Our world is connected in ways in which it has never been. With the click of a mouse or the tap of a finger, you can speak or meet with people from different cities and even different countries. For small business owners, this has contributed to success. For people from any walk of life, it means the opportunity to learn and grow. Because we rely heavily on the Internet, security must be taken seriously. In fact, we may need to take it more seriously than we do.
Every time you turn on your computer and, in fact, every time you click a key, there is data involved. It can be easy to forget about because it remains unseen. The problem is that when you do forget about it, you’re putting not only yourself at risk but your customers, clients and entire business. As we look toward the New Year, let’s also take a look at what 2018 cyber security trends we can expect to see. The more you know now, the better prepared you will be when the calendar turns.
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The Comeback of Zero Trust Security
Recently, cyberattacks have become more sophisticated. Organizations are returning to zero trust when it comes to their Internet security. Just 10 years ago, this may have implied that IT workers blocked anyone not in a business from using a device or application. In other words, if you didn’t work for the company, you weren’t using their electronics.
Today, zero trust means something a bit different. Thanks to public WiFi and the need to allow people to utilize your website from mobile devices and other platforms, blocking people in one fell swoop makes no sense. Instead, the trend will be toward stronger authentication and the need to prove who you are before being permitted to access a site.
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Learn About Deception Technologies
If you manufacture or design products, you need to start thinking about the things that could be making you vulnerable during those processes. Cyberattacks don’t only occur after things have been made and offered, they can occur at any time. Ignoring this fact could leave you open to attack. Deception technologies could be making a rather large appearance in the coming year. Operational technology and the Internet of Things are two things to learn more about.
For example: Fake credentials could be entered into your network. As soon as someone uses a fake credential to get into your network, your security operations team will be alerted. There is then the opportunity for a faster response and, in turn, less damage. Or, someone could create a public WiFi network with the exact same name as yours. When someone uses that WiFi, their data could be compromised.
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Relooking at Identity
It is expected that artificial intelligence and behavioral analytics will be looked at in a new way in the coming year. When deep learning is utilized, for instance, a machine may be able to learn by itself. Google has previously made the decision to turn off its machine’s ability to learn. Why? Because the machines were coming up with a language of their own that developers didn’t understand. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s reality.
A useful way that this may work is with your customers and clients. For example, the more often they browse your website, the more predictive the Internet will become, making suggestions and even predicting whether or not they are who they say they are. This could make the Internet more secure for everyone.
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Normalizing Robo-Hunters
While nothing may replace humans when it comes to detecting real-world threats, machines may actually do a better job in detecting threats in the virtual world. These machines that may be tasked with hunting down cyber security threats have been dubbed robo-hunters.
In a nutshell, these machines seek out threats and make decisions. They are enabled by artificial intelligence, and they can scan a network nonstop. It is thought that these machines will allow organizations to move from a reactive or proactive model to one that is more predictive when it comes to security threats.
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Blockchain
Here’s what you need to know right now about Blockchain: it is accessible, transparent and visible. It’s applications will allow a company like yours to enhance cyber security around identity and access management and user authentication. You will be able to make the application visible to everyone, so that you can see any and all transactions that take place.
The application can also detect suspicious behavior. On its own, Blockchain could become your company’s zero trust tool. Not only can it stop threats, but it can act in a forensic investigation. Let’s say that your business suffers the threat of intellectual property. You could potentially take your Blockchain ledger to court and provide proof of who has accessed your system, when and every move they made.
As a small business owner, you want to keep yourself, your business and your clients safe. This year’s cyber security tools may not be enough to protect you next year. In the always-changing virtual world, everyone must remain one step ahead of the latest threat if they want to avoid becoming the latest victim. Take some time before the end of the year and read up on what is coming down the line as far as cyber security is concerned. You just might learn something valuable.
Let Company.com Help with IT and Cyber Security
If you would like more information on how to keep your business safe against and with these 2018 cyber security trends, reach out to our team of professionals. At Company.com, we have the tools and services, such as tech support, you need to not only keep you safe, but help you grow. You have worked hard to form your business. Let us take some of the weight off your shoulders so you can enjoy it.