Kaspersky analysts predict an increase in scams such as phishing. They estimate that in Latin America there are 45 attempts of malware attacks every second.
Bitcoin Sextortion is one of the ten main cybersecurity threats that will affect Latin America in 2020, according to forecasts launched for the region by experts from Kaspersky, a firm specializing in computer security.
Infections targeted at software production chains, worm attacks and scams such as phishing aimed at users of buying and selling sites, as well as cryptocurrency exchange ones, are just some of the attacks that will lead Latin Americans to face new challenges regarding the security of blockchain networks.
The Televisa de México group notes that the 2020 cybersecurity forecast made by Kaspersky was based on data from studies conducted by the company between October 2018 and October 2019.
The experts found that there will be an increase in attacks known as Bitcoin sextortion in Latin America, in which victims are blackmailed with evidence that pornographic material has been seen on their computers, so they are threatened to expose it publicly. To avoid this, extortionists request a sum in bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies.
The analysts also forecast that there will be an increase in more elaborate scams, such as phishing, through which these criminals can make profits fraudulently. Roberto Martínez, senior security analyst at Kaspersky in Latin America, said that any digital device, not only computers and smartphones but also smart TV’s, are susceptible to attack.
It should be noted that a smart TV normally comes with the issue of integration, through which streaming services can be accessed, and behind these platforms, there are operating systems that can be vulnerable. Therefore, if a person’s TV is compromised, extortionists can have access to what they say during the day in the living room or any other room in their house. Even devices to activate voice commands are susceptible to attacks, which makes people realize that any element added to their daily lives that is related to the digital world can represent a risk.
The experts from the cybersecurity firm warned in October 2019 that in Latin America there are 45 attempts of malware attacks every second. Among the countries with the highest incidence of attacks worldwide, there are two from Latin America: Brazil (7th place) and Mexico (11th place).
On the other hand, the world ranking of phishing attacks is led by Brazil, followed by Venezuela. Seven other Latin American countries in the top 20 are Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, and Argentina.
For the next 12 months, analysts predict that Latin American users must also protect themselves from the use of social networks for the propagation of campaigns aimed at misinforming and manipulating public opinion.
They also alerted about threats to companies in the region dedicated to producing mass software, as well as worm attacks, taking advantage of the vulnerability in Windows 7, since the technical support for this system ended on January 14th. Other crimes are related to the theft of credentials through entertainment sites, and ransomware is expected to gain momentum in the region.
By Alexander Salazar
