Top 10 Cybersecurity Trends
Tags: cybersecurity, trend, technology
Published: 2022-12-08 18:14:15

Trends vary year to year, maybe even month to month. With the growing cybersecurity threats, trends are also morphing in an effort to properly mitigate risks. In order to understand the trends, you must also understand the threats. Without further adieu, let’s break down the threat and prevention trends expected over the next 12 months.

## **Threat Trends**
The reliance of technology for day-to-day operations has become the Achilles heel of any business.  Unfortunately, this is not a secret, and cyber criminals exploit technology reliance quite regularly. They do so by executing cyber attacks that compromise business operations either through breaching company data, or network encryption. Here are the top [emerging cyber security threats](https://www.nicitpartner.com/emerging-cyber-security-threats-businesses-2020/) expected to continue and rise throughout 2023.

**Ransomware Attacks**
Ransomware attacks occur when a cyber criminal hacks into a network and encrypts, or locks the data until a ransom is paid. At which time, a decryption key is allegedly provided by the hackers to restore the data. However, in recent years some organizations have opted not to pay and restore via backups. This has led hackers to up the ante, threatening to leak company data on the dark web, if the ransom demand is not paid. It is projected there will continue to be an upward trend pertaining to ransomware attacks into 2023, with increased threats for non-payment.

**Business Email Compromise (BEC) Attacks**
BEC attacks often portray a trusted source. It may be a spoofed email that appears to be coming from the CEO, executive leadership team, or even a trusted contractor. The prevalence of these are increasing as a direct result of leaked data on the dark web. This leaked data may be a result of unpaid ransom demands, or a data breach. 

**Phishing Attacks**
It’s a tale as old as time - the phishing attack. But, why “fix” what isn’t broken. Phishing attacks and scams continue to increase because they work. They’re proven lucrative, and will continue to be so given everyone’s reliance on the technology that distributes them. 

**Targeted Cloud Attacks**
There’s no doubt about increased cloud usage. Whether it’s cloud-based software or using a cloud-based storage solution for company data. The cloud has never been more popular, which ultimately makes it a target for cyber criminals. If they can infiltrate the cloud, they can render backup files useless, making paying a ransom demand far more likely.

**Exploitation of Internet of Things (IoT) Devices**
Phones, tablets, even smart watches are being connected to company networks. Unfortunately, these IoT devices are not always properly updated, or even have cybersecurity software installed to prevent the most basic attacks. If staff members inadvertently click on something they shouldn’t on their personal devices, while connected to the company network - it can spread like wildfire. Cyber criminals know this, and won’t hesitate to exploit this vulnerability. 

## **Prevention Trends**
Understanding the threats as mentioned above gives every organization a significant advantage. When you know what you’re fighting against, the battle becomes far easier. To reduce your organization’s risk of falling victim, discover the top cybersecurity prevention trends of 2023.

**Employee Training**
Over 90% of cyber incidents occurred due to human error. Properly training staff members to spot red flags for cyber threats could be the difference between a successful execution and properly blocking a threat before it escalates. 

**Trust but Verify**
Too often processes are made automatic and staff members make an inaccurate assumption that the process is continuing flawlessly. Unfortunately, with the uptick in ransomware attacks, many organizations are finding their backup processes are not working as they should have. This means out-dated backup data. Organizations are increasing the adoption of trust but verify. Taking the steps necessary to confirm automated processes and updates are indeed occurring as they should. 

**Biometric Credentials**
Passwords are vital for security; however, because of their increased prevalence staff members repurpose the same one repeatedly, and may even use it for personal use. With breaches exposing passwords daily, using an enhanced method of security that cannot be lost, stolen, or shared is preferred. The use of biometrics to access digital data has already begun and is projected to increase in the coming years. 

**Implementing Zero-Trust Framework**
Zero-trust framework only allows trusted programs to run. There is an authorized list, if you will, of what can and cannot run on the network, who has access privileges, what devices can connect, and more. This framework takes a proactive stance against cyber crime by being in complete control of who accesses the network, how they connect, and what they are able to run within the controlled environment. 

**Data Encryption**
Not only is it vital to keep intellectual property security, but clients trust organizations will keep their personally identifiable information safe and secure. This is why businesses will continue to enhance their data encryption standards. Therefore, if a data breach does occur, the information exposed cannot be interpreted. 

## **Conclusion**
Understanding the increased cyber threat trends, as well as how to prevent them is vital. To stay one step ahead of cyber crime, implement the prevention trends to thwart the growing number of cyber attacks that are targeting businesses of all sizes in all sectors.