Computerized systems have today permeated all sectors of industry, from healthcare to mining and even education. As more and more businesses adopt ICT technologies to leverage businesses and increase productivity, cybersecurity has become a widely discussed topic in the IT world and an increasing number of IT jobs require a background in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is today at the forefront of securing digital and computerized assets for organizations online.
In the year 2021, the following trends have emerged as significant for cybersecurity experts and professionals:
IoT cybersecurity
The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most novice technologies in existence today. As more and more devices get connected and communicate over the internet, IoT is becoming a relevant field in cybersecurity.
There are no confirmed incidents of hacking involving IoT cybersecurity, but that doesn't mean it can't happen because cybersecurity breaches are inevitable.
IoT is today enabling us to push networking capabilities on a lot of consumer electronic products like TVs, fridges, and even ACs. Unfortunately, hackers are resulting in more and more tactics that exploit these embedded devices as hacking targets.
A common trend in IoT cybersecurity is to use container technology such as Docker to create isolated and secure operating systems that shield these devices from cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity experts are now exploring the frontiers of IoT security as networked devices can be used as points of entry for a directed attack that can penetrate more mission-critical resources for an organization.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is slowly becoming the mainstay of cybersecurity. Traditional cybersecurity methods are effective and have been used by security experts for a long time. However, artificial intelligence systems can be more effective because they have greater analytical capabilities in anticipating security threats and forestalling them using predictive algorithms and machine learning.
Current cybersecurity measures involve using human supervised efforts in investigating and predicting vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. However, anything and everything that such human effort can achieve can be done more effectively by an autonomous and intelligent artificial intelligence system.
Artificial intelligence cybersecurity systems respond much faster than their human counterparts. They are also better at identifying subtle changes in web traffic that indicate when a cyber-attack might be imminent or underway. This ability helps significantly reduce the economic impact of cyber-attacks and disruptions to a business's normal functioning. That makes Artificial Intelligence jobs to be prominent in the industry today.
Targeted ransomware
Targeted ransomware is one of the trends keeping cyber security experts on their toes and will continue to do so in the near future.
The term ransomware may bring to mind images of computerized hackers in hoodies. However, many people are unaware that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting businesses and other organizations with targeted ransomware.
These types of attacks do not aim for mass infection like most malware operations; instead, they focus on specific groups or communities. Often, these attacks come from nation-state actors, such as Russia and North Korea.
A targeted ransomware attack may come in several forms, all of which are dangerous. For example, attackers may attempt to use malware or spyware that scans company records to find information about business plans or comb through sensitive employee files.
Then, the cybercriminal will send an email to select employees with a link to download what looks like an invoice document. However, the malware may send out business plans or other information to the attacker.
At other times, attackers will target specific company workers with phishing emails that contain malware designed to take over their computers. From there, they can scan through files and folders stored on the device.
Given the potential to disrupt the functioning of an organization and incur damages, targeted ransomware has become a trend that cybersecurity experts are keenly observing this year.
Cloud computing
One of the most significant cybersecurity issues facing businesses and organizations today is cloud computing. There are many cybersecurity concerns associated with companies moving their data to the cloud or public servers. However, cybersecurity experts are working on making cloud networks safe for businesses and individuals alike by implementing secure connections that can't be infiltrated.
Cloud computing includes using a network of remote servers hosted by an external company to store, manage, and process data. Using the cloud saves money for companies because they don't have to invest in their servers or hire employees who are skilled at managing server networks. Cloud services are also available anywhere an internet connection is available, so companies can access them from any office location or even while on the go with a mobile device.
While cloud computing is a good way for businesses to reduce costs and improve efficiency, cybersecurity experts have several concerns about cloud networks. For example, putting data in the cloud leaves it vulnerable to being stolen by hackers, especially since many companies have employees accessing sensitive information from public computers outside of the office that doesn't have cybersecurity protections.
In addition, cybersecurity risks increase when a cloud provider goes out of business because it leaves companies without a place to store their data. Cybersecurity experts have warned that when a cloud service holding your data and information goes bankrupt or partners with the wrong company, your organization may inadvertently get exposed to security risks in orders of magnitude.
