Last year saw breaches of many large companies including Ashley Madison and TalkTalk. But if technology is continuing to evolve, then what does this year have in store for us?
The cybercrime industry is fuelled by the growth of the technology industry which is giving rise to a heavily connected world. Connectivity may be beneficial to us but it is also advantageous to cybercriminals, who, are inundated with more possibilities for entering into unprotected networks. Last year saw breaches of many large companies including Ashley Madison and TalkTalk. But if technology is continuing to evolve, then what does this year have in store for us?
Not to start the new year on a low note but here are a few statistics that security provider, Avecto have found after their investigation involving 250 Infosec professionals:
- 73% believe that security is more important than user freedom
- 63% say that IT security is a key concern of CEO / leadership teams
- 22% say that IT admins pose the biggest security risk
- 70% say that cyber threats will escalate over the next 12 months
- Only 26% of companies admit they have capabilities to deploy and manage new security technologies
As well as these statistics there are few more predictions that experts have highlighted.
Hitesh Sheth, chief executive of Vectra Networks states that ransomware will go from strength to strength this year and will take on a more concentrated attack on enterprises. Ransomware attacks (in case you’re not already familiar) are a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system. This type of malware forces its victims to pay the ransom through certain online payment methods in order to grant access to their systems, or to get their data back.
Other experts in the field warn that due to the increase in mobile payment system, opportunities for hackers will also increase. Other beliefs revolve around the people cybercriminals will target – they think employees, supplier and contractors will be the main focus of cybercriminal activity this year as a means of infiltrating corporate systems. There are even some people who worry that rogue intelligence officers could use government-owned spy capabilities for their own purposes.
The internet of things allows for a connected everything, from connected cars recording driver behaviour for insurance purposes, to wearable technology for health purposes that can give an initial diagnosis; the possibilities seem to be endless. It is thought that 2016 will be the year that the internet of things really does take off. As well as the many advantages of the internet of things such as efficiency and enhancing productivity, there is also the risk of being hacked as such gadgets offer many entry points for cybercriminals to enter.
Without sounding too much like a film trailer, this year be prepared for the arrival of the robots. From healthcare to space exploration and self-driving cars, business in 2016 will be powered by robotics,” says Phil Cox, president of Silicon Valley Bank’s UK branch. “Robots are already replacing surgeons and factory workers and even learning to say no.” It is also thought that artificial intelligence will replace manual, repetitive tasks and More AI-powered virtual assistants will attempt to make us believe they are real – some might begin to succeed.
Finally, the mobile revolution will continue to roll on. Mobiles are used both inside and outside the workplace now and claims have it that mobile still hasn’t even arrived yet. The phrase “anytime, anywhere” is certainly something 2016 is going to live up to.
Statistics from: https://www.avecto.com/media/1159/infographic-2016-predictions-final.pdf
