Where We Are Headed with Cybersecurity

Where We Are Headed with Cybersecurity

As we enter 2018 and desire to protect both our own personal digital assets as well as critical corporate data, it is useful to examine the anticipated key trends in cybersecurity in 2018.

Data breaches and cybersecurity incidents were big news in 2017. Top companies and brands – including Deloitte, Equifax, Google, Hyatt, Microsoft, Whole Foods, Uber, Verizon and numerous others – were impacted by security incidents during the year, and security has become a top-of-mind issue for businesspeople and consumers.

So, as we enter 2018 and desire to protect both our own personal digital assets as well as critical corporate data, it is useful to examine the anticipated key trends in cybersecurity in 2018, including:

  • Security Will Become Easier to Use: The way that work is done is changing, with telecommuting, cloud apps, collaboration tools and products like Slack and Hipchat that mirror our consumer technology experiences. IT security will transform along with work, and in 2018, security tools and solutions that are based on user habits will emerge, not just tools based on elaborate requirements or lengthy passwords. Clever companies will adopt security that recognizes users based on factors like behavior patterns, physical location, typing speed and websites typically visited, for example. We’re breaking ground on these technologies now, and they will soon be commonplace.
  • Regulations to the Fore: If you do business with the European Union (EU), the General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR) will become a major focus, because compliance is mandatory. The GDPR mandates that ANY entity hosting a name or saving an IP address must be protected, and heavy fines – up to 4 percent of total worldwide annual turnover –will be issued for noncompliance. Businesses must decide whether it is cheaper to comply or simply not do business within the EU. Those choosing to comply should develop a strategic plan for bringing systems into compliance and approach it as they would any other major cybersecurity initiative.
  • IT Security Now Matters in the C-suite: High-profile breaches like Equifax will continue to shine a bright light on IT security and the ultimate responsibility that C-suite executives bear for such incidents – not to mention the wrath of angry shareholders and consumers! Trust between businesses, their trading partners and customers MUST be maintained, and that’s why 2018 will see greater focus on leadership coming from CEOs and boards with regard to IT security. This will impact every department head, making them realize they simply cannot work in silos and that security is a job for everyone across the organization.
  • Awareness of Free Wi-Fi Risks: Anything that is free – such as public, open Wi-Fi networks – can actually bevery costly. The danger associated with using one of the many insecure networks that we encounter each day will continue to increase, with greater risk for consumers AND businesses. That’s why Wi-Fi security will be a key area to watch in 2018. Without a personal firewall, public Wi-Fi can create a wide-open back door into sensitive data. And while most people don’t currently have firewalls at home, adoption of more sophisticated security technology will rise as awareness grows, with plug-and-play security devices and automated software tools leading the charge against insecure public Wi-Fi networks.

It is doubtless true that high-profile hacks will continue to impact nearly every area of public and private life in 2018, and cybersecurity will remain big news. But with reasonable planning and a solid technological approach, a substantial impact can be made to better plan for and respond to hacking and cybercrimes, alleviating much of this persistent worry in the new year.

About the Author

Ebba Blitz is CEO of Alertsec.

Featured

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

  • Unlocking Trustworthy AI: Building Transparency in Security Governance

    In situations where AI supports important security tasks like leading investigations and detecting threats and anomalies, transparency is essential. When an incident occurs, investigators must trace the logic behind each automated response to confirm its validity or spot errors. Demanding interpretable AI turns opaque “black boxes” into accountable partners that enhance, rather than compromise, organizational defense. Read Now

  • Seeking Innovative Solutions

    Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. You may recognize these terms as the “5 Phases” of a grieving process, but they could easily describe the phases one goes through before adopting any new or emerging innovation or technology, especially in a highly risk-averse industry like security. However, the desire for convenience in all aspects of modern life is finally beginning to turn the tide from old school hardware as the go-to towards more user-friendly, yet still secure, door solutions. Read Now

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.