Both cybercriminals and cybersecurity professionals will use artificial intelligence (AI) in an increasingly sophisticated battle of wits. In the case of cybersecurity defense, AI has primarily been used to identify patterns of suspicious behavior. Due to the volume of suspicious activity and the number of false positives, cybersecurity personnel are often overwhelmed.

The good news is that, starting in 2023, we should be able to begin automating security controls and AI-based response mechanisms, which would help us react more quickly and accurately to cyberattacks, reducing potential downtime and protecting critical personal and business data.

2. We must be careful about who we think we are talking to in the metaverse (while maintaining firm control of our digital wallets)

2023 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the metaverse, with Meta, Microsoft, Virbela, and others betting on the mainstreaming of virtual worlds. However, activity in the metaverse can raise legitimacy issues: how can you be sure that the person you think you're talking to is who they claim to be? “Blockchain-based digital certificates will help secure virtual transactions in the metaverse. What is clear is that as the metaverse expands, so do the risks,” according to Mark Hughes, President of Security.

3. Geopolitical cybersecurity attacks will increase, but they will also lead to innovation in defense

Russia's attack on Ukraine has served as a stark reminder that warfare is now hybrid and that the risks of geopolitically motivated cyberattacks are very real. As a result, many cyber insurance policies are being updated to exclude cyberwarfare, which presents challenges for mitigating cyber risk.

With persistent geopolitical tensions, this threat will continue and extend beyond 2023. In fact, with more than 70 countries holding government elections in 2023, it will be a challenging year for cybersecurity defenses.

4. Cybersecurity attacks will target critical national infrastructures that supply our homes

When the power goes out or the gas is cut off, most people are unlikely to think it's the result of an industrial cybersecurity failure. But operational technology (OT) is an emerging battleground for cyberattacks, as the systems that control and automate factories and civilian infrastructure, including power plants and dams, are becoming increasingly targeted.

5. Professional opportunities in cybersecurity will increase

It is estimated that there is a global shortage of approximately 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals. This shortage, exacerbated by the growing threats, is a number that will continue to increase over the next five years.

The cybersecurity skills gap is creating career opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. More and more companies are offering retraining courses in cybersecurity.

As for Avast's predictions for 2023, they point to a greater risk of damaging effects from ransomware gangs.

Avast predicts an increased risk of ransomware attacks in 2023 that threaten to leak valuable data from individuals and businesses if ransom demands are not paid. They also anticipate an optimization of social engineering techniques used in scam attacks, exploiting economic hardship and fears of an energy crisis. Experts also expect an increase in overall malicious activity as open-source malware becomes more accessible and cybercriminals recruit hacktivists to their cause.

The ransomware threat is likely to intensify as data breaches become more commonplace.

For businesses, a successful ransomware attack can result in millions of euros in recovery costs due to operational disruptions, device recovery, and incident response programs, as well as operational costs stemming from hospitals being unable to perform surgeries or factories having to halt production. The new global sanctions introduced this year could put companies affected by ransomware in a precarious position, as they face potential legal action if they pay ransom demands to groups on sanctions lists, such as ransomware groups based in Russia.

With the constant improvement of techniques, the user becomes the weakest link. One trend predicted for 2023 is the spoofing of social media accounts, leading to friend impersonation attacks.

The cybercrime business will become even more sophisticated
Avast researchers further predict that the already professionalized cybercrime business will become even more sophisticated. “The cybercriminal gangs Zloader, Racoon Stealer, and Ursnif joined forces this year to leverage each other’s specializations and approaches to support one another and maximize profits. Avast researchers anticipate that this type of collaboration between groups will continue. Additionally, Lockbit 3.0, a ransomware group, was the first ransomware gang to offer a bug bounty program this summer, and others are likely to follow suit. Bug bounties allow third parties to inform software companies about new vulnerabilities in their products in exchange for a reward. In typical cases, this helps companies secure their software, protecting themselves and their customers from cybercriminals who exploit these vulnerabilities. However, in this case, it is a malicious group enticing people to help them harden their ransomware.

How can you protect yourself from scams?
Research companies and websites before you buy. No matter how urgent the offer seems or how much you want the item or service, investigate.” First, read the website's corporate information, terms of service, and privacy policy: many fraudulent websites have only basic versions, if any at all. Look for customer reviews and see what other people are saying.
If you have one, it's best to pay by credit card. Compared to debit cards and bank transfers, credit cards are much safer. Your credit card company is on your side in case of fraud. If you've been scammed, chargebacks are your friends.
Never download attachments or click on links from unknown contacts. Scammers can use attachments and websites to infect your computer with malware. For example, Trojans often sneak onto your device disguised as harmless attachments, and these Trojans can carry rootkits, spyware, or adware. Some malware will only show you ads, while others can be much more harmful.
Don't reveal personal information. Do you know how many websites ask you to answer a series of security questions just in case you need Recover your password? Remember what information you've set as a security measure and don't share it. Otherwise, scammers can easily answer your security questions. Of course, this also applies to things like login credentials and account numbers.
Protect yourself online. If a website offers two-factor authentication, use it. It's not foolproof, but it's better than nothing. Use strong, unique passwords on the websites you frequent, and store them more securely with a reliable password manager.

How can you help prevent ransomware?
Keep your software up to date. Ensuring your operating system and applications receive new updates as soon as they're released will plug security holes and prevent hackers from using exploits to deploy ransomware.
Back up your system regularly. Ransomware often gains its power by locking access to important files. If you have a backup of your files in another secure location, you reduce the chances of losing them to ransomware. Perform regular backups of your system and files: both the Cloud services and physical storage are both viable options, and you should use both if possible. If your device allows you to schedule automatic backups, do so as well.
Use an ad blocker. Load your browser with an ad blocker to protect yourself from malicious advertising and unauthorized downloads—two ways ransomware can infiltrate your system.
Be skeptical. Be wary of strange links sent via email or other messaging platforms. Even if the link comes from someone you know, you could have been hacked. Know the signs of unsafe websites and avoid visiting them.
Use antivirus software. Ransomware can only harm you if it reaches you. Employ a robust cybersecurity application that helps block malware and viruses before they can get near you. Avast Free Antivirus helps block unsafe links, suspicious downloads, and unsafe websites.