Cybersecurity is a game of moving goalposts: as technology evolves, so does cybercrime. There are new threats and challenges emerging every day, and the good news is that solutions are developing at a fast pace, too. It’s important to stay informed about current trends in cybersecurity while keeping one eye on the future, which is why we called on the industry experts at ESET.
Here, they weigh in on the top trends and predictions for cybersecurity in 2023 and beyond.
#1 More companies will turn to cloud-based security solutions
With the growing popularity of cloud data storage for companies of all sizes, there’s never been a greater need for sophisticated security solutions for businesses to protect those storage platforms and prevent unauthorised access. Cloud-based security solutions are a two-way street: the provider is responsible for the infrastructure and configuration of hosts and networks, while the client is in charge of defining access privileges, encrypting data and staying compliant.
#2 Artificial intelligence and machine learning will become mainstream
Thanks to publicly available platforms like ChatGPT, artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic for both consumers and cybersecurity professionals. AI and machine learning do pose cyber challenges — for example, bad actors could harness them to automate or scale attacks like malware or ransomware. However, AI’s ability to process huge amounts of data and rapidly respond can also be used to strengthen cybersecurity and mitigate threats. In 2023, we’ll see companies experiment with the use of AI in cyber defence, especially when it comes to monitoring, analysing and reacting to threats in real-time.
#3 Phishing isn’t going anywhere
Email and phishing scams have been an issue for years, but they’ve become particularly problematic since the pandemic. Cybercriminals capitalised on the uncertainty of the time and preyed on their victims’ emotions (like fear and anxiety), and they were often successful. Phishing emails look authentic and appear to be sent from legitimate senders, but until now, common red flags have included poor grammar and odd turns of phrases. This year, our cybersecurity predictions are for scammers to use AI to create more convincing phishing emails and entice more people to open them or click on links or attachments.
#4 New threats will emerge
In the cybersecurity world, we’re closely watching the rise of deepfakes, which are synthetically manipulated audio, video and images. Deepfake technology has advanced exponentially in recent years, and hackers can now use it to create false documents in order to fabricate new identities or commit identity theft. Combined with AI, this type of technology poses a real threat, especially for individuals or companies with below-par cybersecurity practices. Other emerging threats include quantum computing and cybercrimes associated with the metaverse.
#5 Demand for third-party risk management will rise
Across the world, companies were forced to digitise their operations and shift to remote work during the pandemic. While this helped to keep staff safe, it also threw many companies’ cybersecurity into disarray. For instance, they may have had solid practices in the office, but there was no guarantee employees had the same level of home security. This disruption also highlighted the importance of working with third-party vendors, partners and contractors that prioritised cybersecurity. Supply chain attacks have continued to rise, and we predict more companies will turn to third-party risk management. This might involve a higher demand for tools, services or questionnaires to help identify cyber risks in their “chains.”
#6 Businesses will adopt the zero-trust approach
There are a few ways companies can secure their virtual working environments. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are widely used, and as cyber-attacks become more complex and diverse, we expect businesses to try the “zero trust” approach. With this form of network security, users are constantly validated, reassessed and reauthenticated before signing in. This “never trust, always verify” idea is especially handy within a cloud infrastructure.
Safeguard your data with the latest technology
Cybersecurity trends come and go, but good cybersecurity is a constant need for companies in today’s landscape. To secure your data and devices, invest in premium software that monitors and responds to threats in real time so you can avoid data breaches and continue with business as usual. ESET’s software solutions for business security and home security have you covered, no matter where you’re working.