Future Trends in Cybersecurity

The lack of data protection, the effects of a global pandemic, and an increase in the sophistication of exploits are all factors that, in the world of network security, are contributing to a significant rise in data breaches and hacks from sources that are becoming more and more common in the workplace, such as mobile and IoT (internet of things) devices. The employment of remote employees has expanded as a result of COVID-19, opening the door for cyber attacks.

According to recent security research, the majority of firms have poor cybersecurity procedures, making them vulnerable to data loss. To successfully battle malicious intent, businesses must incorporate cybersecurity awareness, prevention, and best practices into their culture.

Some stats about cybersecurity are as follows:

• Cybercrime is thought to cost the globe $6 trillion yearly.

• The market for information security is expected to reach a value of $366.1 billion in 2028.

• COVID-19 has caused a 600% rise in cybercrime.

• About 5% of business files, on average, have acceptable security.

With the Digital Revolution sweeping the world, all businesses, big and small, organizations, and even governments are relying on computerized systems to manage their day-to-day operations. As a result, the company has a big responsibility to safeguard data from internet attacks and unauthorized access. Continuous technological advancement requires a matching shift in cybersecurity policies as reports of data breaches, ransomware, and hackers become the norm.

Threats and trends in cybersecurity will alter as technology continues to advance. Businesses must constantly monitor emerging trends and update their security systems to stay ahead of the game. Organizations make sure that their data and networks are safe from hostile attackers by keeping up with the most recent top cybersecurity trends.

Organizations guarantee that their data is safe and secure by keeping up with trends and putting the required safeguards in place. They should make an effort to teach their workers the value of adhering to cybersecurity best practices. This lessens the likelihood of a breach and assists build a secure environment.

In this article, we will talk about some of the future trends in cybersecurity, their impact, and their current status on network security, such as listed below:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Cloud Security

• Internet of Things (IoT) Security

• Quantum Security

• 5G Security

• Zero-trust Security

• Security Automation and Orchestration

• Application Security

• Block-chained Security

• Container Security

• Edge Computing Security

• Cyber-Physical Systems Security

Figure 1. Future Trends in Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning have made cybersecurity much better, and AI is now used in every market. Face recognition, natural language processing, automated threat detection, and automated security systems have all greatly benefited from artificial intelligence. It is used to make sophisticated malware and attacks that get around the most advanced ways to protect data. Threat detection systems that use artificial intelligence predict new attacks and let administrators know right away when data has been compromised.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are two big steps forward in computer science and data processing. To solve complex issues, it is intended to emulate natural intelligence. The goal is to improve how well a task is done by learning from data about that task. AI makes decisions. System learning from data is made possible by machine learning. Some statistics about artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in cybersecurity are as follows:

• AI cuts down the amount of time needed to patch up a hole or fix an attack by 12%.

• According to machine learning data, this type of technology boosts workplace efficiency by up to 54%.

• Without using AI and ML, 61% of businesses claim they are unable to carry out intrusion detection.

Cloud Security

One of the most important trends in the cyber security business is cloud vulnerability. Once again, the pandemic has made it much more common for people to work from home. This has greatly increased the need for cloud-based infrastructure and services, which has security implications for businesses.

Among the benefits of cloud services are scalability, efficiency, and cost savings. Yet attackers see them as a prime target as well. When cloud settings aren't set up right, user interfaces aren't secure, accounts get stolen, and data gets leaked. To decrease the dangers posed by cloud attacks, organizations must take action.

Businesses will continue to be impacted by cloud-based vulnerabilities such as decreased visibility and control, incorrectly configured cloud storage and settings, vulnerable cloud apps, incomplete data erasure, compliance challenges, and migration concerns in the years to come. Due to attacks made against cloud services, organizations would find it difficult to maintain control over crucial data. Nonetheless, a developed and efficient cloud governance model can quicken their security reaction capacities. The following are some cloud security statistics:

• 75% of businesses are either concerned or very concerned about the threats to their cloud security.

• In the last 18 months, 79% of businesses have had at least one cloud data breach.

• The size of the worldwide cloud security market was $578 million in 2019 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% to $1.5 billion by 2027.

Internet of Things (IoT) Security

Wearable fitness trackers, smart refrigerators, smartwatches, and voice assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home are a few examples of IoT gadgets. It is predicted that 64 billion IoT devices will be installed globally by 2026. For those in charge of cybersecurity, IoT devices, such as intelligent wearables, home appliances, cars, building alarm systems, and industrial equipment, have repeatedly proven to be a nightmare. This is because manufacturers haven't traditionally focused on keeping them secure with regular security patches and updates. After all, they are frequently not used to directly hold sensitive data. That has changed recently because it has been demonstrated that even when they don't retain data, hackers frequently find a way to exploit them as access points to other networked devices that do.

