As we reach mid-year in 2023, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, presenting organizations with new challenges and risks. However, by staying aware of the top cybersecurity trends, organizations can better prepare themselves to mitigate these risks and protect their valuable assets. The trends highlighted below encompass various aspects of cybersecurity, including emerging threats, technological advancements, and the importance of human-centric approaches.
In excerpts from an article by simplilearn, they wrote, “With the digital revolution around all businesses – small or large – corporations, organizations, and even governments are relying on computerized systems to manage their day-to-day activities, thus making cybersecurity a primary goal to safeguard data from various online attacks and unauthorized access.
Continuous change in technologies also implies a parallel shift in cybersecurity trends as news of data breaches, ransomware, and hacks become the norm. Here are the top cybersecurity trends for 2023, according to simplilearn…
Top 15 Cybersecurity Trends in 2023
1. Rise of Automotive Hacking
Today’s vehicles come packed with automated software creating seamless connectivity for drivers in cruise control, engine timing, door lock, airbags, and advanced systems for driver assistance. These vehicles use Bluetooth and WiFi technologies to communicate, that also opens them to several vulnerabilities or threats from hackers.
Gaining control of the vehicle or using microphones for eavesdropping is expected to rise in 2023 with more use of automated vehicles. Self-driving or autonomous vehicles use an even further complex mechanism that requires strict cybersecurity measures. As cars become increasingly connected to the internet, they are also becoming vulnerable to cyberattacks. Organizations should ensure adequate security measures to protect connected vehicles, such as encryption, authentication, and real-time monitoring.
2. Potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
With AI being introduced in all market segments, this technology, with a combination of machine learning, has brought tremendous changes in cybersecurity. AI has been paramount in building automated security systems, natural language processing, face detection, and automatic threat detection. Although, it is also being used to develop smart malware and attacks to bypass the latest security protocols in controlling data. AI-enabled threat detection systems can predict new attacks and notify admins of any data breach instantly.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the security landscape. AI can help detect and respond to cyberattacks in real-time, as well as automate mundane security tasks. Organizations should ensure that they have adequate security measures in place to protect against any potential AI-related threats.
3. Mobile is the New Target
Cybersecurity trends provide a considerable increase (50 percent) for mobile banking malware or attacks in 2019, making our handheld devices a potential prospect for hackers. All our photos, financial transactions, emails, and messages possess more threats to individuals. Smartphone viruses or malware may capture the attention of cybersecurity trends in 2023.
4. Cloud is Also Potentially Vulnerable
With more and more organizations now established on the cloud, security measures need to be continuously monitored and updated to safeguard the data from leaks. Although cloud applications such as Google or Microsoft are well equipped with security from their end still, it’s the end user that acts as a significant source for erroneous errors, malicious software, and phishing attacks.
Organizations should ensure adequate security measures to protect cloud-based data and networks, such as encryption, authentication, and regular patching. As more companies move their data and applications to the cloud, the need for cloud security solutions that can protect these assets will increase.
5. Data Breaches: Prime Target
Data will continue to be a leading concern for organizations around the world. Whether it be for an individual or an organization, safeguarding digital data is the primary goal now. Any minor flaw or bug in your system browser or software is a potential vulnerability for hackers to access personal information. New strict measures General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was enforced from May 25th, 2018 onwards, offering data protection and privacy for individuals in the European Union(EU). Similarly, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) was applied after January 1st, 2020, for safeguarding consumer rights in the California area.
6. IoT With 5G Network: The New Era of Technology and Risks
With the advent and growth of 5G networks, a new era of interconnectivity will become a reality with the Internet of Things (IoT). This communication between multiple devices also increases vulnerabilities from outside influence, attacks, or an unknown software bug.
Even the world’s most used browser supported by Google, Chrome was found to have serious bugs. 5G architecture is comparatively new in the industry and requires a lot of research to find loopholes to make the system secure from external attacks. Every step of the 5G network might bring a plethora of network attacks that we might not be aware of. Here manufacturers need to be very strict in building sophisticated 5G hardware and software to control data breaches.
As more devices become connected, the need for improved security for these devices will become increasingly important. Organizations should ensure that the security of their IoT devices is up to date, as well as ensure that their data and applications remain secure.
7. Automation and Integration
With the size of data multiplying every day, it is eminent that automation is integrated to give more sophisticated control over the information. Modern hectic work demand also pressurizes professionals and engineers to deliver quick and proficient solutions, making automation more valuable than ever. Security measurements are incorporated during the agile process to build more secure software in every aspect. Large and complex web applications are further hard to safeguard, making automation as well as cyber security to be a key concept of the software development process.
