Despite security teams’ efforts, the cyber security landscape seems to get worse every year. Our experts at Via Resource share their top cyber security trends that will help security leaders to strengthen their organisation’s security posture in 2023 and beyond.
The new research by PwC revealed that technology executives anticipate increasing ransomware attacks in the year 2023. Ransomware usually includes infecting gadgets with a virus that locks files away behind firm cryptography and threatens to demolish them unless a ransom is paid, generally in the shape of untraceable cryptocurrency. On the flip hand, the software virus may terrorise publishing the data publicly, leaving the company liable to massive fines.
Ransomware is naturally deployed via phishing attacks – where workers of an organisation are tricked into offering details or clicking a link that downloads the malware or ransomware software onto a system. But, currently, a direct infection via USB devices by folks who have physical access to gadgets is becoming ever more common. Education is a highly effective means of tackling this risk, with research revealing that employees who are aware of the threats of this kind of attack are nine times less likely to fall prey.
Recently, a cyber security priority for many organisations has been to secure devices that are being used for home and remote working since the start of the pandemic. Pre-pandemic, a large majority of employees were office-based, making it simple for IT departments to regularly check and update company laptops and smartphones. Making it relatively simple to ensure they were free of spyware and malware whilst running the latest versions of anti-virus software with any other preventative measures. In 2023, employees are more likely than ever to use personal devices to remotely connect to work networks and a new set of challenges has emerged.
Connecting to networks with non-secured devices can lead to employees unwittingly falling victim to phishing attacks, where attackers trick users into divulging passwords. With more people working remotely, it’s increasingly likely to risk falling for impersonation scams. Enabling ransomware attacks, where software is injected into networks that erase valuable data unless users pay a ransom to attackers. The risk of this also increases in remote working situations, where it’s more likely that devices may be left unattended.
A recent report Cyber Security in Focus, states 87% admitted they are suffering a skills gap, with over a third (35%) claiming positions were left unfilled after 12 weeks. 60% of organisations also admitted they have been struggling with finding cyber security talent, and 52% reported difficulties with retaining employees.
There’s no way to bridge the cyber security skills gap overnight, we have listed four way organisations can start making progress today in our article: 60% Of Global Leaders Struggle To Recruit Cyber Security Talent Due To A Skills Shortage.
As the Cyber Security market continues to grow, there remains a constant need for exceptional cyber professionals and as such, the market has continued to have a constant flow of new positions. Utilising a specialist Cyber Security recruiter has significant benefits for clients and candidates. In our recent blog, we highlighted some of the reasons that you ought to use a specialist recruiter and the benefits that you will gain from having done so
As the number of attempted cyberattacks has grown rapidly, it has become increasingly tricky for human cyber security experts to react to them all and predict where the most dangerous attacks will take place next. This is where AI comes into play. Machine learning algorithms can examine the vast amount of data moving across networks in real-time far more effectively than humans ever could and learn to recognise patterns that indicate a threat. According to IBM, companies that use AI and automation to detect and respond to data breaches save an average of $3 million compared to those that don’t.
Unfortunately, due to the ever-growing availability of AI, hackers, and criminals are growing increasingly proficient at using it too. AI algorithms are used to identify systems with weak security or that are likely to contain valuable data among the millions of computers and networks connected to the internet. It can also be used to create large numbers of personalised phishing emails designed to trick receivers into divulging sensitive information and become increasingly good at evading automated email defence systems designed to filter out this type of mail. AI has even been used to artificially “clone” the voice of senior executives and then to fraudulently authorise transactions.
Hackers and security agents race to ensure the newest and most sophisticated algorithms are working on their side rather than for the opposition. It’s been predicted that by 2030 the market for AI cyber security products will be worth close to $139 billion.
Perhaps the most important step to be taken by any organisation is to ensure that they are working towards initiating and fostering a culture of awareness around cyber security issues. Currently, it’s not good enough for employers or employees to simply think of cyber security as an issue for the IT department to take care of. Developing an awareness of the threats and taking basic precautions to ensure safety should be a fundamental part of everyone’s role in 2023.
Phishing attacks rely on “social engineering” methods to trick users into divulging valuable information or installing malware on their devices. No one needs technical skills to learn to become aware of these types of attacks and to take basic precautions to avoid falling victim. Likewise, basic security skills like the safe use of passwords and developing an understanding of two-factor authentication (2FA) should be taught across the board and continually updated. Taking basic precautions like this to foster a culture of cyber security awareness should be a core element of business strategy at organisations that want to ensure they build resilience and preparation over the coming 12 months.
The more devices we connect within a network, the more potential doors and windows exist that attackers can use to get in and access our data. Where in 2023, analysts at Gartner predict, there will be 43 billion IoT-connected devices in the world.
IoT devices – ranging from smart wearables to home appliances, cars, building alarm systems and industrial machinery, have often proven to be a worry for those with responsibility for cyber security. This is because, as they are often not used to store sensitive data directly, manufacturers haven’t always been focused on keeping them secure with frequent security patches and updates. That has changed recently, as it’s been shown that even when they don’t store data themselves, attackers can often find ways to use them as gateways to access other networked devices that might.
In 2023, several governmental initiatives around the world should come into effect designed to increase security around connected devices, as well as the cloud systems and networks that tie them all together. This includes a labelling system for IoT devices set to be rolled out in the US to provide consumers with information on possible security threats posed by devices they bring into their homes. Plus, the European Cyber Resilience Act introduces common cyber security rules for manufacturers, developers and distributors of products with digital elements, covering both hardware and software.
Both remote and on-site workplaces now lean heavily on every cloud service. Remote work has enhanced cloud security concerns, yet the threats transcend beyond the move to distributed employees. Threats count API vulnerabilities as well as traditional software issues. Flaws in the configuration as well as integration, counting authorisation, and authentication, of one cloud service, can bring about broader issues. For instance, cyber attackers are leveraging vulnerable PaaS (Platform as a Service) products to extend the reach of their ransomware or malware. The rewards of the cloud are sometimes enough to outweigh the threats. Using a programmatic approach, a company can reduce the threats of increasing cloud operations and build a foundation for a safe and sound future.
If you are looking for your next cyber security employee, get help from the experts. Hiring Cyber Security professionals can help you store and protect your valuable business information and ensure it is secure and backed up in the event of a breach or cyberattack. This is where Via Resource can help to build your highly functional security team.
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