7 Cybersecurity Headlines You Can’t Ignore in 2021
Cybersecurity is an ever-changing landscape with new threats emerging every day. As we enter into 2021, it’s critical to stay on top of the latest events and trends in the industry. Here are 7 cybersecurity headlines that you can’t ignore this year.
1. Ransomware Attacks Continue to Rise
Ransomware attacks had been increasing rapidly over the past few years and have not shown any signs of slowing down in 2021. These attacks can wreak havoc on an organization’s systems, holding them hostage until a ransom is paid. In some cases, the ransom can be in the millions of dollars.
It’s essential to have a comprehensive backup strategy in place to recover from these types of attacks. Ensure that you have tested your backup and recovery procedures to confirm that they work correctly.
2. Phishing Attacks Get More Sophisticated
Phishing attacks have always been a significant threat, and they continue to evolve and become more sophisticated in 2021. Attackers can use social engineering tactics to trick employees into handing over sensitive information or clicking on malicious links, which can lead to data breaches.
It’s crucial to educate your employees about these types of attacks and how to spot them. Ensure that all employees are aware of the latest phishing scams and have the necessary training to identify and report them.
3. Remote Workforce Creates More Vulnerabilities
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations worldwide to adopt remote working practices, leading to a surge in remote workforce vulnerabilities. These include unsecured home networks, BYOD (bring your own device) policies, and untrusted third-party software.
Ensure that your remote workforce adheres to strict security policies and guidelines to minimize potential threats. Implement endpoint protection, ensure that access to corporate systems is done through VPN, and monitor all access to your systems to detect and respond to any unusual behavior.
4. Cloud Security Remains a Top Priority
With more organizations moving their workloads to the cloud, ensuring cloud security remains a top priority. Attackers can exploit misconfigured cloud resources, weak authentication and authorization models, and unpatched systems, leading to data breaches and massive financial losses.
Ensure that your cloud environment is appropriately configured and that access controls are appropriately implemented. Monitor your cloud environment for any suspicious behavior and patch all systems regularly.
5. IoT Devices Pose Significant Risks
The number of IoT (Internet of Things) devices in use is growing rapidly and poses a significant risk to organizations worldwide. These devices have weak security features, which hackers can exploit to gain access to corporate systems.
Ensure that all IoT devices are adequately secured by changing default credentials, disabling unused services, and updating the firmware regularly. Keep all IoT devices on a separate network and monitor them for any suspicious activity.
6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Take Center Stage
The use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning in cybersecurity has increased in recent years, and this trend is set to continue in 2021. These technologies can help organizations identify and respond to potential threats quickly.
Implement AI and machine learning technologies to detect and respond to potential threats in real-time. Use these technologies to identify any suspicious behavior, prioritize alerts and reduce response times.
7. Increased Focus on Data Privacy
The number of data privacy laws and regulations worldwide is increasing, and organizations must ensure that they adhere to these laws to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage. Cybersecurity and data privacy are now closely linked, and security controls must be implemented to protect users’ privacy.
Ensure that your organization is fully compliant with applicable data privacy laws and regulations. Establish a comprehensive data privacy program that includes employee training, data classification, and access controls.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity threats will continue to evolve, but by staying on top of the latest trends and implementing best practices, you can minimize your cybersecurity risks. Ensure that your organization has a comprehensive cybersecurity plan in place that addresses all potential risks and vulnerabilities.
