“Whatsapp Spyware Attack targets 90 Journalists, activists”
Cybersafe.news
Meta-owned Whatsapp has confirmed it disrupted spyware that targeted around 90 journalists and civil society members using surveillance technology from Israeli firm Paragon Solutions. In parallel news, DeepSeek disabled registrations after a large-scale cyberattack and has temporarily disabled new registrations for its DeepSeek V3 chat platform (cybersafe.news). This is only going to get worse!
Threat actors exploit known weak points and enterprises' dependency across the tech stack. It’s making cybersecurity professionals’ jobs harder than ever before. 2025 began with an exploit campaign! Rather than hitting individual companies, attackers are going after the vendors that serve them, ramping up the severity of campaigns. This coupled with an evolving regulatory landscape, is creating new problems for CISOs, top cybersecurity consultants, and other security decision-makers. Let us unravel the threat landscape ahead and the ways you can contribute to mitigating the risks as an impactful part of a specialized workforce.
Recent Cybersecurity Statistics
• Cost of cybercrime- USD 10.5 trillion annually by 2025 (cybersecurity magazine)
• Diversified cyberattacks- Malware, ransomware, phishing, and social engineering are expected to be the most common types of cyberattacks
• Industries affected- The financial industry is the most attacked, followed by manufacturing
• Supply chain attacks- Gartner predicts that 45% of global organizations will be affected by a supply chain attack by 2025
• Small businesses- Nearly half of cyberattacks affect small businesses, and many are not prepared for them (embroker)
• Geopolitical dynamics- Cyber espionage operations will continue to mirror global and regional conflicts
• Zero trust- This approach gives blanket access only after initial authentication and then re-validates every request
• Generative AI- Nearly 47% of organizations cite adversarial advances powered by GenAI as their primary concern (World Economic Forum)
• Cybersecurity workforce crunch- The cybersecurity pool is expected to grow by 33% through 2033 (US BLS), whereas WEF expects a 5 million slack in cybersecurity experts pool; with the deficit set to grow further.
Must-have Cybersecurity Skills
• Digital forensics- A branch of forensic science encompassing the recovery, investigation, and analysis of material found in digital devices; often with mobile devices and computer crime.
• Risk management- Identification, evaluation, and prioritization of risks; followed by minimization, monitoring, and control of the impact of risks.
• Security audit- Auditing skills to identify if the software and hardware comply with the current security trends.
•Advanced cryptography- Using cryptographic algorithms; that can provide confidentiality, authenticity, and non-repudiation to protect data.
• Incident Response- Process of detecting, analyzing, and responding to security incidents.
Along with the above-stated critical skills, you must arm yourself with Identity and access management (IAM) skills, be an effective communicator and a collaborator, be skilled at IoT, possess technical aptitude, coding skills, and a diverse pool of relevant cybersecurity skills.
Top 3 Multi-level Trusted Cybersecurity Certifications
1. GIAC Cyber Incident Leader (GCIL)
Provided by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), GCIL validates a practitioner’s ability to manage a cyber incident and lead an incident management team of diverse skills; while restoring an organization’s normal operations. Team leads, security professionals, incident managers, legal staff, and the ranks are eligible for the courseware’ which includes a proctored exam with 75 questions and a 2-hour long duration.
2. Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
Offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), CIPP is designed for legal and tech professionals; and focuses on data privacy laws, regulations, compliance, and risk mitigation. It is a 90-minute exam with 150 questions.
3.Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS™)
Facilitated by the world-renowned United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®); CSCS™ is ranked among the top cybersecurity certifications offered to senior managers, CXOs, CTOs, business leaders, industry specialists with years of domain experience; all set to rank up the ladder to cybersecurity specialist role. It offers an easy enrolment procedure that allows a few years of industry expertise with a STEM background; or have completed the Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™) with them.
Optional readings are among the high points that no other credentialing bodies offer; which allow a multi-faceted and in-depth skill acquirement along with an e-study kit (inclusive of 3 e-books, HD video resources, and practice codes). You can benefit from program discounts on individual as well as group enrolment; alongside picking a self-paced or an instructor-led program. USCSI® holds an esteemed membership of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) and lends an added advantage of a salary raise upon getting certified. Earning 70% as your passing percentage for a 50-question examination for a 100-minute duration can fetch you a globally acceptable digitally shareable badge. Flaunt your hard-earned cybersecurity skills with this vendor-neutral (best) cybersecurity certification today!
Cybersecurity Careers and Salaries to Expect
Are you still thinking which way to go? The above-listed cybersecurity courses and certifications are a great acceleration point for you to scale big in your future cybersecurity career. However, looking at the recent advancements in the artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity domains; you ought to level up your skills pool with the right credential provider. These can offer you career options such as Security tester, network security engineer, IT auditor, Ethical hacker, Cybersecurity specialist, and the ranks.
Believe us or not, with a few years of experience and the most trusted credentials under your belt; you can expect a staggering raise in your salary and reach beyond the USD 200,000 mark per annum easily. These certifications apart from validating your expertise, set your employability scores high as you become the first choice of industry giants; looking for specialized cybersec experts. Give them what skills they want to gain the maximum boost in your career now. Begin informed!
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