2020 was a challenging year with many lessons to be learned. Amongst a few of these are health safety and data protection, although most businesses are well aware of both of the necessities. Both health safety and cybersecurity will remain top issues in 2024, but the latter will be of more importance as vaccines and boosters will take care of the former issue. As a result, businesses will take more strategic initiatives in response to developing data security trends.
Here are the top security tips and trends for 2024:
Keep Up What You’re Currently Doing
Yes, we’re sure your business already has set processes to keep your IT systems secure. Let’s reiterate them to ensure, there are no steps you are missing:
- Back up your data
- Using strong passwords
- Taking care when working remotely
- Being wary of suspicious emails
- Installing anti-virus and malware protection
- Not leaving paperwork or laptops unattended
- Make sure your Wi-Fi is secure
- Disposing of old IT equipment and records securely
- Carefully deciding who has access to what
Must Upgrade To Windows 11
The Windows 11 Security app is better than ever. Windows 11 includes a number of security features that help in safeguarding the PC or laptop from malicious programs.
On a Windows 11 PC, we may utilize the Windows Security App to control and change security settings. Here are some of its features that make it worth installing on your PC or laptop:
- Virus & Threat protection
- Account Protection
- In-built Windows Firewall & Network Protection
- App & Browser control
- Device Security
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus
The application combines all of the crucial information about your networks, software, and hardware’s security. It has several tabs that offer you a rundown on important security information, such as when your device was last scanned for malware and whether or not firewalls are in place when connected to private and public networks.
A Newly Evolved Business Model – RaaS
In 2022, ransomware attacks will become more targeted. Throughout 2021, the ransomware business model has been changing. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has grown in popularity as ransomware groups continue to use double extortion.
RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) is a business model in which ransomware developers allow affiliates to utilize their ransomware variants in exchange for a share of each successful ransom payment. This strategy enables actors with no technical knowledge to launch ransomware attacks simply by registering for a service.
We have observed a rise in the use of Initial Access Brokers (IAB), which we expect to continue in 2022. IABs get early access to a victim’s network and then sell it to ransomware operators. As first access to victim networks becomes increasingly important, we will see more cooperation between ransomware operators and initial access brokers in 2022.
Staying Alert for Emerging Threats
Just because you have installed anti-virus and antimalware into your systems and networks, it doesn’t mean that you are completely safe. Be on your toes to protect your business from emerging threats. If you do not have the time and resources to keep your IT infrastructure secure, you can partner with a managed IT service provider to assist you in doing so.
It is important to know that ransomware is one of the most common risks to data security in any organization, and it will continue to grow and adapt as a top cybersecurity trend in 2022. Organizations are plagued by data theft and financial losses as a result of the costs of recovering from ransomware attacks. Ransomware attacks were more expensive than the usual data breach in 2020, costing an average of $4.44 million loss.
The sophistication of the strategies used by criminals is also increasing. Extortion attacks, in which criminals steal a company’s data and encrypt it so they can’t access it, are becoming more common. Cybercriminals will then blackmail the company by threatening to reveal its confidential information unless a ransom is paid. Given the sensitive data at stake, as well as the financial implications of paying the ransom, the impact of this cyberthreat is substantial.
How Is It Being Tackled?
Many IT departments and companies rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to provide access to their corporate network; however, VPNs will be insufficient in 2022 and beyond. Phishing is the most prevalent entrance vector for ransomware, and businesses should be aware that these assaults are on the rise and take precautions. ZTNA (Zero-Trust Network Access) has developed as a more secure method for restricting remote access to critical data and lowering the risk of an attack. It is estimated that by 2024, 60% of businesses will phase out of VPNs and transition to ZTNA.
The New Born Technology – 5G
Because it uses network slicing, cloud-based resources, virtualization, and other upcoming technologies, 5G’s security architecture provides for considerable performance gains and a wide range of applications.
The Security Enhancements 5G Includes
In addition to network slicing, 5G has several substantial security improvements over its predecessors, such as 4G and LTE. Organizations can benefit from these advancements in a variety of ways. We’ll go over the most important changes and how they can help your company.
For starters, 5G is better at securing your personal information. For the first time, your connection is protected against rogue devices that imitate mobile towers in order to intercept phone calls. 5G protects your identity by encrypting it.
Additionally, as your speech and data go from your device to the cell tower, the communication is scrambled using a more robust encryption method. This means that hackers with powerful computers won’t want to take time in decrypting your data.
More sophisticated software and “virtual” hardware are also possible with 5G. Your data can be routed through virtual hubs and switches that can be moved or modified rapidly if needed, rather than specialized hardware that could be hacked.
5G is an upgrade and has considered security controls to overcome many of the threats faced in today’s 4G/3G/2G networks
Remote/Hybrid – A Modern Workplace
Scammers and hackers all across the world have been quick to notice the rapid shift to remote or hybrid working. The epidemic has had an influence on not only public health but also business data security.
Because most remote employees work from home using personal devices, protecting company data is becoming one of the most essential cybersecurity topics for 2022.
Companies are beginning to adopt technology such as
- Data encryption
- Internet connection
- Remote access protection
- Multi-factor authentication
- Numerous applications to avoid virus attacks and password theft in response to escalating risks.
Many businesses also opt to develop secure chat software to protect internal communication.
Remote or hybrid working will remain a trend in 2024 and beyond so make sure you keep your business secure at all times.
Cyberwars On A Global Platform
Cyberwarfare has already gained traction in 2021, necessitating a greater need for cybersecurity for important infrastructure around the world. Throughout the year, numerous cyberattacks perpetrated by various state actors have made the news. With the digitalization movement sweeping the globe like wildfire, countries have turned to cyberattacks as a means of expressing their displeasure.
Major nation-state actors in Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and other countries will maintain an aggressive posture in 2024 in order to achieve their own regional interests and geopolitical aims. Factors such as escalating geopolitical tensions, pandemic-related instability, and increased access to cryptocurrencies will all play a role in the rise of politically motivated attacks on practically every industry.
Last But Not The Least….
The aforementioned are the emerging trends for 2024. And now let’s go through the Top Security Tips and Trends For 2024.
Practice strong network security hygiene and training, actively monitor your network, and stay up to date on software vulnerabilities, patching, and upgrades are among the finest cybersecurity suggestions for 2024 and beyond. Having a network security partner or cybersecurity expert on your team will always keep you one step ahead of cyber-attackers, including those who use artificial intelligence.
To learn more about the many tools and services available through the experts at XO Managed IT Services, contact us. We could make all the difference in your network and IT infrastructure security.
