Four Cybersecurity trends to watch for in 2023
As 2023 approaches, it is time to look into our crystal ball for some trends that will define cybersecurity over the next year. With most CEOs expecting a recession in the next 12 months, it’s impossible to not consider the larger macro environment when making these predictions.
While recessions typically lead to cost cutting across companies, cybersecurity could be acutely impacted since it touches nearly all levels of an organization; however, even with potential cost-cutting, we expect greater strategic investments to help secure valuable intellectual property and keep regulators at arms length.
- Zero Trust spreads far and wide
With the Biden Administration issuing guidance to federal agencies, it’s clear that Zero Trust is (finally) having its moment. Combine government action with a persistently remote workforce and we have all the ingredients for companies to start taking it seriously.
While true Zero Trust may be far away, expect organizations to continually expand this service to more applications on their networks. This will gradually broaden the protection perimeter and provide employees more understanding of the security concept. It will have a bonus benefit of leading to more buy-in across the enterprise, further compounding the benefits.
With this gradual expansion, we foresee a day where Zero Trust is as commonly used as multi-factor authentication (MFA).
2. Automation ramps up
We expect greater investment in automation to slowly create efficiencies over the coming years. Organizations of all sizes struggle to integrate new and large data sets into their security tools, requiring complex work-arounds and plenty of frustration for support staff and end-users.
As automation tools get smarter and easier to use, companies are taking the time and effort to properly implement them. For example, smarter integration between an HR platform and a phishing campaign can reduce the amount of manual processes needed to add email addresses and then review results. Instead a campaign dashboard can quickly tell leadership who needs more training.
The next step for organizations will be implementing more and more automation into its security apparatus, allowing programs to make decisions in real-time based on a constantly changing threat environment. While the initial roll-out may be bumpy, once companies see the power of automated, and therefore much faster, decision making , there will be no going back.
With this great emphasis on automation technologies, organizations can deploy valuable resources elsewhere with the peace of mind that things are working as they should be.
3. Identity and Access Management faces the spotlight
As companies reduce headcount and non-essential spending, cybercriminals will find new attack vectors and victims. One such method will likely involve companies which recently laid off employees. Disgruntled employees can have residual access(s) which could compromise firm security and leave a trail of vulnerabilities behind.
With potential staffing changes on the horizon, organizations need to continuously monitor its Identity and Access management. These systems will allow company leadership to secure critical assets and ensure business continuity during turbulent times.
4. Government Regulation will continue for the foreseeable future
With the relatively successful implementation of GDPR in Europe and the impending implementation of California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), U.S. states are expected to continue exploring avenues for protecting consumer data. Constituents are clamoring for more protection, especially as they learn about how much data companies such as Meta and Google have on them.
If not already doing so, companies should be acutely aware of what data they have on consumers and how changes in regulations could impact them. Moreover, firms should consider adopting a conciliatory position when handling requests for deletion or modification, as this not only generates customer goodwill, but could also highlight competitive advantages or areas for improvement.
Conclusion
As Niels Bohr once quipped “Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future!” While we can’t be certain how many of these predictions will hold true over the year, it’s safe to assume cybersecurity will continue to be a pressing business issue for years to come.