8. Targeted Ransomware
Another important cybersecurity trend that we can’t seem to ignore is targeted ransomware. Especially in developed nations’ industries, businesses rely heavily on specific software to run their daily activities. These ransomware targets are more focused, as witnessed by the Wanna Cry attack on the National Health Service hospitals in England and Scotland corrupted more than 70,000 medical devices. Though generally, ransomware asks to threaten to publish the victim’s data unless a ransom is paid, it can still affect large organizations and nations too.
9. State-Sponsored Cyber Warfare
There won’t be any stoppage between the Western and Eastern powers in attempts to find superiority. The tension between the US and Iran or Chinese hackers often creates worldwide news though the attacks are underreported; they have a significant impact on an event such as elections. And with more than 70 elections bound to be held this year, criminal activities during this time will surge. Expect high-profile data breaches, political and industrial secrets to top cybersecurity trends for 2023.
10. Insider Threats
Human error is still one of the primary reasons for the data breach. Any bad day or intentional loophole can bring down a whole organization with millions of stolen data. In a report by Verizon about data breaches they gave strategic insights on cybersecurity trends that said 34 percent of total attacks were directly or indirectly made by the employees. So make sure you create more awareness within premises to safeguard data in every way possible.
11. Remote Working Cybersecurity
The pandemic has forced many companies to move to remote working, introducing a new set of cybersecurity challenges. Remote workers may be more vulnerable to cyberattacks as they often have less secure networks and devices. As such, organizations must ensure adequate security measures to protect their remote workers, such as multi-factor authentication, secure VPNs, and automated patching.
12. Social Engineering Attacks
Social engineering attacks are on the rise, as attackers use techniques such as phishing, spear phishing, and identity theft to gain access to sensitive data. Organizations must ensure that their employees are trained to recognize and report any suspicious activity and have measures in place to protect against these types of attacks.
13. Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide more than one form of authentication before they can access an account. This additional layer of security helps to protect against cyberattacks, as attackers must have access to multiple pieces of information in order to gain access. Organizations should ensure that all accounts are secured with MFA to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Automation is becoming increasingly important in cybersecurity. Automated security processes can help reduce the time it takes to detect and respond to threats and improve the accuracy of threat detection. Automation can also reduce the reliance on manual processes, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error.
14. Identity and Access Management
Identity and access management (IAM) is a security measure that helps organizations control and monitor who has access to sensitive data and networks. They should ensure adequate IAM measures, such as user authentication, authorization policies, and access control lists.
15. Real-Time Data Monitoring
Real-time data monitoring is an important security measure that helps organizations detect and respond to any suspicious activity. They should ensure that they have adequate measures in place to monitor all data activity, such as automated alerts and log monitoring.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying ahead of emerging threats and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies is paramount for organizations. With a renewed focus on the human element and the need to balance investments across technology, structural, and human-centric elements, these trends are set to revolutionize cybersecurity programs and enhance organizational preparedness.
With the rise of automotive hacking, the potential of artificial intelligence, and the increasing vulnerability of mobile and cloud platforms, organizations must implement robust security measures to safeguard their systems and data. The focus on data breaches, IoT with 5G networks, and targeted ransomware highlights the need for proactive security strategies to counteract sophisticated cyberattacks.
Furthermore, the trends related to automation, insider threats, remote working cybersecurity, and social engineering attacks underscore the significance of continuous monitoring, employee awareness, and multi-factor authentication. By embracing identity and access management, real-time data monitoring, and the restructuring of security approaches, organizations can fortify their defenses against evolving cyber threats.
Overall, the 2023 cybersecurity updates provide organizations with a roadmap to strengthen their security postures, adapt to emerging threats, and establish sustainable cybersecurity programs. By embracing these trends, organizations can reduce their risk exposure and navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape with confidence.
At Adaptive Office Solutions, cybersecurity is our specialty. We keep cybercrimes at bay by using analysis, forensics, and reverse engineering to prevent malware attempts and patch vulnerability issues. By making an investment in multilayered cybersecurity, you can leverage our expertise to boost your defenses, mitigate risks, and protect your data with next-gen IT security solutions.
Every single device that connects to the internet poses a cyber security threat, including that innocent-looking smartwatch you’re wearing. Adaptive’s wide range of experience and certifications fills the gaps in your business’s IT infrastructure and dramatically increases the effectiveness of your cybersecurity posture.
Using our proactive cybersecurity management, cutting-edge network security tools, and comprehensive business IT solutions, you can lower your costs through systems that are running at their prime, creating greater efficiency and preventing data loss and costly downtime. With Adaptive Office Solutions by your side, we’ll help you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity so you can achieve business success without worrying about online threats.
To schedule a Cyber Security Risk Review, call the Adaptive Office Solutions’ hotline at 506-624-9480 or email us at helpdesk@adaptiveoffice.ca