A variety of global government efforts that are intended to improve security surrounding connected devices (IoT security), as well as the cloud systems and networks that link them all together, should go into action in 2023. This includes a labeling system for IoT devices that will soon be implemented in the US and will educate users about potential security risks posed by the gadgets they bring into their homes.

Quantum Security

Cybersecurity is predicted to transform thanks to quantum computing. According to scientists, cybersecurity in the computer industry will undoubtedly be threatened by quantum computing through the use of present encryption techniques. In recent years, scientists have put great effort into creating "quantum-safe" encryption. According to an article in the American Scientist Journal, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States is currently assessing 69 potential fresh approaches for what it refers to as "post-quantum cryptography (PQC).

Quantum computing has a wide range of possible applications in the area of cybersecurity. Simply put, quantum computing uses a technique called "quantum entanglement" to encode information tenfold more quickly than conventional techniques. As a result, existing encryption protocols may be cracked by quantum-based algorithms, rendering them useless as a defense against cyberattacks. Hence, cybersecurity experts must be ready to anticipate and adapt to this new technology by changing their current methods and creating new encryption standards that make use of more difficult mathematical formulas. By doing this, they will ensure that emerging technologies do not turn into vulnerabilities themselves, in addition to safeguarding critical information against hackers.

5G security

For the fifth generation (5G) network, which is a wireless technology with a huge ecosystem of radio frequencies, data transfers, and technical connections, there needs to be a higher level of security. The demand for 5G security solutions is anticipated to increase due to network slicing and significant security extensions over 4G and LTE. During the projected time period, the market is expected to grow in a good way because the government is putting in place strict laws to stop data theft using 5G apps.

To safeguard their networks from security threats, telecom operators throughout the world are concentrating on implementing 5G security solutions. Major providers of 5G security solutions around the globe are concentrating on strengthening the initiatives of 5G security laboratories to grow in the increasingly cutthroat industry.

With the arrival of 5G, cyber security has advanced. A feature of a 5G cyber security toolkit or solution that improves network security is IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) encryption. All traffic data sent over the 5G network is integrated, secured, encrypted, and follows a mutual authentication standard to further guarantee maximum data security.

Also, the improved basis of 5G security supports the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, etc. It employs network virtualization and deep packet inspection (DPI), which combine hardware and software resources into a single entity to thoroughly monitor data being transported over a computer network.

The release of a sizable IoT ecosystem, vital communications services, and increased demand for private 5G networks across governments, industries, and industrial sectors are all predicted to have a significant impact on the future of the 5G security industry. But in the upcoming years, industry expansion is anticipated to be hampered by high deployment costs for 5G services and a lack of awareness in developing economies.

Zero-Trust Security

With the transition to cloud and hybrid IT environments, business models and workforce dynamics are continuing to change, expanding the presence of corporate assets outside the conventional security perimeter. For more responsive security control to protect these exposed assets, centralized policy orchestration and distributed policy enforcement are required.

Effective authentication and authorization are made possible by a zero-trust security architecture, ensuring that only authorized users and apps can access the protection surface. By using network segmentation, multi-layer threat prevention, restrictions on lateral movement, and granular user access control, it makes sure that trust is always being evaluated.

With more employees switching to remote work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in zero-trust cyber security has increased. The post-pandemic cybersecurity market is anticipated to reach $51.6 billion by 2026, according to MarketsandMarkets. Due to a change in the workplace, government authorities have mandated new restrictions for both public and private businesses. Targeted assaults cause downtime for businesses, the loss of intellectual property, and a reduction in income. Despite the increase in demand, networks rarely support [zero-trust network access (ZTNA) models, making integration into an existing system difficult.

Security Automation and Orchestration

Automation must be integrated to provide more sophisticated control over the data because its size is increasing daily. Automation is more vital than ever because of the pressure placed on experts and engineers by today's frantic job demands to provide rapid and effective solutions. To create software that is safer in every way, security metrics are incorporated into the agile development process. Because protecting large and sophisticated web applications is difficult, automation and cyber security are important concepts in the software development process.

