Top 9 Emerging Cybersecurity Trends You Can Not Ignore in [2021]
The technology landscape has constantly been evolving. The cybersecurity threats that we had decades ago have evolved to new levels. Similarly, new prevention tactics and methods have come into play. In 2020, things took a new twist. Covid-19 pandemic brought in a new way of doing things. Remote working became the order of the day, and cyberattacks targeting remote workers became the norm. Adversaries are taking advantage of the prevailing pandemic situations to carry out devastating attacks on computer systems.
Our team of competent cybersecurity experts has spent several hours of research and analysis to try and predict the future of cybersecurity. Watch out for the following cybersecurity trends in 2021 and beyond. Read and understand each trend properly to wise up on the biggest cybersecurity trends that you should expect in the future.
Our team of competent cybersecurity experts has spent several hours of research and analysis to try and predict the future of cybersecurity. Watch out for the following cybersecurity trends in 2021 and beyond. Read and understand each trend properly to wise up on the biggest cybersecurity trends that you should expect in the future.
#1. The Remote Working Landscape- Threats and Solutions
Malwarebytes released a remote working security risk assessment report titled: Enduring from home COVID-19’s impact on business security. From the report, it is crystal clear that remote working (majorly engendered by the Covid-19 pandemic) has led to new cybersecurity vulnerabilities for organizations and individuals.
From the report, 20% of all those surveyed admitted that they had been victims of a cyber breach due to remote working. In addition, a Velocity Smart Technology Market Research Report 2021 also reveals that 70% of all remote workers had experienced computer-related problems over the pandemic period.
Some of the top security risks that are and will affect remote working include the following:
Remote-working is here to stay, and so are cybersecurity vulnerabilities related to remote working. According to an Upwork report, over thirty million Americans are projected to be working remotely by 2025. This figure will account for an 87% increase when compared with the pre-pandemic era. As a result, hackers are now shifting their attention to remote workers.
In response to the new cyber vulnerabilities, IT experts and remote workers are developing new solutions. It might just be a matter of time before we start seeing mobile cybersecurity experts. Some of the solutions that are emerging in the fight against remote working vulnerabilities include the following;
From the report, 20% of all those surveyed admitted that they had been victims of a cyber breach due to remote working. In addition, a Velocity Smart Technology Market Research Report 2021 also reveals that 70% of all remote workers had experienced computer-related problems over the pandemic period.
Some of the top security risks that are and will affect remote working include the following:
- Wi-Fi vulnerabilities will increase due to insecure home Wi-Fi connections.
- Brute force attacks (remote workers are less likely to adhere to the best password practices)
- Phishing and spear-phishing attacks will increase.
- Vulnerabilities brought about by using personal devices.
- Unencrypted file sharing.
Remote-working is here to stay, and so are cybersecurity vulnerabilities related to remote working. According to an Upwork report, over thirty million Americans are projected to be working remotely by 2025. This figure will account for an 87% increase when compared with the pre-pandemic era. As a result, hackers are now shifting their attention to remote workers.
In response to the new cyber vulnerabilities, IT experts and remote workers are developing new solutions. It might just be a matter of time before we start seeing mobile cybersecurity experts. Some of the solutions that are emerging in the fight against remote working vulnerabilities include the following;
- Increased use of Virtual Private Networks.
- Increased use of two-step authentication procedures.
- Consistency in software updates.
- Increased use of antimalware software.
#2. The Cloud Computing Landscape-Threats and Solutions
It has gained a lot of popularity from both governmental and non-governmental institutions, individuals, and companies. For the first time since its very first edition, Flexera 2021 State of the Cloud Report had all its surveyees indicate that they had adopted cloud computing or were planning to adopt it.
The increased popularity of cloud computing technology introduces an array of cloud-based cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The top security vulnerabilities that are affecting cloud technology include the following:
Cloud providers and service users who do not anticipate these threats and install appropriate security measures to prevent them will easily fall victim to these threats. That said, let us look at some of the measures that will effectively secure cloud computing services from cyber threats.
The increased popularity of cloud computing technology introduces an array of cloud-based cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The top security vulnerabilities that are affecting cloud technology include the following:
- Cyber breaches to sensitive user information.
