Here is an infographic on the cybersecurity trends to be known from 2020 to 2030.
With the number of cyber incidents on the rise, there is a pressing need to be on top of IT security more than ever.
This infographic looks at the new innovations and emerging technologies in 2020 that are helping organisations strengthen their cybersecurity practices.
The past decade witnessed a dramatic surge in cyber threats, and the years 2020 to 2030 are likely to see this trend continue with even more sophisticated and multifaceted attacks. Staying ahead of the curve requires understanding the key cybersecurity trends.
Here are some to watch:
Table of Contents
Essential Trends In Cybersecurity To Know Right Now
1. Deepfakes and Disinformation
Malicious actors will increasingly leverage deepfakes, synthetic AI-generated media, to manipulate public opinion, disrupt trust in institutions, and launch targeted scams. Detecting and mitigating these deepfakes will pose a significant challenge.
2. Convergence of IT and OT
As Operational Technology (OT) systems controlling critical infrastructure, like power grids and transportation, become more interconnected with Information Technology (IT), the attack surface will expand significantly. Securing these converged systems will be crucial.
READ ALSO: How To Detect Email Phishing Attempts (Like A Geek!)
3. Rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
RaaS models, where pre-built ransomware and attack tools are offered for rent, make cyberattacks more accessible to less skilled individuals and criminal organizations. Expect more frequent and devastating ransomware attacks.
4. AI-powered Attacks and Defense
Both attackers and defenders will increasingly leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate tasks, analyze data, and predict vulnerabilities and attack patterns. The “arms race” between offensive and defensive AI will intensify.
5. Quantum Computing and Cryptography
The emergence of quantum computers could break current encryption standards, potentially rendering much of our online security obsolete. Quantum-resistant cryptography is being developed, but the transition will be complex and time-consuming.
6. Supply Chain Attacks
Targeting vulnerabilities in third-party vendors and software suppliers will become a common tactic to gain access to larger organizations. Building a secure software supply chain will be critical for mitigating these risks.
READ ALSO: Ways To Prevent Supply Chain Attacks
7. Biometric Hacking
As biometric authentication becomes more prevalent, attackers will develop techniques to exploit these systems, like forging fingerprints or using deepfakes to bypass facial recognition. Multi-factor authentication and continuous security improvements will be necessary.
8. Increased Regulation and Privacy Concerns
Governments worldwide are likely to implement stricter data privacy regulations to protect individuals. Organizations must adapt their practices to comply with these regulations while maintaining security effectiveness.
READ ALSO: The Gaming Industry Must Be Proactive About DDoS Attacks
9. Cybersecurity Skills Gap
The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals will continue to outpace the supply, making it even more challenging for organizations to find and retain qualified talent. Upskilling and reskilling existing employees will be crucial.
10. Focus on Proactive Risk Management
Organizations must move from reactive cybersecurity measures to proactive risk management strategies, continuously identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.
READ ALSO: 2024 Cybersecurity: The Rise of CyberAttacks
Essential Cybersecurity Trends: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest cybersecurity threats of 2024?
Supply Chain Attacks: These attacks target third-party vendors and partners to gain access to a target organization's systems. Since many businesses rely on a complex web of suppliers, a single compromised vendor can create a significant security risk.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): This model makes it easier for even individuals with limited technical expertise to launch ransomware attacks. RaaS attackers can purchase or rent ransomware tools and infrastructure from cybercriminal marketplaces.
Phishing Attacks: Phishing attacks continue to be a major threat, and cybercriminals are constantly developing new techniques to trick users into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Be extra cautious of phishing attempts through SMS, text messages, or social media.
- Cloud Security Challenges: As more businesses move their data and applications to the cloud, cloud security becomes an increasingly important concern. Security misconfigurations, insecure APIs, and unauthorized access to cloud storage are some challenges organizations face.
What are some emerging cybersecurity technologies that can help mitigate these threats?
- Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA): ZTA is a security model that eliminates the concept of implicit trust on a network. It assumes that no user or device is inherently trustworthy and requires continuous verification throughout a session.
- Extended Detection and Response (XDR): XDR goes beyond traditional endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions by collecting data from various sources, including network devices, cloud workloads, and user activity. This allows for more comprehensive threat detection and investigation.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are being used to develop more sophisticated security solutions to detect and respond to cyber threats in real time. These technologies can help to automate security tasks and identify patterns that might be missed by human analysts.
- Biometric Authentication: Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, is becoming increasingly popular to add more security to user authentication.
READ ALSO: 5 Cybersecurity Tips For Small Businesses
How can businesses stay ahead of the cybersecurity curve?
- Regular Security Assessments: Businesses should conduct regular security assessments to identify system and application vulnerabilities.
- Employee Training: Educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, such as identifying phishing attacks and creating strong passwords.
- Software Updates: Keep all software applications and operating systems updated with the latest security patches.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop a plan for responding to a cyberattack, including data breach notification procedures.
- Security Awareness Programs: Implement ongoing security awareness programs to inform employees about the latest cyber threats.
What steps can individuals take to protect themselves from cyber threats?
- Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable MFA whenever possible.
- Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Don't click on suspicious links or attachments in emails, and be cautious of unsolicited messages.
- Beware of Social Engineering Scams: Social engineering scams attempt to trick you into revealing sensitive information or taking actions that could compromise your security.
- Keep Software Updated: Keep your operating system, web browser, and other software applications updated with the latest security patches.
- Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information or financial accounts when using public Wi-Fi networks. Consider using a VPN for added security.
Take Your Knowledge To The Next Level
These are key trends shaping the cybersecurity landscape in the coming decade.
Organizations and individuals can better protect themselves in the increasingly complex digital world by staying informed and adapting to these evolving threats.
Staying across these trends has a personal and professional impact, so you’re maintaining a high-level approach to protecting your data and cybersecurity best practices.
Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix, and requires constant vigilance and adaptation.
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About the Author:
Daniel Segun is the Founder and CEO of SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Media, with a background in Computer Science and Digital Marketing. When not writing, he's probably busy designing graphics or developing websites.
Meet Angela Daniel, an esteemed cybersecurity expert and the Associate Editor at SecureBlitz. With a profound understanding of the digital security landscape, Angela is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with readers. Her insightful articles delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity, offering a beacon of understanding in the ever-evolving realm of online safety.
Angela's expertise is grounded in a passion for staying at the forefront of emerging threats and protective measures. Her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and insights to safeguard their digital presence is unwavering.
Hi Daniel, thanks for the amazing and informational article! Ever since the pandemic has made the workforce shift their work from offices to home, cyberattacks have been rising exponentially. Thus, organizations need to keep updating their cybersecurity practices. For a start, businesses can also choose the Security-as-a-Service model to enhance security practices cost-effectively.