Cyberthreats today are more complex and pervasive than ever before. And the problem is only getting worse, with cybercriminals finding more ways to steal data or hold it for ransom while you’re left in the dark about what’s happening to your company’s data. It’s hard to know how to protect yourself from new threats when they arise so quickly, but there are some cybersecurity trends that experts believe will dominate in 2022.
AI-powered cybersecurity
The past two years saw a substantial rise in the number of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices, causing organizations to finally start paying attention to the security of their IoT environments. In particular, many have been using artificial intelligence (AI) to help automate the detection and prevention of cyberattacks in these environments.
2022 is likely to see even more organizations adopt AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, as they become more aware of the benefits this technology can offer. AI leverages machine learning to process large amounts of data and identify patterns that would otherwise be too difficult for human analysts to detect. This will provide companies with more reliable and efficient protection against well-known forms of malware, zero-day attacks, and other threats, as well as help to improve decision-making processes and speed up response times.
Cloud vulnerability
The cloud has become an increasingly popular target for cybercriminals in recent years, as more and more businesses move their data and applications to this environment. Even though cloud service providers (CSPs) have taken steps to improve the security of their offerings, this trend is likely only going to continue.
Attackers will continue to find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in CSPs’ security controls, leading to the theft or destruction of data, disruption of services, and even loss of revenue. That’s why it’s essential for businesses to understand the risks associated with using cloud services and take steps to protect themselves, such as by implementing strong security controls, training staff on how to use these services safely, and conducting regular risk assessments.
Related reading: Secure your data in the cloud
Mobile hacking
As mobile devices become increasingly powerful, they’re also becoming a lucrative target for cybercriminals. These days, hackers are able to run malware on smartphones with little effort and very little technical knowledge, meaning sensitive data can be stolen from these devices relatively easily.
Mobile hacking is likely to become even more of a problem in 2022 as the technology used by mobile apps improves and becomes more complex. It’s therefore important for organizations to make sure their security controls can keep pace with this change and protect both customer data and critical business assets at all times.
Ransomware
In 2021, reported ransomware transactions amounted to an average of $102.3 million per month — and cybercriminals are likely going to make bigger and bigger demands in 2022. The continuing development of Ransomware-as-a-Service will likely make it easier for threat actors to launch ransomware attacks against major companies.
As ransomware becomes more sophisticated and targeted, businesses need to make sure they have comprehensive backup and recovery plans in place so they’re not forced to pay the ransom should their systems get infected. These plans should include measures to prevent data loss, restore systems and files, and communicate with affected employees and customers.
Cyberwarfare
While cyberwarfare is still largely an emerging concept, there are already reports of countries using malware and targeted hacking campaigns to attack each other. These attacks could be used for espionage purposes rather than actively disrupting systems, but it’s likely that more destructive forms of warfare will emerge in the future.
Cyberattacks intended to cause physical damage or loss of life were previously thought unlikely, as they would have been difficult to initiate remotely with any accuracy based on existing technology. However, this may change as new technologies like robotics and AI continue to develop at their current rate. That’s why it’s important for businesses to stay informed about the latest cyberthreats and take steps to bolster their cybersecurity.
This is only a small snapshot of the cybersecurity trends that organizations will need to be aware of in 2022. To be in a better position to defend your business against attacks and maintain your valuable data and systems in 2022, partner with a reliable IT services provider like Kortek Solutions. We’ll help you stay up to date with the latest security news and trends, and take steps to protect your business against various cyberthreats. Contact us today to get started!