Over the last decade cybercrime has been on the rise all around the world. We all remember the infamous Sony Pictures hack, right? It didn’t stop there. In 2020 alone, we saw an “8% rise in reported healthcare-related breaches” due to COVID-19, and they weren’t the only industry to see a spike in cybercrime related to the pandemic.
As companies the world-over migrated to a remote lifestyle in response to lockdowns, “hackers are likely gearing up for more attacks as many choose to keep workers home until the end of 2021, or in some cases permanently”. Thankfully, there is emerging tech that is working to actively combat this rise.
Tech That Fights Cybercrime
There are efforts we can take to help protect ourselves against cybercrime. One is having strong passwords that are different on every site and app we use, and changing them often. Too “many professionals use weak passwords and it has become far too easy for hackers” to break into accounts. An even better way to protect yourself from being hacked is to go passwordless.
A new company, Meveto, works to provide “passwordless authentication technology” for it’s clients to protect them. Asymmetric encryption is decentralized and adds a thicker layer of protection for users to hold their personal information. Organisations such as Europol – Malta “help to strengthen practical cooperation” of those who are victims of cyberattacks and law enforcement.
Moving Forward
Cybercrime knows no bounds. While Malta is an island, it is just as susceptible to cybercrime as anywhere else. If you live in Malta or operate a company within Malta and are looking to boost your protection against potential hackers, look into hiring IT Security experts (IT jobs in Malta). We need to work together to strengthen our defences against these attacks now and going forward. No industry or business is immune to attacks. Action 53 under Digital Malta states that they will combat cybercrime with law enforcement agencies, strengthen national cyber defences in both public and private sectors, secure cyberspace with ICT-enabled services and build educational frameworks. For more information, view the full Green Paper here.