As work becomes progressively interwoven with individual lives, online safety is not a simple innovation or business issue; but rather a critical personal affair. Additionally, the cases of digital insecurity are set to keep rising. The International Data Corporation foretells that by 2022, the overall spending on network safety will be somewhere around $133.7 Billion.
The Anticipation Phase
Following the current pandemic, most people have had to work remotely from their homes, making themselves more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If you are working remotely, you should watch out for emerging threats in cybersecurity. The current trends tend to redefine how we view and work our way around the internet as we adapt to developing technology.
What Can You Do?
Everyone is at risk of cyberattacks. Besides, cybersecurity breaches come in different forms. While some are intended to cause harm, others are usually for financial motives. Regardless of the reason behind an attack or how they intend to attack you, you ought to always be ready. Additionally, companies and individuals alike are in danger of cyberattacks. Therefore, it is vital to not only care about yourself but also about your company.
Easier said than done, right? Here’s how to practically get it done.
1. Improve Mobile Security
In the past, phones would only have phone numbers and messages. Today, mobile phones contain a lot of sensitive data, and due to technological advancements, the number of people using smartphones is on the rise.
It has, therefore, become a hotbed for hackers who can gain access to personal information, including companies’ data, stored on these devices. Besides, it’s estimated that by 2022, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) market shall be roughly $367 Billion.
That being said, companies and individuals alike should be looking to improve mobile security now more than ever. Here are a few tips on how:
- Verify email senders and recipients before replying to emails and messages.
Phishing attacks are set to continue and advance even more next year. Whether you are using mobile phones for personal use or business, verifying an email sender before replying is vital. You can use Nuwber to validate the sender’s details, especially if you do not trust the source of the message or email in the first place. Be cautious of people who say they represent some companies – double-check that information.
- Create a strong password for different accounts.
Most people use the same password on all their online accounts. Moreover, they use the same email to create all these essential accounts. Creating strong but different passwords for each account can significantly protect you from cyberattacks.
- Set up BYOD policy.
Adopt policies that will guide employees on how to use their mobile devices. Training them on how to handle passwords and utilize internet security software helps minimize hacking attacks.
- Update mobile devices regularly.
Ensuring your smartphone’s operating system (OS) is up-to-date protects your device from the latest types of cyber threats.
2. User Awareness
Businesses are increasingly strengthening their online security measures as cyberattacks are becoming more destructive by the day. Today, most firms are taking internet security awareness seriously to prevent cyber threats that have proved to be a nuisance. Some of the reasons why companies and individuals alike should be up to date with emerging issues on internet security include:
- Emerging Technology.
User awareness is especially important as we head to 2022 since new technologies and devices will keep emerging with time. Moreover, emerging technologies and devices present unique threats. IoT, in particular, will be a valuable target for cybercriminals. You can protect yourself from such attacks by simply being aware of the trends in cyberattacks.
- Fear of the Unknown
Most people and businesses did not anticipate the pandemic and thus rushed to remote work to keep their operations running. As a result, most companies did not think about security, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. Hackers pry on such security weaknesses to launch high-tech attacks like geo-targeted phishing to such vulnerable individuals. Creating awareness on cybersecurity is the key to such unprecedented forms of cyberattacks.
3. Using AI and ML
Cyberattacks on businesses are rapidly growing and are expected to be even more sophisticated in 2022. This means that mere human involvement will not be enough to prevent certain attacks. AI and Machine Learning can help improve and analyze a business’s internet security status. These emerging applications can draw previous data involvements, including the current ones. Conversely, identifying new forms of threats that may occur now or in the future through continuous improvement and learning.
Why AI and ML?
The number of companies that seek to hire professional cybersecurity technicians is insurmountable. However, there are not that many professionals in this field that meet the demands. AI and ML technologies are useful tools that can help people navigate the internet effortlessly. You can use these tools to protect your business from advanced attacks automatically.
Besides, they utilize few resources to mitigate threats by drawing statistical interpretations and utilizing predictive analytics. Here are some ways in which AI and ML can help you catch potential hacks:
- Detection of Threats
Detection of new threats is faster with AI and ML in businesses. Most conventional software that we have currently cannot keep up with the fast-changing malware attacks. AI can help protect you and your company by early detection of certain malware threats.
- Reduce Threat Response Time
Other than just detecting new threats, AI and ML help reduce the response time to malicious attacks. The application scraps through news articles and reports on internet security using advanced prognostic intelligence. Besides, it can point out industry-specific threats by looking for the latest technologies to provide up-to-date information.
- Improved Endpoint Security
Even now, the number of devices engaged in remote work is on a steady rise. While VPNs and internet security software can prevent most threats, they usually need regular updates to perform efficiently.
AI-based technologies can be vital to providing prompt action in case of attacks. Again, it can notify the cybersecurity technicians of potential outdated software and threats as well as return to a protected status.
Conclusion
While cybersecurity tends to be the same every year, new technological advancements present new ways for hackers to use on their victims. The year 2022 will not be any different. However, this should not worry you because new technology also brings new opportunities and better ways of enhancing online security. Being up to date with cybersecurity trends is a great way to stay ahead of the pack.
