IoT Risks and Cyberwarfare: Sneak Peek into Modern Cybersecurity

Sep 27, 2024Reading time: 5 mins
Event reviews

The Bigger Picture of Cybersecurity

In today's digital age, cybersecurity has never been more critical. With over 5 billion internet users worldwide, the attack surface for cybercriminals is enormous. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015—a staggering increase that underscores the urgency of the issue.

The proliferation of IoT devices adds another layer of complexity. By 2025, it's estimated there will be more than 75 billion connected devices globally. Each device represents a potential target for hackers, making robust security measures more important than ever.

  • Phishing remains the most common type of cyberattack, accounting for 36% of data breaches, according to Verizon's 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report.
  • Ransomware attacks have seen a dramatic rise, with a 151% increase in the first half of 2021 alone, as reported by SonicWall.
  • Recent high-profile incidents, such as the SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline attacks, have demonstrated the far-reaching consequences of cybersecurity breaches, affecting supply chains and critical infrastructure.

These statistics highlight the necessity of staying informed and vigilant. Cybersecurity isn't just an IT issue—it's a business imperative and a societal concern.


In this edition of IseeQ TechBytes, we delve into the captivating world of cybersecurity with two renowned experts: Tobias Schrödel, affectionately known as the "Comedy Hacker," and Aurelio Picon, Senior Security Researcher at CUJO AI. Each brings a unique perspective on the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, offering practical advice for individuals and organizations alike.

Tobias Schrödel – Merging Cybersecurity with Humor

Tobias Schrödel delivers an engaging blend of humor and critical insight into the vulnerabilities hidden within our everyday technology. Known for making complex cybersecurity topics accessible and entertaining, Tobias emphasizes the importance of securing the Internet of Things (IoT) devices that are increasingly populating our homes.

He highlights how these technologies, while enhancing our quality of life—especially for people with disabilities or the elderly—also introduce new risks. For instance, the global number of IoT devices is expected to reach 30.9 billion by 2025, according to Statista. This massive expansion means more entry points for potential cyberattacks.

Tobias also discusses innovations like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, exploring the exciting yet precarious future of connected devices. He warns against over-dependence on these systems, stating:

"If the power is off, we’re done."

His key takeaway is a call for mindfulness: while embracing technological advances, we must remain aware of their inherent risks.

 

Aurelio Picon – Securing the IoT Frontier

On a more technical note, Aurelio Picon dives deep into cybersecurity, focusing on the critical importance of securing home networks and IoT devices. With cyberattacks on IoT devices having increased by 300% in recent years, according to Kaspersky Lab, his insights are timely and essential.

Aurelio emphasizes that keeping devices updated, choosing products from reputable manufacturers, and adopting basic security measures are crucial steps everyone should take. He suggests using your home network as a learning lab to enhance personal security skills, highlighting that even simple actions can significantly reduce vulnerabilities.

He also touches on the broader implications of cybersecurity threats, noting that small steps like installing a firewall or regularly updating your operating system can have a substantial impact. His a

dvice is straightforward:

"Invest time and resources in security—whether by subscribing to your ISP’s security solutions or learning to manage firewalls yourself."


Speedhacking-CTF-at-Hacktivity-2023_02.webp

Join Us at Hacktivity 2024: Budapest’s Premier Cybersecurity Event

As we gear up for the 21st edition of Hacktivity (https://hacktivity.com/), scheduled for October 14th, you can find an outstanding lineup of speakers. Hacktivity has cemented its place as a cornerstone event in the cybersecurity calendar, bringing together industry leaders, ethical hackers, and security enthusiasts to tackle the most pressing challenges and innovations in the field.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the talks you won't want to miss:

  • Fitzl Csaba: "History of macOS Disk Arbitration Vulnerabilities"
  • Radnai László: "Hacking CS to Death"
  • László Buda & Gábor Szappanos: "The Dual-Edged Sword of AI: Navigating Cybersecurity and Mental Health"
  • Tobias Schrödel: "Cyberwar & Cyberweapons"
  • Martín Pérez Rodríguez: "How to Steal 10 Million Euro Using OSINT"
  • Piotr Glaska: "Decoy Dog: Unusual case of C2 over DNS from certain firewalls"

In addition to these thought-provoking talks, Hacktivity 2024 will feature hands-on workshops covering essential skills such as AI security, hacking into cars using BLE, and exploring OpenSSH vulnerabilities.

 


Connect with the Best in Tech

At IseeQ, we’re more than just an international IT recruitment agency; we are community builders at heart. Our dedication to nurturing tech communities through hosting several tech meetups allows us to connect with, learn from, and showcase insightful professionals. If your company is looking to hire the right people, consider IseeQ as your partner in recruitment. Leveraging our extensive network and deep connections within the tech community, we are uniquely positioned to help you find candidates who are not just qualified but are true innovators in their fields.

Partner with us at IseeQ to ensure your recruitment strategy is powered by community insight and industry expertise. Reach out today to learn how our network can work for you. hello@iseeq.co

featured image
© IseeQ Kft. 2024