Seven takeaways to defend your systems and organization from cyber threats

In today’s digital age, where cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, staying informed and prepared is more critical than ever. JPMorganChase recently brought together senior leaders and cybersecurity experts to shed light on the current threat landscape and explore effective defense strategies. The overarching message was clear: as cyberattackers become more sophisticated, so too must our defenses. To aid in this endeavor, seven key takeaways were addressed, offering invaluable insights for both organizations and individuals. These insights range from countering the rise of social engineering attacks, which are increasingly difficult to detect due to advancements in generative AI, to understanding the risks of SEO poisoning and malvertising. By embracing these lessons, we can better protect our systems and data, ensuring a safer digital environment for all.

1. Outsmart social engineering attacks. Social engineering, one of the most effective ways to deceive individuals into compromising their data, is on the rise. With GenAI, illegitimate websites and links are becoming harder to identify. As social engineering attempts evolve, organizations and individuals must prioritize cybersecurity awareness and training to better discern cyberattacks from legitimate forms of outreach.
2. The top search result does not mean it’s the best search result. SEO Poisoning and malvertising are under the radar tricks that cybercriminals are exploiting. These tactics allow cybercriminals to manipulate search engines and deceive individuals into clicking on illegitimate ads or websites, making it one of the most impactful cyberattacks. Malvertising is an effective vehicle for SEO poisoning, as cybercriminals can purchase their way to the top of search results. Verify, then trust.
3. The bad guys are using AI too. It’s no secret that AI and GenAI are impacting the cybersecurity landscape. AI is already enhancing threat visibility, automated responses, and predictive modeling. However, cyberattacks such as social engineering are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect because of AI. As engineers incorporate AI into their software development, testing, and system management, they need to continuously build and enforce security measures to counter AI-driven threats.
4. Keep your guard up. Thinking about cyberattacks as complex, sophisticated orchestrations is a common misconception. Large scale cyberattacks can have very simple origins – like spotting unpatched vulnerabilities, providing log in access or credentials to bad actors, and so on. As cybercriminals are increasingly infiltrating and exploiting individuals’ everyday technology use, vulnerability management and building resiliency is ever-so important.
5. Don’t let your emotions get ahold of you. Cybercriminals will often prey on heightened emotions to make you take action. Messages or ads that denote a sense of urgency can be malicious, as social engineering is most successful when fear or anxiety comes into the equation. For example, an invoice warning you that X consequence(s) will happen if you do not immediately follow their steps. If a suspicious communication makes you feel emotional, take a step back before making a decision.
6. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. An unexpected message or ad that’s too promising or overgenerous could be malicious. An email claiming you’re going to receive a large sum of money, where you “only” have to disclose your personal information to claim the prize, for example. When you encounter this form of outreach, take a step back and verify before taking action.
7. We all need to do our part. All of us play an important role in protecting systems and assets. You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to exercise good judgment. Look carefully before clicking on links or providing your information, such as personal details, logins and passwords.