Cybersecurity Trends for 2023

The continuing remote work policy has opened up new security risks especially in those companies with insufficiently secured networks. Its no wonder then that cybersecurity seems to be on top of every organization’s agenda in 2023.  

Here is a look at the top cybersecurity trends that we are likely to see in the coming year, 2023.  

Data breaches through IoT 

When working from an office space, IT managers ensured laptops and smart phones were regularly checked for malware and spyware and updated them with the latest anti-virus software. However, when working from home, employees working on multiple devices inadvertently allow sensitive internal data to be easily breached. 

Gartner predicts there will be 43 billion IoT-connected devices in the world by 2023. They come in the form of smart watches, fit bits and home appliances to remote cameras and cars. While all these do not store sensitive data they can be a conduit for attackers to use, to get in and access data. 

Manufacturers will soon be required to provide frequent security patches and updates for these kind of devices.

Labelling system for devices 

Governments all around the world are taking proactive steps to bring in regulatory measures designed to increase security around connected devices, the cloud systems and the networks that connect them all together. 

According to a Forbes article, a labelling system for IoT devices is soon to be rolled out in the US. This will provide consumers with information on possible security threats that these devices could expose their users to.  

Cyberwarfare by foreign nations

In 2023, more than 70 countries are due to hold governmental elections. According to Forbes these events are frequently a target for attack by hostile foreign nations seeking to influence the election results, in their favor. These will come in the form of hacks, disinformation campaigns, or cyber-attacks on infrastructure. 

Companies therefore need to be extremely vigilant about cyberattacks in these times. 

Use of AI to detect threats

It may be difficult for cybersecurity experts to trawl through data and networks to figure when and where the next cyber-attack is likely to occur. However, machine learning algorithms can pick up signals when vast amount data moves across networks in real-time. They can be configured to recognize unusual patterns and sound the alarm to indicate a threat. 

Companies using AI and automation to detect and respond to data breaches will save an average of $3 million compared to those that don’t, says IBM.

Adoption of a hybrid cloud model 

In 2022, it took 9 months to identify and contain a breach that stole employees’ credentials. While 45% of breaches occurred in the cloud, organizations with a hybrid cloud model had lower average data breach costs compared to organizations with a public or private cloud model, IBM found.  

Building awareness

It has become clear that cyberthreats are no longer just a matter of concern for the chief security officers. Every employee will be required to take the basic precautions to ensure they don’t compromise their credentials or the company’s systems and network. 

Phishing attacks are also expected to increase in the coming years with the increase in device usage. Each one of us will need to know about the safe use of passwords, understand 2-factor authentication (2FA), and how frequent updating has to be done. Cybercriminals use social engineering methods to trick users into revealing personal or critical financial data. 

So a fundamental understanding of Cybersecurity will be critical for everyone, not just company employees. 

Infyni offers live, online courses that cover the Basics of Cybersecurity. Taken by industry experts these are a very simple to understand and extremely interactive. 1-1 private classes allow you to choose a schedule that is convenient for working people. Small groups on the other hand ensure more interactive learning. ~  Text by Anjana Das.