Top 10 Cybersecurity Trends in 2021

Posted on December 1, 2021 Security

Technology is going to be a big part of our future. We use the internet to store, back up, and send files to each other. With every click we make, we have to think about the impact cybersecurity has on our lives. 

As more workers decide to keep working remotely, cybersecurity has never been more important. You need to keep the information of both you and your employees secure. 

Transforming your workplace into a more secure digital environment starts with understanding cybersecurity trends. In this article, we will walk you through the major cybersecurity trends for 2021 so that you can be more prepared for the future. These trends can help give you ideas about how to keep both you and your employees safe. 

1. The Growth of Artificial Intelligence 

In 1956, artificial intelligence (AI) changed the way we interact with computers. We now have AI built into our phones to help us throughout our everyday lives. Companies will use AI to collect data, analyze trends, find new workers, and even do manual labor in factories. 

With all the uses we already have for AI, it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s becoming a big part of our cybersecurity networks. Artificial intelligence is the center of automated security systems that analyze data. 

AI software can find and act against cybersecurity threats faster than a human. AI can take action, then notify security teams.

Stretching security teams thin will lead to missed breaches. AI allows security teams to focus on other things.

2. Increasing Amount of Remote Workers 

When given the choice, many workers will continue working remotely. Remote workforces allow businesses to use talent across the country. Workers also feel more satisfied at their jobs because of the flexibility remote work offers them. 

Remote workers have caused businesses to develop a new cybersecurity framework. Sharing files across many networks has caused data encryption to be key to successful business practices. Workers who are using a public wifi network can also be a victim of a cybersecurity attack. 

More employees have also become susceptible to phishing scams. These scams will now have access to both the employee’s data and your company’s. 

Companies have invested in learning tools to keep workers aware of threats and what to do if one appears. Businesses will also work with a cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency to create secure ways for employees to send data.

3. Keeping Mobile Devices Secure

Technology has been advancing to the point where we can take it anywhere with us. Phones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops allow us to work on the go or anywhere we want. As mobile devices become a bigger part of our work-life, it’s important to understand the cybersecurity risks that come with them. 

Workers who use public wifi networks are at risk of having their data intercepted and stolen. Criminals can collect passwords, bank information, and company data over public Wifi networks. Having workers use a VPN to encrypt data when on a public network can help keep information safe. 

Criminals can also hack smartphones. Clicking on a bad link can give cybersecurity threats access to all your information. Antivirus software is a great way to protect your information on your digital devices. 

4. Better Multi-Step Authentification

Multifactor authentication has become available on everything from banks to social media sites. Having a code sent to your phone number or email address to log in can give you an extra level of protection. Many sites also allow log-in alerts so you know if someone is trying to get into your account.

There is still a cybersecurity risk when sending authentication via text message. Text messages are not encrypted and information is susceptible to theft. 

To combat this kind of attack, developers have created apps that can act as security keys. Strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and using VPNs can add extra protection. 

5. Ransomeware Becoming More Prevalent

As technology gets better, so do the people who take advantage of it for negative reasons. Ransomware blocks access to computers, data, and information until the attacker receives payment. Ransomeware attackers have gotten more prevalent and will use cryptocurrency to avoid tracking

Ransomeware attacks are one of the biggest cybersecurity threats on the market. Data loss can cause companies to lose millions of dollars and reduce productivity. Ransomeware kits on the dark web are inexpensive and thought to be a factor in the increase of attacks. 

It can be hard to protect your business against ransomware attacks. Redoing your cybersecurity framework to include loss prevention, data backups, and layers of defense is a good way to start. Working with a cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency can prevent or reduce the impact of attacks because they can focus on layering your security systems. 

When it comes to ransomware, prevention is the best course of action. When it happens, it can be difficult to get out of. 

6. Moving Everything to the Cloud 

Investments in cloud technology have increased because it’s an easy way to store and send files. Cybersecurity threats taking advantage of cloud vulnerability are another big trend in 2021. 

Companies use cloud services to store larger amounts of data for less money. But, if your company doesn’t protect its cloud, unauthorized users can gain access and hijack your system. 

It’s important to ensure all users are following regulations. This includes logging out when not in use, not accessing the system over public wifi, and following any IT recommendations. Security teams also need to watch for any possible threats.

Cloud service providers will store and protect your information. These options are more secure than doing it yourself.

Services such as NETdepot will store your information in a safe, encrypted manner. Cloud companies will offer backups as a service, security as a service, and disaster recovery

7. Insurance Against Cyberattacks 

You have insurance to protect your car if you get in a crash. Medical insurance gives you access to care when you’re sick. Now, you can get insurance to protect your company against cyberattacks. 

This cybersecurity trend grew in 2020 as more companies had workers stay home. Cybersecurity insurance protects your company against ransomware, negligence, hacking, and phishing. If your company is the victim of an attack, the insurance takes part of the financial hit so your company doesn’t have as large of a loss. 

Your premium will range depending on how sensitive the information your company deals with is. Companies that store social security numbers, birth dates, or other sensitive personal information will have the most expensive premiums. 

8. No Trust Platforms 

When workers were in the office, everything happened over a security network that the company controlled. As workers move to remote labor, it is difficult to have the same level of security. The struggle to create a secure network system has resulted in a No Trust Platform. 

This cybersecurity trend assumes that every user is potentially compromised. On top of using VPNs and firewalls, users will need to have both their device and identity authenticated. This will happen many times and will help reduce the chance of hackers getting deep into your systems.

For example, to get into the system your employee has to go through authentication. Then to access files, they will need authentication again. This continues the deeper into the system your employee goes.

9. Threats That Come From the Inside 

The last place companies think threats will come from is the inside. If your employees deal with sensitive information like credit cards, they can go into your system and steal customer information. This results in your employee having access to other services customers are a part of. 

This is the most difficult cybersecurity trend to combat because as long as an employee has access to a system, they can steal information. The best thing you can do is check employee activity. 

10. Data Breaches 

Data breaches are not a new cybersecurity trend, but it is a popular one. Data breaches can come from a single person or organization. Any gap in your security system is an access point for data breaches.  

The more layers you have for your security network, the less risk you are in. Firewalls, multi-factor authentication, AI systems, and other cybersecurity trends can help protect your information against data breaches.

These breaches can have a massive financial impact on your business. Investing your money in strong security systems can help reduce financial loss.

Capitalize on These Cybersecurity Trends Now! 

Cybersecurity is one of the best investments you can make for your business. You can protect both your employees and your business against any cybersecurity threats. 

If you want to use cloud systems and want to take a secure approach from the get-go, NETdepot is the way to go. Our team of experts focuses on creating a secure system that you can use to share and store information across many networks. Contact us today to take the next step in keeping your information safe from cybersecurity threats. 

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