Malicious software and cyber attacks for commercial gain have become increasingly common and increasingly more sophisticated. Cyber criminals now typically use mobile devices and cloud services to gain illegal access to corporate networks. Due to this, many businesses have become interested in new trends in cyber security and measures they can take to reduce economic losses from cyber attacks.
In this article, we’ll go over the current trends in cyber security, some possible future trends in cyber security, and the skills it takes to get a job in cyber security.
What Is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is the process of safeguarding computer systems and networks from all types of cyber attacks. It involves developing and applying software security programs and protocols to secure systems and networks from potential threats. It also includes checking network parameters for vulnerabilities that hackers can take advantage of.
Creating and implementing security measures to address cyber security risks depends on a business’s needs. These procedures aim to fully protect vulnerable systems and high-value assets, such as sensitive financial information and customer data.
What Is the Current State of Cyber Security?
Over the years, cyber attacks have been evolving. Cyber criminals use tactics such as malware to gain unauthorized access to a company’s data. In today’s Internet-connected world, any business or person is a possible target for a cyber security threat, as hackers look to steal personal or corporate data.
It is particular common in the business world. Based on IBM’s 2021 Cost of a Data Breach Report, data breaches cost companies an average of $4.24 million.
Impact of Remote Work on Cyber Security
Remote work has become increasingly widespread because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has had a significant impact on cyber security. Many remote workers use their home networks and personal devices to complete their daily tasks. However, these networks are often weak and many people lack antivirus software.
Most firms struggle to control their remote employees’ laptops and gadgets due to insufficient security policies, such as a failure to take advantage of multifactor authentication. This puts organizations and their assets at risk from external threats and attacks.
Plus, working online has expanded the possible points of attack for cyber criminals. Many remote workers use their smartphones to access their work’s cloud applications, and for team communication via mobile versions of instant messaging apps like Slack and Zoom. When employees use personal devices for work, it increases the risk of illegal access to sensitive data.
Top Challenges in Cyber Security
Users’ sensitive data can be lost or stolen because of cyber attacks on businesses or government bodies. This infringement of privacy has the potential to cost a company billions in fines and negatively impact its brand. Organizations can mitigate security issues by getting a better understanding of current cyber security trends. Continue reading to discover the top cyber security challenges that security professionals face.
- Advanced persistent threats: This involves extended targeted attacks in which a network is infiltrated over a long period of time and data is stolen. By leaving networks and systems intact, a hacker can spy on users’ online activity and steal sensitive information without triggering defensive countermeasures.
- Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks: In this type of attack, the data traffic flow of a targeted system is disrupted, which affects multiple computer systems and networks. This type of attack sends a flood of messages, connection requests, or packets to the server, website, and network, slowing or crashing the system. A business network using a simple network management protocol might simply be overwhelmed by DDoS attack.
- Emotet: This is a sophisticated, modular banking trojan that is mostly used to download other banking trojans. Unsophisticated passwords are easily manipulated by Emotet.
- Insider threats: These are security breaches caused by employees, contractors, or customers who abuse their access permissions, either maliciously or by being negligent.
- Malware: This malicious software uses any file or program to illegally access or damage a computer system. Once a user clicks a malicious link or attachment embedded with malware, it installs harmful software. This can block access to crucial network components, secretly transmit user data from the hard drive, and make the system inoperable.
What Are Some Future Trends in Cyber Security?
As technology advances, more robust cyber security trends will be required. Businesses, organizations, and government agencies take cyber security seriously, investing in security measures to safeguard their assets. The following are some potential cyber security trends that companies and individuals should be aware of.
Automotive Hacking
Most modern vehicles have automation tools like cruise control, engine timing, door locks, airbags, and advanced systems for driver assistance. Self-driving or autonomous cars run on autonomous systems that cybercriminals can exploit. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies used in these cars also make them vulnerable to cyber threats.
Why Is This Trend Important?
The use of automated vehicles is rapidly rising and will continue to do so. Cyber criminals may try to hack into and hijack a car’s navigation system, gaining control of the car. They can also potentially tap into the car’s communication system to eavesdrop and gather sensitive information.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Many industries are now using AI and machine learning. AI is essential to developing face detection security that’s used in gadgets and automated security systems. With AI, automatic threat detection systems can immediately predict cyber attacks and data breaches. On the other hand, cyber criminal networks also use AI to create smart malware that can bypass current security protocols.
Why Is This Trend Important?
Many people feel that AI is the way of the future. It’s thought to be a necessary tool for keeping up with the threat actor community. Security data breaches can result in financial losses, which AI can help mitigate. Experts see a future where AI fights our security battles, with threat-hunting bots competing with malware bots.
Mobile Malware
There has been a considerable increase in mobile banking malware and attacks. Since becoming more widely used, handheld devices have come to be a potential cyber security risk. A recent Nokia Threat Intelligence Report showed an 80 percent increase in new banking trojan malware between the first six months of 2020 and the first six months of 2021.
