place. Despite widespread efforts to quell cyber security threats and major advances in IT security technology and practices, the number of cyber security issues threatening businesses has actually grown.

The cyber security threats of today are not the cyber security threats of yesterday. They will continue to evolve and change as time progresses. That is why it’s critical that businesses stay up-to-date when it comes to possible risks to the security of their IT infrastructure and data.

Below are the top cyber security threats facing businesses in 2017.

1. Mobile Malware

The number of people using mobile devices has exploded in recent years and, as a result, so too has the number of security risks. Recently, there has been an increase in the likelihood that cyber criminals will try to exploit this technology. According to Kaspersky Lab, the number of mobile malware attacks between 2015 and 2017 more than tripled and 8.5 million malicious installs were executed.

2. Ransomware

According to 2017 Threats Protection, a report recently published by McAfee Labs, ransomware will continue to be a major malware challenge for businesses in 2017 and beyond. Ransomware works by preventing the user from accessing information or having the ability to use a machine before a payment is made. However, in many cases, hackers continue to exploit the user even after the first payment has been made.

3. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

DDoS attacks have been responsible for some of the most notorious cyber security attacks in recent years. According to Techrepublic, 33 percent of businesses were hit by DDoS attacks in 2017, which is double the amount of 2016. DDoS attacks are on the rise, and are typically used to gain access to corporate data or harm the victim’s services, according to a Kaspersky Lab report.

Moreover, 53 percent of companies reported that cybercriminals used DDoS attacks as a smokescreen to cover up other types of cybercrime, according to Techrepublic. The flow of DDoS attacks shows no sign of diminishing. Therefore, it’s less about if an organization will be hit by an attack but, rather, when.

4. The Internet of Things (IoT)

Today’s internet-connected devices go far beyond computers, tablets and mobile devices. According to MacAfee, there will be 1.8 billion connected devices by 2019. Hacking into these devices and exploiting weaknesses to access sensitive data and private information is a top priority for cyber criminals. This is why so many businesses are looking to ramp up their IoT security practices.

In the coming year, this will become an even bigger problem. Small internet-connected devices can contain sensitive information and must be protected. Despite best efforts, many of the products being released to the public have backdoors that criminals can leverage to exploit data. Protecting these devices from hacks will be a top priority in 2018.

5. Hacktivists

Businesses must deal with the loosely connected group of cybercriminals known as “hacktivists”, or, hackers with a common political agenda. The best known group is called Anonymous. These politically motivated hackers have always existed, but now more of their activities are being executed right out in the open. Society has also come around to accepting this as a valid form of political activism.

These groups typically communicate and plan their attacks together and ahead of time using various online forums. They use each other and the internet to drum up support for their cause, and their activities have included hacking customer information, committing DDoS attacks, or simply causing mayhem for businesses.

6. Dronejacking

Despite the promising benefits of drones for consumers, businesses and researchers, there is also a big security risk. Hackers can easily take advantage of drones by seizing control of them, landing them on the roof of a home or business and hacking into wireless networks.

Ramping Up Your Cyber Security Team for 2018

In order to combat the threats of both today and tomorrow, it’s critical that businesses are properly protected. Finding top cyber security talent isn’t easy, as demand is growing at an alarming rate—12 times faster than the overall labor market. The unfortunate thing is that supply isn’t keeping up with demand. According to a recent survey conducted by Cybrary, only 13 percent of the 435 senior-level technology professionals who completed the survey indicated that there was an abundance of cybersecurity talent in their local areas, according to CIO.

Companies looking to attract cyber security professionals must create and maintain an active social media presence, engage young and entry-level talent, become respected thought leaders in the marketplace and highlight their projects tools and technologies. When you’re creative about your employment brand and interact with the cyber security community on their terms, you have a much better chance of securing world-class talent.

If you’re in need of top cyber security talent, US Tech Solutions can help. We partner with over 100 Fortune 500 companies and mid-sized firms across all industries, offering world-class cyber security talent solutions. If you need access to on-demand talent with global reach, contact us today.