Last year, healthcare and manufacturing were some of the most targeted industries for cybercriminals to attack. Other industries followed not far behind, with bad actors focusing on banks and insurance companies, public/state administrations, educational institutions, professional and organizational services, and more.
The most common form of attack was ransomware. With technology continuing to advance each day, cybercriminals are finding new ways to infiltrate systems. The first step for organizations to protect themselves is to understand the cybersecurity threats that they face. This includes looking to the future and seeing what is to come.
Staying ahead of cybercriminals is a must for every organization. The effects of an attack can be crippling, so keep reading to find out everything you need to know as you head into 2023.
Cybersecurity Threats and Where We Stand Right Now
You need to ensure that all of the devices making up your network have the most recent updates installed. That is a crucial step in maintaining network security. This includes not only the computers used by your staff members but also their mobile phones, printers, routers, and servers. As a general rule, it should be updated frequently if it can connect to the internet.
Online criminal activity naturally develops and changes over time. There is a brief window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit a vulnerability. This happens after it becomes public knowledge and before fixes are published and best practices changed to fight against it.
However, communication works both ways. As cyber criminals adapt their methods, so must those who work in the field of cybersecurity. The need to keep up with the latest developments, emerging dangers, and protective tools is paramount. This is the case for all organizations, across all industries.
1. Resilient and Secure Cultural Norms
Resilience is more than just getting back up after a fall in a time of heightened danger. Resilience building must prioritize long-term success above immediate gains. In the field of cybersecurity, resilience means being able to withstand setbacks, recover from them, and then adjust accordingly to new circumstances.
Building cyber resilience takes time. Getting the cybersecurity message across at the board level has been deemed difficult. For the longest time, it has been discussed in terms of commercial terms. Many companies still ignore the human element in cyber security. Instead, they focus on buying the latest and greatest software technology, which isn't always enough.
Reducing human frailties begins with adjusting cultural norms. Cyber-attack prevention starts by recognizing that humans are your first line of defense against cyber threats. Consistent awareness training is key. Cybersecurity awareness programs teach employees how to spot cyberattacks and how to respond appropriately.
2. No More Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Many organizations do not prioritize password security, therefore password-related cyberattacks are common. Weak login credentials provide attackers with easy access to an organization’s network. With the adoption of multi-factor authentication (MFA), an additional layer of defense has been added by requiring users to provide two or more forms of identification to access an account. This trend is predicted to become more mainstream in the year 2023.
Passwordless authentication leads to improving security, privacy, scalability, and simplicity. Many organizations, like Hubspot, Meta, and Google, have already begun to take the approach. Proven to be a practical and highly effective way to protect users from security breaches, passwordless security presents great potential to combat pervasive problems such as phishing. organizations and customers alike stand to gain from moving to an MFA system.
Passwordless authentication enhances the user experience. It strengthens corporate security by removing the possibility of password breaches. It also aids in the fight against credential-stuffing attacks. This strategy helps consumers readily and quickly access services. Why? Because they don't have to spend hours changing lost usernames and passwords.
3. Regulatory Consistency for Information, Privacy, and Data Globally
Global harmonization of information and data privacy rules will be pushed in 2023. Global regulatory synchronization and alignment will enhance security. This is particularly true for data protection, innovation, and cost.
International firms or ones who work outside of their national borders must adhere to a multitude of different rules. In some cases, legislation and frameworks can hinder data protection. This puts a tremendous burden on organizations and doesn't always increase data security or privacy.
Global trade and organization will be enabled rather than hampered by the harmonization of security regimes. This will empower improved information and data privacy for all organizations and governments. Applying data protection practices consistently will lower risk. It will also foster confidence between parties in supply chains.
4. Creating Consumer Confidence and Industry Compliance
Customers now have higher expectations for more data control. They also expect better openness regarding firms' policies. They want to learn more about a company's data handling policies. Usually, they want it in exchange for a greater willingness to share data and a greater level of engagement if the company can be trusted.
As a result, there is an increasing sense of urgency among organizations to embrace data privacy. They must embrace security, and compliance as mechanisms to support more established techniques. These techniques should enhance customer experience and brand perception.
5. Bridging The Cybersecurity Skills Gap
Organizations striving to remain ahead of the cyber risk landscape face many challenges. This is a result of the cybersecurity skills shortage. The goal is to be agile and improve operational processes in 2023. Organizations are expected to concentrate on attracting and keeping specialized cyber personnel.
It is feasible to find talent in the cybersecurity industry. But employers should think outside the box when searching for candidates. Additionally, organizations must continually train and develop their current personnel. This needs to continue long after they have been hired. This will lessen personnel turnover, and encourage the learning culture required to reduce cyber risk.
organizations need to raise their cybersecurity risk profile. Organizations will likely engage with external organizations with special skills to do this, or people that have specialized knowledge to enhance their current internal capabilities. Additionally, this strategy will ease the strain placed on internal teams during times of stress and will facilitate upskilling by giving people the time and space to learn.
Curbing Cyber Attacks In 2023
Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more malicious: The key for organizations is to stay ahead of the trends, understand how they are vulnerable, and fix these vulnerabilities. No industry is immune to cyberattacks. Actual cyberattack readiness should be a cornerstone of every organization and an ongoing process at all times.
CONTACT JANUS ASSOCIATES
At JANUS Associates, our mission is to improve the information security of our clients, and society at large. In business since 1988, JANUS offers a full range of high-quality cyber security, privacy, and regulatory compliance services at affordable costs.
We understand the challenges that organizations of all sizes face. We can help you achieve your information security goals regardless of your size. To learn more about how a team of affordable professionals can help you secure your organization, contact our Corporate Director, Chris Kniffin.
