The New Frontier: Security Threats | Solutions II Security Experts Weigh In

For technology executives, it is paramount to stay ahead of the curve and protect their organization's digital assets. In today's ever-evolving threat landscape, it's crucial to know the top security threat predicted for 2023, so you can take the necessary precautions to safeguard your business from potential harm.

Increased Connectivity, Increased Vulnerability
As 5G technology continues to be rolled out across the globe, device connectivity, and data transfer rates will experience significant improvements. However, this increased connectivity between devices presents a greater opportunity for cybercriminals to access and spread malware throughout networks. Also, with 5G technology's ability to support many new devices, the potential attack surface will broaden considerably. As a result, security leaders must familiarize themselves with the vulnerabilities presented by 5G technology and invest in robust security measures to prevent malicious actors from exploiting these weaknesses.

Solutions II security experts weigh in: Most organizations have hidden device assets with inadequate security profiles. These assets fly under the radar because many organizations use outmoded approaches that rely on tribal knowledge or point-in-time assessments. We suggest installing a tool that reveals hidden assets and provides a comprehensive and continuous vulnerability profile of all your assets.

Ransomware Evolution: The Next Generation of Extortion
Ransomware attacks have been a constant threat to organizations' critical data and systems throughout recent years. However, cybersecurity experts predict that this type of attack is expected to evolve further in the coming years, with the potential to even target critical infrastructure or IoT devices. Ransomware may also advance to the point where cybercriminals can extort businesses not only by encrypting important data but also by creating deepfake videos or audio recordings of executives or employees. Mitigating the risk of ransomware will require regular employee training and ensuring your organization adopts a proactive security posture.

Solutions II security experts weigh in:  We are keeping an eye on several types of ransomware attacks, including file-encrypting ransomware, screen-locking ransomware, master boot record (MBR) ransomware, mobile device ransomware, and mobile app ransomware. Each type of attack works differently and has different levels of severity. The best protection against ransomware attacks is prevention and prevention starts with knowing exactly how many assets you own, knowing their vulnerability profile and taking action on those that pose the greatest risks.

Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity: A Double-Edged Sword
While artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity defenses, it also presents a new set of risks if exploited by threat actors. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, cybercriminals could utilize AI-driven tools to automatically identify and exploit vulnerabilities in targeted systems or networks. To mitigate the risks associated with AI-based attacks, organizations should collaborate with cybersecurity experts to design and deploy AI-driven tools to detect and counteract such threats proactively.

Solutions II security experts weigh in: Organizations should prioritize strengthening their cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against AI-based attacks. This includes implementing robust authentication protocols, such as multi-factor authentication and biometric authentication, to ensure only authorized users can access sensitive systems. Additionally, organizations should regularly update their existing security tools and build in additional layers of protection including continuous scanning of the attack surface.

The Human Element: Bad actors don’t break in they log in
Despite the significant advancements in technology, the human element remains the most significant vulnerability in any organization's cybersecurity strategy. Social engineering threats, such as spear-phishing and insider threats, are expected to remain a significant threat in 2023. Ensuring your employees are well-trained and educated about the risks and best practices associated with cybersecurity is vital in protecting your organization from these types of threats. Moreover, implementing a strong security culture and maintaining a high level of vigilance among the workforce will safeguard your business.

Solutions II security experts weigh in:  Addressing the human factor of cyber security is as much about good management practices as it is about having the right tools. Organizations should focus on developing a strong security culture and educating employees on the latest cyber threats and best practices to prevent them, including a comprehensive employee onboarding process with training on identifying social engineering threats such as phishing and insider threats.

As we venture into 2023, the constantly evolving threat landscape presents I.T. executives with new cybersecurity challenges. Increased vulnerability due to increased connectivity, ransomware evolution, AI-driven threats, and the human element are among the top security threats expected to impact organizations in the coming months. It's crucial for security leaders to keep a close eye on such threats and implement the necessary safeguards to protect their organizations.

• How many assets do you have?
• Are all those assets being scanned for vulnerabilities?
• Do those assets comply with your security posture?
• Learn about the most comprehensive device security posture solution on the market!