More cybersecurity trends for 2022
No matter your enterprise, staying close to technology trends can ensure a safe, efficient future. Cybersecurity trends specifically revolve around the digital security world, and are more important than ever. Threats emerge from every corner and can upturn a business in a finger snap. Therefore, understanding and knowing current trends and how they’ll shape the future can prevent disaster. Is your enterprise paying attention?
Trends of 2022 and onward
As always, the nature of IT and cybersecurity rapidly changes. For example, remote working exploded in relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a popular alternative today. But were it not for the pandemic, it’s likely remote working would have remained niche. But that all changed, and remote working is now a continuing trend in the modern work world, regardless of pushback.
Ransomware’s Expansion
There is no denying how prevalent and dangerous ransomware is. From its patterned use with cryptocurrency and scaling popularity, ransomware is the go-to for attackers. It guarantees profit, it keeps attackers safe, and causes havoc for victims. If you haven’t identified this trend and prepared for it in some capacity, now is the time to do so. Ransomware can affect anyone, and SMBs are not immune.
There are an estimated 100 plus ransomware variants, and that number can expect to climb.
Smarter Phishing
Phishing and social engineering attacks are one of the oldest cyber attacks around, since the dawn of scam emails. Nowadays, they are vastly more complex and something to watch out for. Several reasons are the cause: remote work expansion, increased technology use, and additional malware tools. Hackers have plenty of attack surfaces to choose from, like mobile devices and laptops. As well, fraudulent emails incorporate official appearing images or hijacked addresses to deceive users.
Understanding this trend means paying attention to the sources. Phishing can appear in messaging apps and even through voice calls (vishing), all in an attempt to steal critical information.
The reality is, phishing is scaling into advanced territory well beyond spoof emails, and it’s a security trend to keep a close eye one.
Continued Expansion of IoT (Internet of Things)
The Internet of Things maintained a broad definition years ago, but entails everything related to machine devices and internet connectivity. Today, that’s funneled into numerous devices which offer some form of internet connection, ranging from “smart” devices to virtual assistants.
The problem is, this rapid expansion and use of IoT-connected devices rapidly expand attack surfaces. In other words, it gives hackers plenty of wiggle room to launch attacks against unsecured hardware. Any IoT-based device needs to be updated continuously and have firmware patches applied, but there’s no guarantee all IoT devices will do so. That’s why it creates a web of potential attack surfaces.
Cloud Adoption and Cloud Services
It seems like only yesterday where discussions about the potential deployment of hybrid clouds existed. Now, cloud service models are exceedingly common. The ability to provision virtual services and infrastructure has been a blessing to people and organizations in need of powerful technology. But all this power comes with a great deal of security risks.
As a growing tech, it happens to a cybersecurity trend erring on the side of danger. They offer a rove of benefits but weaknesses too. Anything from configuration problems with security to incorrect settings can lead to painful, costly breaches.
Other complications make cloud service security a problem too. The need for IT expertise to properly manage cloud resources is important, which is increasingly challenging with remote services. There’s also need to follow regulatory standards where applicable.
AI Implementation
Artificial intelligence is weaving its way into the cybersecurity space too. It’s necessary, as AI and machine learning can help cut down on redundant tasks and offer power, lightning-speed analyzation of huge data tracts. This growing tech can allow companies to make preventive decisions and manage a proactive defense, versus reacting to breach problems as they come.
However, the inelegant dance of cybersecurity means hackers and malicious parties also make use of AI. In a similar way, AI is used to find targets and rapidly deploy malware campaigns.
Need for Mobile Security
Perhaps the most prominent and important of these cybersecurity trends is the need for mobile security and securing mobile platforms. All the threats we’ve discussed impact mobile devices and networks, and will incorporate into mobility tech in the future.
Hackers are likely to exploit apps and unsecured mobile software and will have a vast range of targets to choose from. Keeping up with this trend means securing your own mobile devices, personal or professional.
These are continuing trends through 2022 for cybersecurity, all-important to remain aware of. If you’re concerned about falling behind, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Contact Bytagig today for additional information.