- Unauthorized local network access to cloud computing services.
- Insider threats are targeting cloud computing services.
- Attacks from hackers masquerading as customers.
- The emergence of malware threats that target cloud systems.
Cloud providers and service users who do not anticipate these threats and install appropriate security measures to prevent them will easily fall victim to these threats. That said, let us look at some of the measures that will effectively secure cloud computing services from cyber threats.
- The use of two-step authentication.
- User access controls and limitations.
- Automated end-user monitoring systems to detect intruders.
- Use of antimalware software.
#3. Increased Use of Biometric Authentication Tools
Statista now projects the market for biometric technologies to hit a whopping $55.42 billion by 2027. Biometric tools are speedily gaining relevance and usage in cybersecurity user authentication processes. Their popularity is because of the convenience and the authentication speed they have for the users.
The application of biometric tools such as fingerprint IDs, voice recognition, and facial recognition technologies will increase even more in the future. For example, it is estimated that over 1.3 billion devices will support facial recognition capabilities. It is also estimated that by 2024, 4.6 billion smartphones will have integrated fingerprint sensors.
The evolution of biometric technology will, without a doubt, have a great impact on cybersecurity. It will play a significant role in authenticating users. Apart from users having only to enter their passwords, they will also need to undergo biometric authentication to ascertain their legitimacy.
The application of biometric tools such as fingerprint IDs, voice recognition, and facial recognition technologies will increase even more in the future. For example, it is estimated that over 1.3 billion devices will support facial recognition capabilities. It is also estimated that by 2024, 4.6 billion smartphones will have integrated fingerprint sensors.
The evolution of biometric technology will, without a doubt, have a great impact on cybersecurity. It will play a significant role in authenticating users. Apart from users having only to enter their passwords, they will also need to undergo biometric authentication to ascertain their legitimacy.
#4. Increase Demand for Wildcard SSL Certificates
Secure Socket Layer has been here with us for close to three decades now. They have helped to secure data between web servers and web browsers. SSL certificates offer the level of encryption that users need to secure their sensitive data. When blended with the HTTP protocol, the SSL certificate initiates the HTTPS protocol, the secure transfer protocol that enables secure connections between two points.
Although all SSL certificates offer the same encryption role, a special kind caught our researchers' attention- the Wildcard SSL certificate. They are used to encrypt the main domain as well as an unlimited number of subdomains. They are becoming popular because of the convenience and cost-effectiveness benefits that they have to the users.
With wildcard SSL certificates, you do not have to acquire a different SSL certificate for each subdomain. All you need is a single SSL certificate, and you will be good to secure your main domain as well as an unlimited number of subdomains. Users will also be relieved of the hassle associated with having to manage different certificates.
Although all SSL certificates offer the same encryption role, a special kind caught our researchers' attention- the Wildcard SSL certificate. They are used to encrypt the main domain as well as an unlimited number of subdomains. They are becoming popular because of the convenience and cost-effectiveness benefits that they have to the users.
With wildcard SSL certificates, you do not have to acquire a different SSL certificate for each subdomain. All you need is a single SSL certificate, and you will be good to secure your main domain as well as an unlimited number of subdomains. Users will also be relieved of the hassle associated with having to manage different certificates.
#5. Insider Threats
A Panda Security Insider Threat Report reveals that cyber attacks occurring due to insider threats increased by 47% between 2018 and 2020. The same report shows that the cost of an insider threat has reached an average of $11.45 million per annum. Insider threats, therefore, remain one of the major causes of data breaches. This trend is expected to go on, so it is vital to have an employee training and awareness program.
#6. Increase Ransomware Threats
Ransomware attacks are becoming prevalent. In 2020, ransomware attacks were top on the headlines, and the trend is expected to continue that way in the future. There was a 150% increase in ransomware attacks between 2019 and 2020, with the amount of money paid by the victims increasing by over 300% over the same period. This is according to the Ransomware Task Force Report released recently.
