The Top 3 Cyber Security Trends You Need to Know About for 2020
Cyber security is always evolving, and as we move into 2020 it is important that you stay informed about the latest developments in the field and about where things are headed. From mobile phone attacks to artificial intelligence, Virtual Technologies Group has you covered.
Emerging Trends in Cyber Security
The cyber security landscape evolves every year, and in this post you will find an introduction to some of what we’re expecting to see more of in 2020. Ransomware attacks, for example, had focused primarily on individuals for several years, but in 2019 moving into 2020, we’re starting to see businesses and governments affected to a greater degree. New vectors for phishing attacks are becoming more common, mobile devices are at greater risk, and artificial intelligence (AI) is even starting to play a larger role.
Phishing Isn’t What It Used to Be
Since it entered common use in the early 1990s, email has been one of the most—if not the most—common cyber attack vectors. It doesn’t look like the dominant role of email is going to disappear in 2020, but other phishing attack vectors are likely to become more prominent. SMS texts, social media messages, and even live phone calling with the goal of getting login credentials or other personal information are all becoming plausible risk factors.
Mobile Device Attacks
Until the advent of the smartphone in the late 2000s, attacks on mobile devices weren’t really all that fruitful. Even when the devices became popular, it still took some time for the market to be completely saturated with smart mobile devices. In 2020, it’s estimated that we will have nearly 260 million smartphone users in the United States, and that doesn’t take into account the fact that many people have multiple devices. These numbers are more than enough to make attacking mobile devices profitable for cyber criminals. More commerce and day-to-day planning are done on mobile devices than ever before, and this trend is going to continue.
Hitting Bigger Fish
Attacks on individuals have always been common, and there’s no doubt that individuals will continue to be targeted, so it is important to keep up with some basic best practices. That being said, if you were going to carry out a ransomware attack, would you choose the individual with $2,000 or the business or local government with $10 million? Because institutions and enterprises are so dependent on technology (and on their employees knowing how to protect themselves), there are more opportunities than ever to strike larger prizes.
Automated Cyber Security Trends in 2020
Automation and AI have been hot topics lately, and it’s beginning to play a major role in IT, especially in cyber security. Automated IT tasks include everything from data collection to monitoring and analysis. Automated systems can even help keep your systems updated so there isn’t a time lag creating holes in your organization’s defenses. The capabilities of automated systems powered by AI are truly exploding, and it won’t be long before every organization or institution has to rely on AI systems to stay safe.
Cyber Security Professionals
One of our specializations at Virtual Technologies Group is cyber security. Moving into 2020, you need to make sure you are protected from growing cyber threats. Downtime and ransomware attacks can cost your business dearly—and even shut your doors—but we’ll keep you protected. Connect with us today to learn more.