As we are heading to the end of 2023, it is essential to be aware of upcoming cybersecurity trends for 2023. In the last year, 8 out of 10 organizations have suffered from a successful cyber-attack. Cybercriminals are developing more sophisticated techniques & creating new attacks, so it is essential to stay alert & prioritize cybersecurity measures.
Top 10 Cybersecurity Trends for 2023
The threat landscape is constantly changing
he use of digital technology is growing rapidly, creating more opportunities for malicious actors. Unpatched servers, insecure Wi-Fi networks & misconfigured cloud-based applications can all leave businesses vulnerable to attack. By 2023, the digital threat landscape will be even faster with this increased exposure to potential risks.
No relent of ransomware
In the first half of 2022, ransomware was the top threat to organizations. The number of attacks has been steadily increasing, & more criminal groups are using these tactics to evade detection. With ransomware, hackers encrypt files & devices, demanding a ransom payment for the encryption key. This puts organizations & individuals in a position where they think paying up is their best option for regaining access to their systems. Unfortunately, no one is safe from this attack as even public services such as hospitals & transport have been targeted.
Phishing aimed at specific locations will increase.
Phishing is a common cyber-attack that involves using personal information to appear believable. By 2023, attackers will likely be able to use geo-targeted phishing attacks to make their scams even harder to detect. These attacks use localized language & industry jargon, as well as an authentic brand voice, all based on the victim’s geographic location. This makes it more difficult for people to recognize a scam.
AI will begin to take a significant role in cybersecurity
AI is becoming a significant trend in cybersecurity as it can detect suspicious patterns more effectively than humans. IBM reports that companies utilizing this technology can save money when responding to data breaches. In 2023, we expect AI to become an integral part of cybersecurity & move further into the mainstream.
Targeting more mobile devices
Our mobile devices carry a lot of personal information, which makes them an attractive target for cybercriminals. Data from mobile phones account for more than half of digital fraud. As technology advances & we become increasingly reliant on our mobile phones, the importance of security will only continue to rise in 2023. We must take steps to protect our devices from potential threats.
Strengthening Safety Measures for Connected Devices
Our devices are all connected nowadays – from smart speakers to cars, doorbells, & washing machines. This makes life easier but can leave us vulnerable to cybercriminals. As manufacturers become more aware of the importance of security for connectivity, we’ll see more requests for 2FA & password changes on setup. By 2023, we expect government initiatives to further improve security around connected devices & cloud systems that they rely on.
The use of cloud-based services will become more widespread.
Hybrid working became popular due to the pandemic & 84% of people now want to keep working remotely. To ensure their security, businesses are increasingly investing in cloud computing cybersecurity & solutions to protect themselves against cyber-attacks aimed at ‘as-a-service’ systems. By 2023, we expect an increase in spending on cloud computing cybersecurity for enhanced resilience.
People will become more aware.
As cyber-attacks become more widely reported, people are gaining a better understanding of the significance of cyber security. In 2023, we expect companies to take initiatives, including seminars, training & policies to further educate users on how to protect their data. 80% of data breaches can be prevented if proper action is taken.
The government will still be a target.
In 2017, a global ransomware attack called WannaCry affected 80 out of 236 NHS trusts across England, highlighting the vulnerability of the healthcare sector to cybercrime. During the pandemic, this risk significantly increased & according to the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre), from September 2019 to August 2020, they protected the UK health sector from an average of 60 monthly attacks. Since then, cybersecurity threats have evolved further.
Expansion of Deepfake technology
Deepfake is video technology that digitally alters a person’s appearance to make them look like someone else. In 2022, a deepfake of Joe Biden singing ‘Baby Shark’ instead of the national anthem caused uproar online as many believed it to be accurate. Deepfake technology is sometimes used for fun but often maliciously – to spread false information & carry out cyber-attacks. It is expected that this technology will become more widely used in the future for cybercrime.
Final Thoughts
As cyberattacks become increasingly common, it is essential to have a proactive cybersecurity plan in place for 2023. While companies may be looking to cut costs due to economic difficulties, finding cost-effective ways of maintaining effective cyber security is essential. Taking a hands-on approach is an effective way to increase protection & reduce losses if your organization does suffer from an attack.
