Navigating Cybersecurity Trends in 2023

Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated as new technological innovations are brought to market. Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is one of the most prominent technological innovations to impact cybercrime and will continue to be a major concern for individuals, businesses and governments. Here are some of the key cybersecurity trends impacted by AI to watch out for in 2023. These trends are a continuation of those discussed in Top 10 Cybersecurity Mistakes in 2023. 

Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity 

AI presents unprecedented dangers to cybersecurity, but it can be also used to defend against them. IT departments will have to integrate new tools and knowledge based on AI, because traditional methods will prove inadequate. This is clearly illustrated by the increasing number of cybercrimes as a service (“CaaS”) offerings in the dark web marketplaces that use AI. The only way to defend against it is to implement defense systems that incorporate AI, as its ability to churn through large datasets and security permutations cannot be matched by direct human intervention. 

The incorporation of AI into business processes and services will mandate the development of AI acceptable use policies, security processes, and new data management strategies. The ease of access and use of generative AI models has already produced security challenges for many organizations and increases the pressure on over-burdened security teams. 

While AI offers unprecedented opportunities, it also introduces new vulnerabilities. As bad actors exploit these AI-based vulnerabilities, IT departments must upskill and continuously adapt to the evolving landscape. Considering these factors, it is important to invest in continuous AI-based training and tools to prioritize proactive over reactive methodologies.  

Securing the Cloud Landscape: Who Bears the Responsibility? 

As more companies continue to move their data and services to the cloud, cloud security will remain a major concern. Some falsely believe that once production is moved to the cloud, it is the cloud providers’ responsibility to protect against attacks. However, this is not true, as it presents the cloud providers with huge liabilities. It is the company’s responsibility to integrate security solutions for their cloud assets by making use of tools like conditional access policies and virtual firewalls that act as security demarcation points. Focusing on implementation of a cloud native security technology stack will be a growing trend. 

We must remember that major cloud providers such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google offer baseline security features, but relying solely on these is equivalent to installing a lock on your front door but leaving a window open. The key is to understand the shared responsibility model, where both the cloud provider and the user play distinct roles in ensuring security. Teamwork and collaboration between the two parties can ensure a strong cloud environment.  

The Growing Threat of Ransomware 

Ransomware attacks are increasing, and this year shows no signs of slowing down. Malicious actors use ransomware to seize a company’s digital assets and then demand payment to release back to the company. Ransomware attacks can cause irreparable damage to a company, depending on what and how much data is affected. Attacks continually grow more sophisticated, and defending against them is of utmost importance, as they are arguably the most destructive to a company’s stability and reputation. Cyber liability insurance carriers are exerting additional pressure on organizations with higher expectations for security controls, processes, and capabilities prior to coverage. 

The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness and Education 

Staff who are untrained in cybersecurity practices are a liability to any organization. In 2023, as in recent years, companies need to invest in educating and making staff aware of cybersecurity risks that are inherent to technologies us Implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (“MFA”), keeping software up-to-date, and being aware of suspicious email exchanges can go a long way in preventing attacks. 

The Emergence of Zero Trust Security 

Zero Trust is a holistic approach to network security that incorporates several different principles and technologies. Traditional IT network security trusts anyone and anything inside the network. A Zero Trust architecture trusts no user or device and validates access on each request. Zero Trust security requires strict identity verification for every person and device trying to access resources on a private network, regardless of whether they are sitting within or outside of the network perimeter. Zero Trust doesn’t imply an environment of skepticism but rather one of verification by assuming every access request is a potential threat until proven otherwise. organizations can drastically reduce the attack surface. In short, in the realm of cybersecurity, this can be translated, “Never trust, always verify.” 

Defending against cyberattacks will continue to be a major area of concern in 2023 and beyond. Existing cyberattack methods will evolve, and new methods will appear on the scene with advances in AI. As the cloud becomes the de facto destination for setting up production, it will become one of the major areas of focus and innovation in terms of security. Additionally, Zero Trust security will become more widespread as companies seek to improve their security in the face of ever evolving cyberattacks. Contact us below if you have questions about updating your organization’s cybersecurity strategies.