The threats of 2021: Bitdefender's prediction

In this 2020 the habits and habits of all of us have changed, in a way that is as sudden as it is forced. At the same time, we were forced to deal with new dynamics linked to the spread of cyber threats: the trends triggered in what has been defined by many as New Normal will also be felt in the course of 2021 as Bitdefender underlines in its forecast based on on the Business Threat Landscape report.

Cyber ​​threats: forecasts for 2021

In some cases the adoption of smart working solutions has involved exposure to dangers and attacks linked to factors such as incorrect infrastructure configurations or the absence of corrective patches for already known flaws (63.63% of those not yet resolved dates back to before 2018). To be ready for tomorrow's challenges, it is first necessary to understand today's challenges, so as to be able to plan an adequate and effective security strategy.

During the execution phase of the attacks, the use of commands e PowerShell script remains the preferred sub-technique of cybercriminals: it represents as much as 42.52% of all reported sub-techniques. Hackers favor tactics that move below the detection thresholds of traditional security solutions, so it is likely that companies will need to reevaluate their security stack for 2021 and include effective solutions that go beyond providing antimalware capabilities.

According to Bitdefender there will be more attacks that aim to exploit the vulnerabilities that emerged this year and that still do not have a fix, there will be an increase in stealth execution tactics and the consolidation of the offer of so-called "hackers APT for rent ", a problem that increasingly affects the world of SMEs.

Below is a table relating to the first half of 2020. The data refer to what has been detected in the business environment in our country: takes into account ransomware, coin miners and potentially unwanted applications.



Another problem that needs to be urgently addressed for Bitdefender is the lack of qualified personnel. Professional realities can do this by turning to external detection and response teams able to evaluate the infrastructure and propose appropriate EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) or MDR (Managed Detection and Response) solutions. In conclusion, the words of Liviu Arsene, Senior E-Threat Analyst of the software house.

The landscape of threats for companies in the first half of 2020 has changed considerably in terms of attack surface, threats and challenges posed by global coronavirus pandemic. Companies that learn to adapt by understanding these new trends will have the opportunity to both increase their resilience to cybersecurity and strengthen their business continuity. Whether it's companies caught off guard by the rapid shift to mass telecommuting, or new changes in the threat landscape, it looks like 2020 has just been a catalyst for changes we'll see in 2021, as companies try to tackle the New Normal. .