As cyber security evolves, the discussion has focused on the need for robust and adaptable cyber defences across the business landscape, particularly with the increases in digitised processes.
Heightened technology reliance has caused innovation to surge across the board, so it’s important to consider the future of cyber security and the risks, challenges and opportunities we’re expecting to face. This can better prepare you for the new trends and developments coming your way, and ensure you are able to protect your assets, data, devices and people.
Cyber security future challenges and opportunities
What is the future of cyber security? Let’s examine the challenges and opportunities that businesses should be prepared for.
Challenge: the rise of CaaS
Cybercriminals no longer need to be expert hackers or programmers. Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) is an online marketplace where everyday people can purchase tools, expertise and services that give them the capabilities of experienced cybercriminals. Rather than developing their own malware or ransomware, they can leverage existing resources via the dark web, including step-by-step instructions on how to attack a business.
This means cybercrime is becoming more and more widespread, offering more opportunities to those who wish to target businesses and increasing the number of cyber attacks.
Challenge: more complex attack methods
Technology is always evolving, giving us access to new tools, capabilities and processes. The downside is that we’re not the only ones with access. As business tech becomes more advanced, so does the tech in the hands of cybercriminals.
New and more advanced attack scenarios are beginning to emerge, resulting in tactics like ‘callback phishing.’ This combines vishing (voice-based phishing) with traditional email-based phishing to gain access to and breach business systems. A staff member may receive an email with instructions to call an attached number in order to renew a subscription or software licence, and is instead instructed to install malware that spreads through the business.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has also contributed to the creation of synthetic voices that mimic senior staff and manipulate unsuspecting employees into participating in behaviour that is damaging to the business.
Challenge: emerging security risks from 5G networks
5G is an exciting new network that offers faster speeds and higher bandwidths. Using this network, enterprises will be able to leverage technology and capabilities in ways they never have before. However, because it is so new and unfamiliar, it also introduces new risks that it’s important to be aware of.
One such risk is that the increased speed and connectivity capabilities of 5G can allow cyber criminals to stage more advanced, sophisticated and impactful attacks. Another is the fact that 5G networks are designed to support millions of users and devices, so attackers have a larger pool of targets, particularly when taking advantage of software vulnerabilities.
Internet of Things (IoT) devices are also being used regularly amidst 5G rollouts, with some devices responsible for critical systems and infrastructure. This makes IoT defence systems a priority as devices with poor built-in security can be easily breached.
Opportunity: increasing the cyber security awareness of your team
Education is key to combatting potential cyber threats. Your people are the first line of defence, so it’s important to teach staff how to prevent cyber attacks. Fostering a culture of cyber security keeps everyone aware of the risks they could face, and can help them identify an attack before it takes hold.
For example, if your team are familiar with call back phishing, they can identify the signs and avoid a would-be attacker. For the risk of synthetic voices, you could even implement compulsory code words that need to be said before certain actions are taken. Making sure your people know that cyber security is be a top priority is a great way to bolster your defence.
Opportunity: using AI to increase security measures
AI and ML can offer opportunities to optimise your business’ protection. Their algorithms can analyse large amounts of data, and then use this to detect patterns and identify risks. This can enable you to respond to attacks faster, minimising the impact of a breach. As more tech becomes available, it can also enable you to automate repetitive tasks around cyber security, freeing up internal resources so they can turn their attention to more complex issues.
Opportunity: invest in the expertise of tech providers who can help you boost your security
It can be hard to stay across all the cyber security protection solutions out there, least of all the ones best suited to your business. When you partner with a tech provider, they can handle this for you, using their expertise, experience, and industry connections to help you find the best protective measures for your operations. This could be anything from a managed firewall, to creating an effective security incident response plan. They can even help you with email protection to mitigate the risk of phishing attacks. It is also their responsibility to be across the latest industry insights and news, so they can offer suggestions that bolster your protection in the face of new threats.
Talk to Rubicon 8 about your cyber security
We’re here to protect your business’ data, assets, and people. Our experts have their fingers on the pulse of innovation, so we are equipped to deliver the solutions that help equip you with the defences you need. We’ll identify your points of vulnerabilities and offer tailored recommendations to address them. Talk to us today.
