The rapidly evolving structure of the IT industry has compelled enterprises and consumers to be more vigilant of technology’s incorporation in their day-to-day business activities and lives. From the launch of 5G technology and artificial intelligence to the revolution of as-a-service business models, the future of the IT industry is brighter than ever and ready to revolutionize business practices and human lives. The increased dependence on technology in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed businesses and consumers to cybersecurity threats. Organizations from almost every sector have switched to online communication and collaboration tools. However, they were not prepared for the accompanying security threats. Particularly after COVID-19, the rise in phishing and thread hijacking attacks has skyrocketed. The sudden shift to remote working didn’t allow employees to prepare themselves for working in vulnerable non-corporate settings. Due to this, confidential data was easily stolen, and workflow was halted.
The integration of cybersecurity in almost every sector of the economy also amplifies its academic need. Since more students are taking up cybersecurity majors, such programs are a choice of those who want to employ technology to solve one of the greatest problems of the 21st century. Despite the challenges, 2021 saw a revolution in cybersecurity education and trends as enterprises and governments grappled with cyberwarfare. This article outlines some of the perceived cybersecurity trends that business corporations, tech enterprises, and governments plan to install to prevent the foray of cyberattacks in 2022.
- Shift To A Digital Workspace
The COVID-19 pandemic opened our eyes to a plethora of remote work solutions. From communicating and collaborating online on platforms like Zoom, Asana, and Asana to cloud computing for sharing confidential data across a corporation, the hybridization of work has exposed human beings to a variety of threats. Throughout 2020, business corporations were focused on providing digital solutions to pick up the pace of their work, yet the need for cyberattack awareness was put on the back burner. As a result, phishing, thread hijacking, and other online scams were at an all-time high ever since the pandemic.
The healthcare industry was the most vulnerable in this regard, as it was fully devoted to patient care and attention diverted from its already-dwindling cybersecurity. Research stated that cyberattacks on hospitals increased up to 45% in the fourth quarter of 2020 worldwide. Due to these challenges, there is a possibility that risk management for cybersecurity will be adopted in 2022. Organizations might even incorporate cybersecurity threats into their future business dealings to prevent irreversible loss. This would also prevent triple-extortion ransomware.
- 5G On The Rise
The rise in 5G technology for revolutionizing mobile networks and providing a digital ecosystem with an unmatchable speed is another trend all tech-enthusiasts should be on the lookout for. Many nations have planned to invest in the 5G technology and gear up their standards through fast-paced cloud computing and download speeds. 5G technology does not only promise a more fast-paced world but one that is more connected than ever. The incorporation of this technology would reshape communication strategies for enterprises and lead to a more productively enhanced workflow.
- Security-As-A-Service
The increased security threats have called for better risk management and cybersecurity strategies, and numerous enterprises have come up with a security-as-a-service business model. Instead of risking using their security strategies, any enterprise or corporation can opt for security solutions provided via cloud computing. Generally, a managed services provided (MSP) would be responsible for catering to an organization’s cybersecurity needs.
An MSP can offer a range of services to enhance cybersecurity like shielding against phishing and thread hijacking attacks, firewall for web applications, and protection of online databases.
- Steps To Prevent Ransomware
2021 witnessed an increase in cyber ransomware, and businesses have lost billions of dollars in trying to retrieve stolen data and secure their systems. Cyber ransomware poses a threat to security challenges and exposes the organization to financial hardship. To prevent cyberattacks from being carried forward in 2022, organizations and governments are doing their best to deter these.
Law enforcement organizations in the US are adamantly fighting against ransomware groups. Additionally, Australian regulatory bodies have increased the scrutiny on cryptocurrency and its link with cyberattacks.
- End-To-End Encryption Is The New Talk
The rise in cybersecurity attacks through communication channels has increased the need for end-to-end encryption across all industries and sectors. Specifically, where high-stake information is exchanged like healthcare and the public sector, there is an unparalleled demand for encrypted and secure communication. Encrypted solutions for communication in the private and public sectors are necessary for creating safe channels, and this trend is continuing in 2022.
- Increased Scrutiny Over Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency’s integration with cyberattacks isn’t something new, and now that the integration of blockchain with supply chain management has increased, stricter regulation of cryptocurrency is expected in 2022. Blockchain is expected to be deployed more than ever for digital transactions, trading of NFTs, and cyberattacks. Cyber intruders are expected to use cryptocurrency to hide one’s identity and increase the stealth and rigor of their attack.
- Cloud-Computing
As businesses and organizations try to cope with cyberattacks to their database, plenty of those have shifted to cloud environments. However, knowing that restricting the storage of databases to one cloud system can be detrimental, companies might adopt hybrid solutions, extending across multiple cloud platforms. However, there is still a possibility that cloud-based attacks might also increase with the increased usage of cloud computing.
Despite the availability of state-of-the-art security services, some organizations and consumers are still exposed to cyber threats, particularly those hailing from developing countries. The increase in threats from cyberattacks would increase budgets allocated by governments, enterprises, and organizations to the risk management and security of their database. As a result, budgetary improvements are expected. Technological advancement takes place at a much slower pace in developing regions of the world, and unfortunately, these regions are usually at the receiving end of cyberattacks as well. In 2022, organizations will opt for a zero-trust methodology to deter the risks imposed by cybersecurity threats.