Why Is This Trend Important?
The pandemic drove cashless transactions to an all-time high. Most people use their smartphones for their banking needs and have installed at least one banking app. However, most banking applications use a multi-factor authentication feature to secure accounts, making it more difficult for cyber criminals to access personal data.
Cloud Vulnerability
With more people working remotely, usage of cloud applications and cloud storage has increased. Since cloud application giants like Google and Microsoft have robust cyber security, hackers instead target the end-users through malware, password, and phishing attacks.
Why Is This Trend Important?
Due to the increasing number of businesses that use cloud storage and applications, security protocols are continuously updated and monitored to prevent data leaks.
5G Networks
A new era of interconnectivity has arrived with the development of 5G networks. Communication between multiple devices makes them vulnerable to external attacks or an unknown software bug. With the arrival of 5G networks, there are increased entry points for cyber attacks. This potential threat raises the need for more secure networks and devices.
Why Is This Trend Important?
Since 5G is still new, much research is needed to uncover vulnerabilities and secure the system from external attacks. New types of network cyber attacks might be developed and used to infiltrate this new technology.
Essential Cyber Security Skills for Today’s Professionals
Cyber security demands keep growing as technology progresses. Demands for skilled and experienced cyber security professionals are increasing, making them one of the highest-paid occupations in the tech industry. Below are the some of the skills you’ll need to become a cyber security expert in this rapidly growing field.
- Risk analysis abilities: Cyber security professionals are required to identify, address and control risks. Risk management and mitigation are essential skills for anyone who wants to become an expert in this field.
- Security incident management experience: Cyber security experts must be fully prepared to handle any threat or attack that violates security policy. They are required to determine, address, document, and investigate security threats in real time. Most companies will require that you have proficiency in security information and event management tools and services.
- Security auditing skills: Security teams must conduct internal checks to uncover vulnerabilities in an organization’s computer systems. Ensuring the security of the network perimeter is done by conducting security audits.
- Security control systems knowledge: Intrusion detection and prevention systems, network security control, and virtual private networks (VPNs) are a few of the measures tha tcan be used to improve the safety of a computer network. Security experts need working knowledge of both the hardware and software aspects of a security program.
- Cloud security experience: Professionals with security skills relevant to public and hybrid cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are in high demand. An increasing number of businesses utilize cloud infrastructure to store data and run applications. Cyber security professionals must devise and execute security policies that will protect a business’ cloud-based systems and devices.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Prepare for the Future of Cyber Security?
Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you prepare for the future of cyber security. Bootcamps have risen in popularity because they’re a good way to learn technical skills in just a few months. The programs offer are also usually affordable and flexible.
Most cyber security bootcamps are designed to prepare students for entry-level cyber security jobs. These programs are recommended for self-taught techies or mid-level IT professionals looking for a career change.
Top Cyber Security Bootcamps
Bootcamps have gained recognition as a valuable learning platform. They are a great way to learn the latest cyber security skillsn because they are constantly updating their curricula. Listed below are the best cyber security bootcamps that can help jumpstart your career.
| Bootcamp | Program | Tuition | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simplilearn | Introduction to Cyber Security Cyber Security Expert — Master’s Program |
$399 $2,499 |
Online Online |
| Springboard | Cyber Security Career Track | $9,900 | Online |
| The Tech Academy | Cyber Security Boot Camp (full-time) Cyber Security Boot Camp (part-time) |
$10,600 $13,300 |
In-person In-person |
| Clarusway | Cyber Security Analyst | $12,000 | Online |
| Codaisseur | Cyber Security Academy | $10,870 | In-person |
Current Trends in Cyber Security: Take the Next Step in Your Career
With new cyber security trends coming in 2022, businesses and organizations must strengthen their security measures. Infrastructure security has become a crucial part of everything we do today, so now is the time to start learning cyber security.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Skilled and experienced cyber security professionals are in high demand and are among the highest-paid tech workers in the world. Apart from the skills mentioned earlier, it is also a good idea to study cyber security subjects such as network infrastructure, safe data storage, and information protection and security.
Trends in Cyber Security FAQ
Yes, cyber security is one of the best career choices today. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, the demand for cyber security professionals is rising. Plus, cyber security professionals’ average annual salary is $100,473, one of the highest in the tech industry.
No, cyber security is not hard to learn, particularly if you enjoy technology and solving problems. However, you will need to continuously study and stay on top of every new cyber security trend.
Yes, programming knowledge is essential in cyber security, especiall if you want to reach a more senior position, such as one with the federal government. Understanding programming code is vital to simulaing attacks on systems and fixing vulnerabilities.
Secure network infrastructure will lead to better cyber security. Strong password policies, monitoring connected devices, and prohibiting unsecured personal devices from connecting to the company’s secured systems can also help.
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