The last two years saw the world change drastically. No sector was left unscathed by the pandemic. As we welcome 2022, which marks two years of the crisis, it is safe to say that the COVID-19 issue has ushered in a new normal. There is very little chance that society as a whole would return to pre-pandemic living. 

That said, in a world of remote working and looming cyberthreats, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Over the last few years, threats have become more sophisticated. Small and medium businesses are no longer safe from malicious actors looking to gain access and steal sensitive information. 

As they say, new threats require new solutions. When it comes to protecting your business from cyber threats, it is crucial to stay on top of recent cybersecurity risks. There is no better source for intelligent cybersecurity predictions than from experts themselves. Here are 4 cybersecurity trends in 2022: 

Top 4 Expert Cybersecurity Trends in 2022

Even two years into the COVID-19 crisis, the world is still on shaky ground regarding the new normal. This is especially true when it comes to cybersecurity. The last two years saw an increase in successful and sophisticated cybersecurity attacks, and companies are rightfully worried about what 2022 has in store. 

As they say, knowing the enemy is half the battle won. Below are expert cybersecurity trends and predictions from security and risk leaders around the globe: 

Trend #1: Rise in Ransomware

Ransomware attacks became big business in 2020 and 2021. Amidst the pandemic, this type of attack held its place as the most prominent form of malicious intent for businesses of all scales. 

2021 saw the biggest corporate payout to a ransomware attack. CNA Financial, an insurance company, reportedly paid $40 million after an attack blocked access and stole sensitive information from the operation. 

After refining their strategies in 2020 and 2021, this year will see a rise in even more sophisticated forms of ransomware: 

“The year 2021 was the year the adversary refined their business model. With the shift to hybrid work, we have witnessed an increase in security vulnerabilities leading to unique attacks on networks and applications. In 2022, ransomware will continue to be a significant threat. Ransomware attacks are more understood and more real as a result of the attacks executed in 2021”

Theresa Lanowitz, Head of Evangelism at AT&T Cybersecurity

Trend #2: Implementation of Zero-Trust Protocols

The Zero Trust Security framework operates on the assumption that no credentials should be trusted. All requests for access require authentication, authorization, and continuous validation. There are several forms of Zero Trust Security. In fact, companies can craft their own form of this framework.

With the increase of cyberattacks over the last few years, more companies would begin to implement zero-trust protocols to safeguard sensitive information: 

“As the office workspace model continues to shift to a more hybrid and full-time remote architecture, the traditional network design and implicit trust granted to users or devices based on network or system location are becoming a thing of the past. While the security industry had already begun its shift to the more secure zero-trust model (where anything and everything must be verified before connecting to systems and resources), the increased use of mobile devices, bring your own device (BYOD), and cloud service providers have accelerated this move. Enterprises can no longer rely on a specific device or location to grant access.”

Brent Johnson, CISO at Bluefin 

Trend #3: Additional Security Measures for Third-Party Vendors

In the light of the pandemic, more companies have been working with third-party vendors to cut costs and keep afloat. Despite the advantages of this strategy, there is no denying the difficulty of managing vendors beyond their network’s scope. While an operation can safeguard its in-house employees, most businesses do not have any control over their freelancers or contractors’ devices, applications, and connections:

“Attacks via third parties are increasing every year as reliance on third-party vendors continues to grow. Organizations must prioritize the assessment of top-tier vendors, evaluating their network access, security procedures, and interactions with the business. Unfortunately, many operational obstacles will make this assessment difficult, including a lack of resources, increased organizational costs, and insufficient processes. The lack of up-to-date risk visibility on current third-party ecosystems will lead to loss of productivity, monetary damages, and damage to brand reputation. “

Bindu Sundareason, Director at AT&T Cybersecurity 

Trend #4: Stronger IoT Security Protocols 

In 2022, it is expected that the Internet of Things or IoT devices will permeate more sectors. While having a sophisticated ecosystem of connected devices has its benefits, especially in sectors like healthcare, it also poses plenty of risks for the safety of a user’s data and information.

This year, a stronger focus on building security protocols for the incorporation of IoTs into a business’s infrastructure is expected: 

“As the Internet of Things (IoT) devices proliferate, it’s key to build security into the design of new connected devices themselves, as well as the artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) running on them (e.g., tinyML). Taking a cyber-aware approach will also be crucial as some organizations begin using 5G bandwidth, which will drive up both the number of IoT devices in the world and attack surface sizes for IoT device users and producers, as well as the myriad networks to which they connect and supply chains through which they move.”

Wendy Frank, Cyber 5G Leader, Deloitte

When it comes to cybersecurity threats, you can never be too safe. A single instance of a successful attack may take your company out of business. Aside from the tips above, your best bet is to work with cybersecurity experts that can provide your operation with an extra layer of protection from malicious actors. 

Looking for a cybersecurity partner that would suit your needs? You don’t have to look any further. We at SecureBrain offer a selection of cybersecurity solutions that can help you stay on top of your operation 24/7. Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer.