As of June 2022, organizations have lost over $43 billion in business email compromise (BEC) attacks alone since 2016. And cyberattackers will continue profiting off vulnerable companies via BEC and other methods next year. Therefore, you should closely monitor current cybersecurity trends, as protecting your company’s data, employees and finances will be paramount.
While it’s difficult to predict when an attack will occur, you should do everything possible to prevent future data breaches. Use the following 2023 cybersecurity trend predictions list to bolster your company against assailants and the potentially disastrous consequences of a breach.
1. Cloud Security
Experts predict that, by 2025, a massive 85% of organizations will transition away from traditional servers, opting for the cloud instead. But cloud transitions can make your company more vulnerable to attack for two key reasons:
- Cloud computing is still relatively new, leaving gaps in understanding and security measures for companies in transition.
- Threat actors know both of the above and could take advantage of any available infiltration opportunity as your IT assets shift.
As 2023 approaches, ensure that your cloud client offers end-to-end encryption and dual-factor authentication before you migrate to the cloud.
2. Mobile Attacks
As the number and type of devices connected to your network increase, so do vulnerabilities to cyber attacks. In 2023, cybercriminals will continue to target mobile devices in their efforts to infiltrate your network.
As we enter the new year, make sure to incorporate mobile devices into your cybersecurity plans by:
- Acknowledging them during penetration testing
- Training your employees in security best practices—specifically for mobile devices and remote working
- Implementing device protections, like encryption
- Limiting the number of devices connected to your company network
3. Healthcare Information Concerns
While cybersecurity threat detection and management is becoming more sophisticated, healthcare organizations will continue to be a prime target for attackers next year. Why?
- Quantity: The sheer volume of sensitive information makes it a prime target for attackers.
- Value: Health information is some of the most confidential and valuable in a ransomware or data trade context.
- Changing healthcare technologies: As healthcare organizations adopt emerging technologies (like the cloud, automation software and AI), these transitions can leave them vulnerable to attack.
4. Ransomware
Ransomware isn’t going away anytime soon. As late as October 2022, ransomware attackers paralyzed CommonSpirit Health, the fourth-largest healthcare system in the US.
The most important steps you can take to prevent ransomware attacks in 2023 are:
- Bolstering your system as much as possible against potential threats
- Scheduling automatic backups to be performed regularly
- Developing a disaster recovery plan that can adequately respond to attacks
- Staying up-to-date on ransomware-related laws and regulatory procedures
A ransomware attack could decimate your company’s data privacy and your finances. So stay vigilant and prepare for attacks before they occur.
5. Privacy Law Changes
While privacy law changes (like the EU-US Data Privacy Framework) may not necessarily lead to increased attacks, they can result in changes to regulatory requirements. You could increase your vulnerability as your business transitions to meet those standards.
Work closely with your managed IT service provider or security experts to:
- Review changes to legislation in your jurisdiction
- Make a plan for transitioning to meet new requirements
- Address cybersecurity concerns during the transition before you migrate to any new software or make any changes to SOPs
6. Back-to-Office Transition Security Issues
As companies return to in-person work, businesses should closely monitor how the transition impacts their cybersecurity plans.
Take note of how the following changes could impact your network and data security, and make a plan to address them as your employees reenter the workplace:
- New mobile devices connecting to your office WiFi network
- Interaction between personal and company-owned devices in the workplace
- SOP deviations that linger after a full-scale return to the office
7. AI Threats
As AI tools advance in 2023, make sure your cybersecurity plan can accommodate more sophisticated AI attacks. To identify and intercept potential threats:
- Keep a close eye on developing AI technologies
- Incorporate robust, multi-factor authentication for network access
- Closely monitor your automation tools for deviations and unexpected behavior
8. Global Turmoil and Cybersecurity Trends
International conflicts(like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine) will continue to facilitate increased cybersecurity risks in the US and beyond as we enter 2023. Current CISA intelligence indicates that Russia is exploring opportunities for potential cyber attacks, so companies should remain vigilant as the conflict continues overseas.
While every company should be on the lookout for suspicious activity, industries that are particularly vulnerable to wartime cyber attacks include:
- Healthcare organizations
- Defense contractors
- Governmental agencies
- Intelligence and related fields
Work closely with your cybersecurity team to monitor your network for novel attacks.
Choose Helixstorm for Experienced Managed Security Services
2023 is fast approaching, and so are the security threats that could befall organizations with limited cyber attack prevention measures. Keep a close eye on 2023 cybersecurity trends as the year progresses, and work with your attack prevention team to keep your system airtight.
If you’re looking for a partner that provides 24/7/365 support, brings the human touch back to IT and places security as a top priority, look no further than Helixstorm. Our experts can help you fully utilize your existing IT assets, reduce system downtime, build secure infrastructure and save valuable time.
Leveraging over 50 years of collective industry experience, our full-service IT solutions can turn your vulnerable network into a future-proof, secure system. Schedule a free consultation to transform your cybersecurity plan.
