6 Cyber Security Predictions for 2020
2019 saw a rise in ransomware attacks, growing concern about the security of mobile devices and ever-increasing numbers of phishing attacks. With organisations – especially SMEs – still playing catch-up with cyber criminals, 4D Data Centres have devoured cyber security news and reflected on their experience of customer needs and challenges to predict the six big cyber security trends in 2020.
1. Proliferation of off-the-shelf cyber attacks
Criminals follow the money. And right now, there is a lot of money to be made from cyber crime. Whereas in the past it may have been strictly the realm of the experts – these days anyone with a computer and the motivation could be a hacker.Easy access to malicious code is one of the key reasons why cyber attacks are on the rise, and why we expect a substantial increase in data breaches and ransomware attacks in 2020.
2. Increasing threat from state-sponsored hackers
2020 is likely to see both an increase in state-sponsored hacking and greater crossover between ‘regular’ cyber crime and nation state attacks. Whether it is criminals moving in and out of state employment, or simply stealing data to sell on to state players, the end result is the same: more attacks.The remit of these attacks has changed in recent years. What are they after? It could be intellectual property. It could be data. It could be that they just want to cause disruption, meaning businesses (including SMEs) that have nothing to do with the state may find themselves caught up in the crossfire of a cyber war.
3. Triple threat: 5G, IoT and DDoS
The potential of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) is exciting – but, everything that the ‘good guys’ will be able to do faster, the ‘bad guys’ will also be able to do at high speed. The increased bandwidth of a 5G network in combination with the millions of unsecured IoT devices already out in the world means that 2020 will likely see greater numbers of more effective DDoS attacks.
4. The cloud goes hybrid
In November 2019, 86 % of senior IT staff in the UK believed their business to be cloud-first today, with 40% expecting to be cloud-only by 2021. However, what we’re also seeing as a trend is withdrawal from the public cloud, amid rising costs and concerns over who is responsible for data security.We believe that this trend for hybrid cloud will win out this year and beyond, as companies get to grips with their specific needs.
5. Increased use of AI/Machine Learning by both vendors and cyber criminals
The use of algorithms to correlate vast amounts of data is a huge bonus to cyber security professionals. Criminals, however, have more scope for progression thanks to the development of ‘deepfakes’ – fake videos or audio that look and sound just like the real thing. Criminals will use this technology to hack facial recognition software, and potentially for dangerously-deceptive phishing attacks.
6. Embedding security into development – aka DevSecOps
This one is part trend-spotting, part wish-list. At present it can feel as though security is an afterthought of product development. We’re seeing a lot more talk about moving security to the early stages of product development and we’re hoping that in 2020 we’ll see more evidence of this in action.The cyber security skills shortage is an issue in its own right, let alone in the context of DevOps, it will likely fall on cyber security vendors to create developer-friendly security testing tools. In 2020 we expect to see a progression in the scope of testing being offered as well as the development of a more tailored security pathway for developers.[Read the full article]
Don’t become a victim of cyber crime!
No prediction of cyber security trends would be complete without a dire warning of your vulnerability. A breach could happen to anyone, and one cyber attack could be all it takes to end your business.To learn more about what you need to do right at the start of the new year to prepare for an attack, read the full article, including top tips on how to prepare and protect the things that matter most to your business.Unsure on where to start to ensure you and your business are Cyber Secure? Get in touch with the team at Sweethaven. Drop us a call on 01737 247 090. Or drop us an email on: commercial@sweethaven.co.uk. We are teaming up with 4D Data Centres to host a Cyber Security Workshop & Networking Event packed with invaluable information and training. 4D’s CEO, Jack Bedell-Pearce, is a guest speaker at our event in Reigate on the 30th January. Tickets are normally £25, but use the offer code 'Sweethaven100' for FREE entry.