Cybersecurity is significant in a growing technological world. From pre-to-post pandemic digital landscapes, the cyber shield of tech continues to prevent and detect vulnerabilities companies face. However, the flaws in cybersecurity protective measures have their weaknesses.

According to Venture Beat, cyber weak spots aren’t as complicated to detect as one might think. Phishing and “smishing” (i.e., phishing with SMS texts) are commonly associated with human error.

“IBM found that human error contributes at least partially to 95% of all data breaches. With more convincing phishing schemes targeting businesses, these instances of human error will only increase.”

Outdated software is another example. Non-updated tools and data-driven platforms increase the risk of attacks. Hackers detect unpatched software and have more time to determine the old program vectors and vulnerabilities. Granted, software updates tend to impose themselves while in the middle of our work, but considering the risks and costs, the occasional inconvenience is worth it.

Another weakness is cryptocurrency. Attacks come through weak points and ideal security practices, and through the exchange of third parties, hackers can infiltrate the system. Venture Beat emphasizes that decentralized digital identity (DDID) is a growing solution for streamlining data ownership. However, it’s essential to remember that crypto is not immune to attacks, just like the rest of technology isn’t.

Lastly, offensive AI also serves as a cyber weakness. Hackers utilize AI’s data modeling to pick out vulnerabilities. For instance, offensive AI can force its way through passwords and breach a victim’s credentials and productivity.

“These smart attacks can impersonate users, hide in the background, and tailor attacks to specific systems. Conflicting endpoints, partial patch management, and disparate legacy systems all increase the opportunity for offensive AI to slip through.”

Cybersecurity is an excellent source of protection for technology. However, being aware and having proper measures to understand phishing schemes, software status, infiltration points, and offensive tools can increase protection while decreasing attacks.

As with all things cyber, threats are inevitable, but with the right tools to strengthen weak areas, utilizing successful protective measures might be easier than you think.