Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field that must keep pace with the latest technological advancements and the newest techniques employed by increasingly savvy cyber criminals.
Organizations must remain vigilant and implement innovative cybersecurity practices to protect valuable systems and data. Cybersecurity consultants provide businesses with an effective and efficient way to ensure their systems are safe as the technological landscape changes.
Outlined below are some of the emerging trends that are shaping cybersecurity consulting services.
Cloud Security
Cloud computing has improved how organizations access, store, and process their data, providing them greater access to data while reducing the chances of catastrophic data loss. However, properly securing cloud environments remains imperative and is expected to be a major focus of cybersecurity consultants in the coming years.
From continuous monitoring and encryption to access control and protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the data organizations store on the cloud, many aspects of cloud security require careful attention from a skilled workforce.
Artificial Intelligence
One of the biggest concerns in cybersecurity moving forward will be artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and the increasingly prominent role they play in society.
Although they can be beneficial when used responsibly, cyber criminals can also leverage them to develop complex attacks that require great vigilance and innovation to thwart. Some cybersecurity consultants compare the situation to a perpetual arms race as hackers and cybersecurity professionals constantly create new ways to get around one another.
Although they do pose a cybersecurity threat, these technologies can also be used to improve security. They can analyze significant amounts of data and detect patterns in real-time, which means they are well-positioned to identify potential threats and respond to them quickly and effectively.
AI support can automate routine security tasks, allowing experts to focus on more pressing issues.
Regulatory Concerns
As governments and other regulating bodies become increasingly concerned about the potential fallout of data breaches and internet privacy, new legislation is being enacted to protect organizations and individuals from a broad range of cyber threats.
Cybersecurity consultants expect stricter privacy and data protection regulations that will likely compel organizations to employ robust security measures, handle personal information with extreme care, and report any breaches immediately.
Although these have long been concerns in industries involving sensitive personal data, such as healthcare and finance, regulatory compliance will become a top priority for businesses in all industries in the future.
Ransomware Attacks
Although cyber criminals conduct breaches in many ways, ransomware is a top concern in cybersecurity as operators change their tactics. In the past, ransomware attacks largely involved encrypting an organization’s systems and demanding money from them to restore access.
However, it is becoming more common for them to demand an additional payment after the initial transaction to prevent them from leaking the data they stole online. This enables cybercriminals to make even more money for the same effort.
This approach places organizations at risk of having their clients’ sensitive data exposed, running afoul of regulations, incurring hefty fines, and damaging their reputations.
This makes robust data protection more important than ever. It also requires organizations to reconsider how much data they store online and explore potential alternative storage methods that minimize the potential for data breaches and extortion.
Internet of Things Security
The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed modern life. This network of physical devices embedded with sensors and network connectivity to collect and share data can make life more convenient in numerous ways.
People use smart objects for everyday tasks, with smart home devices such as smart thermostats and wearables such as smartwatches becoming increasingly popular. Organizations rely on this technology for everything from RFID-enabled clothes to complex industrial machinery.
However, as more people and organizations use interconnected devices, cyber criminals can exploit unprecedented numbers of targets. Many businesses and consumers are unaware of the many vulnerabilities inherent in these devices, and personal information and essential infrastructure can be easily exposed.
Therefore, cybersecurity professionals expect to place a stronger emphasis on ensuring the security of IoT devices and implementing robust safety protocols to ensure these devices are protected from breaches and unauthorized access.
Cybersecurity Skills Gaps
As the need for cybersecurity continues to grow, the supply of trained professionals is struggling to meet the demand. As a result, innovative approaches will be needed to bridge the gap.
From upskilling current employees to leveraging AI, organizations must take a multipronged approach to ensuring comprehensive cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Consultants Help You Stay Ahead Of Evolving Threats
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of evolving threats is imperative. The IT experts at Advantage Tech can advise organizations on the most effective approach to ensuring maximum protection. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
