Christmas festivities are over and 2024 is just getting started. As we look ahead to what the new year will bring, whilst we always need to remain on guard against bad actors, it’s also worth remembering how technology has enriched our home and working lives – that said, some digital detoxing can be a good habit to get into!
Emerging technology threats
The cost of data breaches has continued to rise in recent years and underscores the need to remain vigilant to minimise potential disruption and harm to your business. In our previous newsletters, we have discussed numerous techniques to help protect yourself against threats but be aware that things do evolve, so also watch out for:
- Data poisoning attacks – this involves corrupting datasets being used to train AI models and underscores the need for human intelligence oversight and other data sources
- 5G network vulnerabilities – adoption of 5G technology introduces new attack surfaces and IoT devices could become cyber attack targets
- Quantum computing vulnerabilities – its immense processing capabilities could crack currently secure encryption methods
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) manipulation – AI algorithms could be used to spread misinformation, requiring robust detection mechanisms to discern genuine from malicious AI-generated content
- Ransomware evolves – this now goes beyond simple data encryption with the risk of theft of sensitive data before encryption
- Biometric data vulnerability – authentication via fingerprints or facial recognition is becoming commonplace but, if compromised, you can’t change your biometric data so be very careful who you share it with
New Year digital decluttering
Our seemingly endless email inboxes and plethora of apps can be overwhelming. As 2024 gets going, one of your resolutions could be a digital declutter to improve your productivity and help reduce stress.
- Start with a digital inventory
- Focus on your most-used digital spaces
- Organise your files and folders
- Clean up your email inbox
- Clean up your social media
- Review your subscriptions
- Review and delete unused apps
- Clear your desktop and downloads folder
- Secure your digital identity
- Evaluate your digital habits
- Create digital detox days
- Streamline notifications
- Invest in digital tools
- Practice regular maintenance
MANAGING PASSWORDS