Six Cybersecurity Trends That Can Impact You in 2023

In this present time, a company refusing to take cybersecurity seriously will be seen as irresponsible and taking a huge risk. 

Now that clicking a link, opening a file, or deleting confidential info improperly can result in millions of dollars in damages, significant reputational harm, and harsh regulatory fines, companies need to sit up when it comes to cybersecurity. 

Laws regulating cybersecurity practices make it obvious that enterprises must do more to protect data and ensure security protections are in place. 

Trends To Watch Out For in 2023

While no one can predict how it will evolve in the future, certain clear trends are appearing in the short term. Below is a deeper look at some new trends that will most likely become more prevalent in 2023:

1. Increase in Mobile Device Targeting

Approximately two-thirds of the world's population now own and consistently use a smartphone, and many firms have responded by creating and modifying their websites or applications to ensure compatibility with these devices. However, cyberattackers and fraudsters have also followed suit, and as a result, mobile devices are quickly becoming the preferred conduit to channel their efforts for operations.

Because of quick and continuous advancements and strides made in technology, no one knows the next thing cybercrime and security might be. Nevertheless, security specialists are striving to predict cyber attackers' potential moves and develop less vulnerable systems, processes, and technologies. Increased security awareness training for staff to defend themselves may be the key to enhanced cybersecurity.

2. User Awareness 

In a recent survey, it was discovered that 97% of individuals that regularly access the internet cannot differentiate between normal and phishing email. This must be a factor that contributes to the rise of successful email phishing attacks, and, generally, hack attacks.

This demonstrates the critical importance of awareness and education in detecting and preventing identity theft and network intrusions. However, many firms now go beyond building robust firewalls and complex IT procedures to enhance the capabilities of their IT workers through further training. This will help them get better at combating cyber-attacks.

Some organizations encourage and develop cybersecurity awareness even during work hours. Some are also paying closer attention to how employees communicate and manage sensitive information. For example, many businesses are now putting in significant efforts to educate their staff on how to guard against identity theft.

3. Increase in IoT Exploitation

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) expands economic prospects and enhances the quality of life, but it also opens the door to cybercrime. Devices such as fitness watches, voice-controlled refrigerators, and voice assistants like Google Home which are also generally referred to as "smart" products are examples of IoT devices. According to predictions, within the next seven years, there will be over 25 billion IoT devices connected to the internet. 

The problem is that having more gadgets linked to the internet increases the cyber-attack surface. In other words, the number of possible entry points for hackers to breach your digital infrastructure grows. When compared to PCs or phones, most IoT devices have considerably less security protection. As a result, one of the most crucial aspects of cybersecurity trends to look for in 2023 is IoT and increased digitalization.

4. OTP Bypass

In 2022, threat actors doled out some illegal services with considerable success. One such service was OTP bypass, where users could, with certain apps, bypass MFA as a security service. All users had to do was purchase the required apps, log in, and get a different number, then use it for the 2FA or MFA process. While this has an advantage; it prevents users from submitting personal details online; it will not take much time before hackers begin to take advantage of this. 

This service will most certainly expand as demand for these services grows in the future.

5. Improved Cloud Security

Remote working has increased in the previous two years. It is therefore no surprise that cloud solutions have experienced significant growth, with many businesses attempting to secure their spaces in the cloud and leverage its numerous benefits. 

The many benefits of cloud solutions for businesses include operational and economic efficiency and enhanced scalability. However, because these benefits-cum-services do not provide audit recording or secure authentication, they are a potential target for fraudsters.

To discourage hackers, businesses should take note of and deliberate on employing inventive and analytical cloud protection solutions. Analytical security can help in identifying threats that circumvent other endpoint security processes and systems.

6. Remote Working Might Be More Harm Than Good

People are one of, if not the weakest links, in a company's security system. Human error frequently has the most severe consequences for businesses. This is why targeted ransomware, social engineering, and phishing assaults are such important components of every hacker's cache. 

Specific security staff is responsible for performing social engineering simulations to guarantee that staff don’t become victims of cyber assaults. However, there has been a surge in very sophisticated phishing assaults all across the world, and this is largely, but not completely, due to remote work. After all, remote work makes employees less security-conscious. 

More recently, businesses are pushing out policies like dedicated work laptops and strict password sharing. Those can only take us so far. 

Let BrainStomp Help You with Your Cybersecurity Setup

For businesses, cybersecurity is gradually becoming a key aspect to watch out for, and your business should not be left out. Ensuring your business’ online security is as solid as ever is key to business growth and progress. 

BrainStomp can help you with that progress; after all, business cybersecurity is our forte. Contact us today to get started.