Mobile Computer Services, Inc.

Cybersecurity trends in 2022

The global pandemic has changed the world as we know it. From home working and the rampant digitization of society to the increasingly online nature of the current world, cybersecurity has become a constantly evolving challenge. As 2022 approaches, the cybersecurity threats from phishers, hackers, scammers, and extortionists will multiply along with the ingenious ways to counter these threats. Mobile Computer Services shares the cybersecurity trends that will dominate 2022 to mitigate the risks.

AI-backed cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence (AI) can identify patterns of behavior by leveraging an extensive database and using algorithms to regulate them. With this predictive capability, AI can anticipate and respond to cybersecurity attacks proactively. Machine learning has made the creation of cybersecurity protocols easier, less expensive, and more effective. Unfortunately, cybercriminals use machine learning as well to evade the protective measures of cybersecurity. This reiterates the need for AI-powered security in organizations in the upcoming year.

The rising threat of ransomware

Ransomware attacks have been at an all-time high since the pandemic arrived and are expected to continue wreaking havoc in the coming year. Ransomware is a virus that infects a device and locks files away behind unbreakable cryptography. Organizations are held at ransom to pay, usually in the form of untraceable cryptocurrency to avoid the destruction or publishing of the intellectual data. This can cause enormous losses to the organization besides making them liable to huge fines.

Phishing attacks trick employees of an organization into providing details or clicking a link that downloads the ransomware software onto a computer. Another ransomware attack can be administered via USB devices by people who have physical access to machines. This is a recent tactic that is on a rise.

Educating the employees on the dangers of ransomware attacks is the most effective way to mitigate such incidents. Additionally, businesses are installing simulators that can explain and predict developing phishing trends and cyber attacker techniques.

The Internet of Things vulnerability

The majority of Internet of Things (IoT) devices on the market today have security issues. The number of connected devices or IoT is forecast to reach 18 billion by 2022. This also means a huge number of potential access points for cybercriminals looking to gain access to secure digital systems.

Home invasions are one of the most alarming hazards linked with the IoT. In the past, attacks included hackers using connected household appliances like fridges and kettles to get access to networks, and eventually get access to valuable data on computers.

With the development of "digital twins” – comprehensive digital simulations of entire systems or even businesses - IoT is becoming more sophisticated. These models in the wrong hands may offer a treasure chest of data and access points.

The attacks on IoT devices are undoubtedly going to increase in 2022. The best bet against these attacks is education and awareness. All cybersecurity strategies must include a thorough audit of every device that can be connected or given network access.

Cyber-security risk and exposure decide partnership decisions

Supply chain attacks have been a concern for cybersecurity experts for many years because the chain reaction triggered by one attack on a single supplier can compromise a network of providers. An organization could be vulnerable to a supply chain attack even when its own defenses are quite good. The attackers explore new potential points to infiltrate organizations by targeting their suppliers. Therefore every link in a supply chain is viewed as a potential vulnerability by organizations. Cybersecurity resilience and exposure will become the criteria for choosing a partner by businesses.

As the laws and regulations become more stringent, every potential partner that will have access to an organization’s data or systems will be rigorously vetted for their cybersecurity resilience.

Regulations to match the risk

Another very likely trend is new regulations will be fast-tracked for cybersecurity standards, first in the form of executive orders to government suppliers, and then expanding to regulated industries via more specialized government agencies. With the cost of cybercrime to economies at an all-time high and increasing, the world will witness the creation of a new cybersecurity floor, a standard by which many companies will have to rise to meet. The level of security to reach mere compliance will be closer to the standard of being highly secure.

The penalties that currently only cover breach and loss will expand to cover vulnerabilities and exposure to potential damage. There is a possibility of a rise in the number of jurisdictions passing laws relating to making payments in response to ransomware attacks. Furthermore, the legal obligations of CISOs may become equivalent to those of CFOs to limit the impact of data thefts, losses, and breaches on customers.

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services is a professional IT services company that works with small and medium-sized businesses in Wake Forest. The services include:

Managed IT services - 24x7 proactive monitoring and management of the company's IT infrastructure.
Network services: Comprehensive care for the network systems provided by certified technicians.
Business continuity planning: Get the business back on its feet swiftly during and after disasters.
IT consulting: High-caliber advice from professional consultants to help achieve business goals.
Security: Safeguard business from malicious hackers and cyber attacks.
On-demand services: Day or night, the dedicated support staff is always available to assist.
Office move: Professional office relocation and network cabling services.
VoIP: Reduce telecom expenses and improve communications with powerful phone systems.
Email Protection: Protect mail systems from spam and malware.