In this post, we outline what we consider to be the four biggest cyber security trends in 2022. Cyber security is evolving rapidly and is becoming one of today’s most important technology areas in 2022.
This post is a little late in the year; our one for 2021 is here.
AI-powered Cybersecurity
There will be many new discoveries and advancements this year, so here are some of the trends that will transform cyber security in the next year: artificial intelligence-powered cyber security, similar to how it is utilized in financial services for fraud protection. Many of these discoveries will be presented at AI conferences.
Artificial intelligence can help fight cybercrime by detecting patterns of activity that indicate something unusual is going on. Importantly, AI allows this to be done in systems that must deal with thousands of events every second. According to a recent study by Cap Gemini, two-thirds of cybersecurity companies now feel AI is vital for identifying and fighting cybersecurity risks, and nearly three-quarters are employing or testing AI for this reason.
Ransomware
Ransomware is becoming a bigger problem and is #2 on our list.
In the first quarter of 2021, there were three times as many ransomware assaults as there were throughout the entire year of 2019, according to PWC research, and 61 percent of technology executives predict this to continue in 2022.
Ransomware infects devices with a virus that encrypts data and threatens to destroy it unless a ransom is paid, which is usually in the form of an untraceable cryptocurrency. Alternatively, the software infection may threaten to disclose the data publicly, exposing the company to massive fines.
Ransomware is often spread through phishing assaults, in which employees are deceived into submitting personal information or clicking a link that downloads ransomware software, also known as malware, onto a computer.
Direct infection through USB devices by persons with physical access to machines is becoming more widespread in recent years. Worryingly, the sorts of assaults targeting vital infrastructure have increased, including one on a water treatment facility that momentarily managed to modify the facility’s chemical processes in a way that may harm life. Other ransomware attacks have targeted gas lines, and the most efficient way to combat this threat is to educate hospitals.
If this is a subject matter of interest then we’d urge you to search for and attend Cyber crime conferences that very often cover Ransomware subjects and defense strategies.
The Internet of (Vulnerable) Things
Employees who are aware of the hazards of this form of attack are eight times less likely to be a victim, according to research. The Internet of Things is susceptible to being hacked.
The number of linked devices known as the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to reach billions by 2020, providing a massive rise in possible entry points for hackers attempting to get into protected digital systems. Hackers have used linked domestic equipment such as refrigerators and kettles to get access to networks, and then to computers or phones where important data may be kept, according to previous reports.
Many firms are increasingly constructing digital twins or extensive digital simulations of whole systems or even businesses as the Internet of Things becomes more advanced. These models are frequently connected to operational systems in order to model data acquired by them, and they might provide criminals with a gold mine of data and entry points in 2022.
To learn more about these threats we’d encourage you to check out cyber events that we’ve labeled as being within the IoT space as well as “Hacking Conferences”.
We’ll likely see more assaults on IoT devices as edge computing devices, which process data as close as feasible to where it’s collected and centralized, become more common.
Cloud Security In The Post-Pandemic, Russo-Ukrainian World
Cloud infrastructure can be susceptible, and again, knowledge and awareness are the two most effective strategies for defending against these flaws.
A potential cyber security strategy should always involve a complete audit of every device that may connect to the network or be granted access, as well as a detailed awareness of any vulnerabilities. Because every cyber security operation is only as safe as its weakest link, companies are carefully scrutinizing every supply chain connection.
Clearly, the WFH and Covid situation as well as the war in Ukraine has sped up the Cloud security threat.
If you’re interested in learning more about the latest Cloud developments this year we’d encourage you to visit our list of recommended Cloud conferences.
Regulation Is Starting To Catch Up With Risk Strategies
As a result of the possible risks listed above, organizations will increasingly consider cyber security resilience and exposure when deciding who to collaborate with.
According to a Gartner’s study, by 2025, 60% of firms would view cyber security concerns as the main decision when deciding who to conduct business with, resulting in additional laws.
More firms are in danger of potentially significant penalties if they make information security mistakes as a result of the GDPR, such as the Chinese Personal Information Protection Legislation and the California Consumer Privacy Act.
This implies that each partner with possible access to an organization’s data or systems will be thoroughly examined. Companies that are unable to respond to queries about their cyber security arrangements or ratings will be increasingly excluded from the code.
In fact, according to Gartner, industry-standard security rating systems such as security scoreboards will become as significant to businesses as credit rating agencies’ legislation has been catching up with dangers for many years.
One result this year might be an increase in the number of governments enacting legislation pertaining to paying payments in response to ransomware attacks, which would expand penalties that presently only cover breach and loss to also encompass vulnerabilities and exposure to potential damage.
In an attempt to limit the impact of data theft, losses, and breaches on customers, we may see a growing number of legal obligations placed on chief information security officers, similar to the responsibilities of chief financial officers, while this will inevitably increase the burden on those responsible for information security. In the long run, this will only be beneficial.
Today, more than ever, gaining customer confidence is critical for firms who desire our most sensitive personal data.