5 Cyber security trends that will thrive in 2020

In the ever-evolving digital age, cyber attacks are a very potent threat to businesses globally. Every year the frequency of cyber attacks keeps increasing and to protect yourself from these attacks the only solution for you is to build your cyber security defenses.

To understand and follow the latest cyber security trends, you must analyze the types of attacks that your industry is facing. Only then you can come up with formidable prevention methods.

Today, several new methods and technologies are being explored to prevent cyber attacks. The main focus in 2020 has been on:

● Improving data collection and analysis.
● Securing networks.
● Reducing cyber security vulnerabilities.
● Increasing data privacy and compliance.
● Automating processes to make prevention methods more efficient and cost-effective.

Here are 5 cyber security trends to watch out for in 2020:

1. Evolving phishing vectors

Prevention of phishing is one of the most common concerns. It comes with no surprise as a 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report by Verizon shows that of all the confirmed data breaches, 32% among them were solely due to phishing.

The most famous agent used for phishing is through emails. However, this tide is turning. Cybercriminals today are using a multitude of devices to gain personal information or login credentials of their victims.

These trends involve ?smishing? where cybercriminals victimize people through SMS texts, calling people to gain their personal information, and even over LinkedIn.

2. Attacking businesses and governments through ransomware

Ransomware attacks have been reported to have decreased against consumers. Enterprises, on the other hand, are suffering more than ever. This research from Malwarebytes reports an increase of 195% in ransomware attacks on businesses from Q4 2018 to Q1 2019. Moreover, it also shows a year-over-year increase of 500% in ransomware detections by businesses in Q1 2018 to Q1 2019.

You would think that at least governments would be safe from ransomware. But this research from Recorded Future shows otherwise. It shows that nearly 170 ransomware attacks were made on state and local governments since 2013.

Not just that, ransomware attacks against governments are seemingly on the rise.

3. Enforcing regulations for better protection of personal data

The General Data Protection Regulation by the European Union has plodded people to take serious actions to ensure data protection. New regulations are being developed, passed, and implemented to not only ensure data security but also effectively punish the perpetrators.

The legislations are moving towards ensuring that:

● Individuals are given liable options wherein they can disallow anyone from sharing their information.
● Individuals are informed about how their information will be used.
● Data and personal information are encrypted to ensure security.
● Compliance policies and procedures are developed and implemented.

However, governments are proposing regulations to allow them access to encrypted information of individuals so they can identify and prosecute terrorists.

4. Using Automated tools for enhanced cyber security

Automation tools and platforms to improve cyber security has been gaining traction in the industry. A recent Ponemon Institute survey conducted on more than 1,400 IT and IT security practitioners shows that 29% of respondents currently use automated technologies and 50% plan to use them within the next six months to three years.

Automation of these processes can help in:

● Tracking software and hardware assets within your organization.
● Gathering data to be monitored and analyzed.
● Assessing vulnerabilities.
● Keeping physical and virtual assets where a breach can occur patched and up to date.

5. Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for cyber security

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are being introduced to defend cyber security.

The integration of AI with cyber security can have the following impact:

● Ensured 24*7 protection.
● No scope of human error leading to response time to be in milliseconds.
● Simplified data collection and analysis process.
● Predictive analytics can enhance security breach detection.

However, you have to remember that the cyber criminals will also be using AI to plan their attacks so you cannot factor out other solutions altogether. Using AI is also expensive and requires trained professionals.

Conclusion

The cyber criminals are improvising along with the advance in technology. Each year there are new threats that emerge and with it the solutions to deal with cyber security.

As mentioned in this article make sure that you watch out for the following 5 cyber security trends in 2020:
● Using vectors other than email for phishing such as SMS texts, Social Media, Phone calls, etc.
● Using ransomware to attack businesses and governments.
● Introducing and implementing stricter regulations for data and privacy protection.
● Automating processes to reduce response time to better secure data.
● Making use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for cyber security.

Author?s Bio:

Aditya Sharma

A tech enthusiast with the sole goal to assist professionals lands their dream job; Aditya lives and breathes Hiration ? a startup and AI-powered online resume builder to help job-seekers find their way in today?s highly treacherous job market.