With cyber-crime threats rapidly evolving, what top cybersecurity trends can businesses expect in the coming years?
As the scale and sophistication of cyber-attacks increases, coupled with new legislation and the complexity of technology, businesses need to move past the more traditional means of security and branching out into more effective methods.
Attacks launched through connected things
From connected houses to self driving cars, the IoT economy shows no sign of slowing down in the near future. However, billions of IoT devices can be seen as weakly defended points of access. The rush to market has meant old versions of standard software are being used and these can quickly be exploited over and over again. The industry will need to find a way to embed protection in the network.
Greater use of real-time intelligence tools to monitor live attacks
It is imperative businesses detect threats as early as possible, and disarm them proactively. Real-time intelligence solutions give organisations visibility into global cyber threats as they happen to help block attacks, uncover hidden breaches and track emerging threats. Because speed is of the essence. Vodacom's Ready Business tools allow for proactive monitoring of information stored online across your devices.
Increase in extortion-driven and ransomware incidents
Cyber criminals will deploy ransomware to infiltrate and encrypt files, devices and networks, then demand payment for their release; or threaten to steal data if payments are not made. Incidents of ransomware and extortion-driven attacks are expected to increase in Canada, particularly within the public, legal and financial services sectors given the private and sensitive nature of the information these organisations hold. With the help of Vodacom's Security Solutions, you can ensure your business has the best protection available.
Growing suspicion of government-led cyber-attacks
Cyber espionage tops the list of areas to watch in 2017. The US presidential race has brought the threat of electoral hacking – and the possibility of a cyber war – into public dialogue. Suspicions will grow as governments continue to use cyber skills to infiltrate other governments and perform attacks on critical infrastructure. As a result, we can expect governments to increase security budgets to tackle the growing cyber threat.
Fiercer penalties for data breaches
In a world where new vulnerabilities are unveiled every day, it is no surprise that the EU is set to impose strict data breach regulations to protect individuals. Business enterprises will face ever more severe penalties if data is leaked and not secured appropriately. In South Africa, the POPI Act will soon be enforced as well. The majority of businesses will not be ready for the new legislation regarding data breach disclosures and will likely face fines and legal action. Consequently, we will see increased demand for cyber insurance as a means to decrease risks.
