Cybersecurity Trends To Watch Out For In 2023

3. Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are already the most sought-after tools for cybersecurity vendors. AI and machine learning applications like pattern recognition help comb through vast amounts of data to determine patterns that indicate a threat in real time – faster than human efforts can. IBM even reveals that companies that use AI and automation for threat and breach detection save an average of $3 million. However, just as cybersecurity experts leverage this technology, hackers are gaining proficiency in circumventing detection. More recently, hackers have used AI to clone the voices and appearances of senior executives to access sensitive digital assets and authorise fraudulent transactions.

So, as cybersecurity specialists, you can see we have our work cut out. Nevertheless, in 2023, we expect an increase in the purchase of AI and machine learning products by both cyber attackers and defenders. Also, concerning machine languages and natural language processing, cyber attackers will begin using programming languages like Rust, which most cybersecurity tools aren’t equipped to handle, thus permitting them to access and remain in networks undetected. Hence, in 2023, we expect the best cybersecurity vendors to accommodate threat mitigation systems that circumvent threats built on diverse programming languages, even the uncommon ones.

5. Transition From Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks were the common denominator in the top 10 cybersecurity threats from 2017 to 2022. If history serves us any use, ransomware attacks have been a major monetisation source for threat actors. From the WannaCry ransomware attack of 2017 to the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021, ransomware is one of the most devious cyber attacks.

Cyberattackers go after all types of organisations regardless of their size or niche. Private companies, nonprofits, consulting firms, corporate businesses and even governmental bodies are all susceptible to ransomware attacks. While some of these attacks have been instigated by independent cyber hacking groups like Nobelium, others could be from hackers without notoriety. Ransomware attacks can even be deployed against countries and governments by other nation-states.

Companies and institutions that have fallen victim to ransomware attacks failed to prioritise certain cybersecurity measures, such as:

• Centralising their cybersecurity efforts
• Running continuous risk assessments
• Automating ID governance
• Adopting integrated threat protection systems
• Practising good cyber hygiene measures like using firewalls to checkmate lateral movement through the network environment

Regardless of the perpetrator, ransomware attacks cannot be ignored, especially as they can significantly damage entire corporations. However, in 2022 there was a decline in ransomware attacks. This decline possibly stems from the intensive cybersecurity measures that larger corporations have adopted to fight back. Cybersecurity experts also suggest this decline is because attackers are evolving their strategies and transitioning to more discreet techniques to remain undetected while syphoning millions from institutions and governments.

Nevertheless, for 2023, ransomware attacks will mostly spike for medium-sized companies. Larger corporations might witness the same or less amount of attacks. However, cyber attackers may target enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications more. Therefore, organisations prioritising confidentiality must create cybersecurity protocols to secure their business applications and their most valuable data and resources.

6. Hackers For Hire

As cybersecurity experts fortify the network environments of corporations with evolved techniques and measures, they strengthen the penetration barrier against less experienced or less technical threat actors. This creates a demand for advanced or high-profile cybercriminals, which expands the cyber crime-as-a-service ecosystem. Supposing the global economy takes another downturn as it did during the Covid-19 pandemic, anonymous masterminds and their hackers may leverage the consequences of an economic recession for a great payday.

Thus, depending on the state of the global economy and geopolitical tensions in 2023, the dark web will be saturated with hackers-for-hire, which can only be detrimental for corporations with ineffective cybersecurity technologies. Hackers-for-hire are also a cybersecurity threat to governments as they are tools that instigate cyber warfare between nation-states.

7. Automated Security Systems

The high-profile 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, which cost the Texas-based pipeline $44 million, could’ve been prevented by an automated internal review system and AI-driven analytics. Such a system provides visibility into access permissions, individual accounts, apps, assets and device usage within the network. Thus, it shifts the organisation’s security approach from reactive to proactive as it identifies vulnerabilities, inhibiting the success of threat attacks.

In 2023, more corporations are expected to adopt automated security systems that identify and flag vulnerable entry points like legacy VPNs linked to their network environments. Such systems use threat intelligence signals to enhance the defence and security of the workflow and processes. Regarding automated security, large businesses with many vendors and employees signed onto their network can face manual provisioning that can lead to inactive IDs and shadow accounts, which can easily be exploited.

Hence, an automated ID governance security system would significantly reduce the noncompliance risks and credentials theft while outsourcing access approvals. Armed with this information and knowledge that JBS Foods’ ransomware attack could’ve been prevented by an automated ID governance system, enterprises will likely include automated security systems in their cybersecurity arsenal in the coming years.

8. Zero Trust Acceleration

Zero Trust is a security framework that requires the continuous authentication, authorisation and validation of users within and outside the corporation’s network before they can access data and applications. It’s a great framework that eliminates unmitigated access to company data, thereby securing remote and hybrid cloud environments from ransomware threats.

Zero Trust will transition from being a buzzword in 2022 to a full-on movement in 2023. Its adoption will accelerate, and while corporations are inching to implement Zero Trust concepts, these implementations will likely fail without an in-depth understanding of trust relationships.

9. Browser Targeting

A web browser is a powerhouse for almost every application used in the workplace. Some of these tools exist purely in the browser, making it one of the most frequented locations by individuals. Because of its unified nature, the browser has become one of the most preferred entry points for threat actors to access the heart and soul of an organisation.

However, after a series of successful hacks, browsers have become more complex with advanced security features like multi-factor authentications. This evolution in browser technology has created an equal upgrade in the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) of threat actors. Hence, in 2023, threat actors will pitch their tents, trying to exploit bugs and vulnerabilities in browsers to breach organisations and access their data.

10. Cloud and Saas Security

The Cloud offers seamless integration, scalability and accessibility that traditional storage options do not. Because of this, more businesses are transitioning their on-premises work environments to the Cloud and adopting their related software services. While the Cloud has taken several security hits recently, it’s due for an overhaul in the coming year.

In 2023, the base-level security offered by the Cloud and the advanced security measures of organisations will be sufficient in the fight against cyber threats. This is because of its autonomous operations. In addition, organisations will benefit from the software-defined infrastructure in the Cloud and worry less about its breaches, especially with its constant security updates. Thus, in 2023, expect to see more corporations transitioning to the Cloud for its security benefits.