2021 has already witnessed some of the most devastating cases of ransomware attacks. One thing that has contributed a lot to the increase in ransomware attacks is ransomware services and ransomware kits on the dark web. Malicious people can purchase these kits at a low price, as little as $175. The kits are easy to deploy because they do not require a lot of technical knowledge. Let us prepare to see even more ransomware cases in the future.
2021 has already witnessed some of the most devastating cases of ransomware attacks. One thing that has contributed a lot to the increase in ransomware attacks is ransomware services and ransomware kits on the dark web. Malicious people can purchase these kits at a low price, as little as $175. The kits are easy to deploy because they do not require a lot of technical knowledge. Let us prepare to see even more ransomware cases in the future.
#7. Increase in Supply Chain Attacks
The recent attack on the SolarWinds Orion Platform has directed a lot of attention to supply chain attacks and the security measures to prevent the attacks. The attack on the SolarWinds Orion Platform affected close to 20,000 customers, including business, governmental and non-governmental agencies, individuals, and Fortune 500 companies.
From the attack, it is now evident that hackers are going after targets with significant monetary value. Hackers are now using the supply chain to gain access to companies. With this type of attack, it does not matter how robust your security walls are.
Hackers are using the supply chain to reach your network, so you are still vulnerable. The trend is a wake-up call for all companies and those on the supply chain that they should be extra-vigilant and have proper security measures to prevent such attacks,
From the attack, it is now evident that hackers are going after targets with significant monetary value. Hackers are now using the supply chain to gain access to companies. With this type of attack, it does not matter how robust your security walls are.
Hackers are using the supply chain to reach your network, so you are still vulnerable. The trend is a wake-up call for all companies and those on the supply chain that they should be extra-vigilant and have proper security measures to prevent such attacks,
#8. Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence is a common element in all technology segments. More and more organizations are adopting Artificial Intelligence to run different organizational functions. Artificial Intelligence is, without doubt, the future of technology.
Artificial Intelligence has also found its way into the cybersecurity sector. It is applied in building automated security systems and automatic threat detection systems. Risk-wise, artificial intelligence is being employed by hackers to create smart malware programs capable of bypassing the latest security measures. Therefore, AI-enabled threat detection systems remain a big trend that will be adopted in 2021 and beyond.
Artificial Intelligence has also found its way into the cybersecurity sector. It is applied in building automated security systems and automatic threat detection systems. Risk-wise, artificial intelligence is being employed by hackers to create smart malware programs capable of bypassing the latest security measures. Therefore, AI-enabled threat detection systems remain a big trend that will be adopted in 2021 and beyond.
#9. The Rise of Data Privacy as A Discipline
Data privacy is one element that is receiving a lot of concern from both the customers' end and the companies' end. More and more data privacy regulations are emerging from federal governments, state governments, and international levels. Users, consumers, and website visitors are also becoming concerned about how their data is used. They want assurance that their sensitive information is not shared with third parties without their consent.
Because data breaches and cybersecurity attacks expose sensitive user data, organizations must ensure that they have all the necessary tools to safeguard the data. Furthermore, with increasing data breaches and cybersecurity threats, we should anticipate the privacy concerns to increase even further.
Customers in particular want to know their data is safe. They don’t want to have concerns about their logins being compromised, which is why customer identity and access management (CIAM) is an important tool for companies using customer-facing applications.
Because data breaches and cybersecurity attacks expose sensitive user data, organizations must ensure that they have all the necessary tools to safeguard the data. Furthermore, with increasing data breaches and cybersecurity threats, we should anticipate the privacy concerns to increase even further.
Customers in particular want to know their data is safe. They don’t want to have concerns about their logins being compromised, which is why customer identity and access management (CIAM) is an important tool for companies using customer-facing applications.
Conclusion
Individuals, organizations, governments, and companies need to track the emerging cybersecurity trends and measures. For example, in SSL encryption, wildcard SSL will dominate. So, expect to see wildcard SSL certificates such as DigiCert Wildcard SSL, and Comodo SSL Wildcard dominate the streets. This will help to keep them up to date with the latest threat landscape and solutions. Thanks to our team of experts, we have compiled a list of nine cybersecurity trends that you should look out for in 2021 and beyond.