The potential for enterprise automation in 2023 is enormous. Businesses of all sizes continue to adopt enterprise automation and digital transformation technologies with an emphasis on improved productivity and lower costs. Enterprise automation is thought to be the secret to dominating the market, spurring innovation, and establishing competitive advantages.

Application Security

Since web apps and APIs are the main channels via which a business communicates with its clients, application security is a major problem for all businesses. Any problems with them could ruin the consumer experience and the reputation of the business. Due to their Internet accessibility, both customers and fraudsters can access these vital resources. As a result, a key part of a company's security strategy should include safeguarding these resources against emerging cyber threats.

Application security is important because it helps keep important data and systems from being broken into, lowers the risk of business disruption, and keeps stakeholder and consumer trust. Because we use software and internet technologies more and more, app security is becoming an important part of overall information security.

In the past, application security was frequently an afterthought that was added at the very end. Preventing attackers from taking advantage of these vulnerabilities is the main goal of efficient application security. This encompasses procedures like penetration testing, code reviews, and secure coding. Additionally, it entails proactively securing apps to stop attacks before they start. Processes like threat modeling, security testing, and security design reviews fall under this category.

Attacks against cloud assets and operations are now more likely as more businesses migrate their applications and data there. By deploying security measures like network segmentation, access controls, and encryption, organizations can protect their cloud deployments.

Blockchain-based Security

Blockchain technology has been a popular subject in the computer sector for a long time. Blockchain has a wide range of applications, including voting systems, supply chain management, and cryptocurrencies. Security concerns, however, continue to be an essential part of the use of blockchain technology as it evolves and expands. The particular security challenges that blockchain poses include the possibility of fraud, the risk of cyberattacks, and the loss of private keys, to name just a few.

Blockchain technology is primarily discussed in relation to cryptocurrencies, ignoring its many other applications. Numerous procedures, systems, and processes across various industries have been transformed by blockchain. In addition, blockchain has greatly outperformed conventional organizations and agencies in terms of the value proposition for governance.

There are privacy concerns with the technology, even though blockchain is meant to be open and unchangeable. Since they make transactions and balances visible, blockchains that are specifically public are more susceptible to surveillance and tracking.

Blockchain is meant to be decentralized, however in reality most blockchains are centralized. This suggests that a tiny number of people or entities control the vast bulk of the network's computing power, creating serious security issues.

Blockchain technology has the potential to transform numerous industries, but it comes with significant security dangers. By proactively addressing these challenges and ensuring that blockchain technology continues to be a secure and trustworthy platform, individuals and groups get ready for the future of digital security.

Container Security

Container security entails locating any potential weak points in containers and judiciously adopting effective security procedures, methods, techniques, and frameworks during deployment and operation. This aids in protecting containers from hostile intrusions that target the infrastructure and applications they support.

One of the best technologies for smooth building, shipping, deploying, and scaling applications is container technology. Containers are now more popular as a result, making them a desirable target. Despite the inherent security benefits of containers, there are several steps you must take to guarantee their security.

Vulnerabilities in a container let in dangers that could extend to an organization's surrounding environment. Security experts recently issued a warning to follow best practices for container security after discovering a large number of malicious images on the Docker Hub.

Effective security measures must be put in place to protect infrastructure, applications that depend on containers, and containers themselves against growing numbers of assaults. Your application development is more secure if you choose a containerized platform. Implementing container security procedures is thus an ongoing task. Given that the majority of containers are cloud-native, it calls for qualified cloud-native security specialists who are knowledgeable with container security, orchestration technologies, and cloud architecture.

Edge Computing Security

Edge computing is a distributed information technology architecture that locates data processing, analysis, and even intelligence as near as possible to the endpoints that are producing the data and utilizing the following insights drawn from that data to make decisions.

The majority of the time, edge computing is housed in specialized hardware like edge gateways. Yet, numerous devices, including the endpoints themselves, can house that edge computing capacity. One example is a smartphone, which offers some data processing functions even when it is not connected to the internet.

The sensible and significant use case of edge computing has emerged to show why hybrid cloud systems frequently outperform simply centralized cloud strategies. Edge computing is being adopted for a variety of reasons, but the majority entails bringing computers closer to where data is generated or consumed.

It's advantageous to avoid having to travel across a network to respond to an event when the latency is crucial. There are additional factors affecting network connectivity: You may want your retail store to be able to continue operating at least somewhat even if the link to headquarters is down because bandwidth is a limited resource and the network may not be completely stable.

Despite the global pandemic, edge computing adoption grew. Going forward, it is anticipated that the edge landscape will expand to include almost all business types in addition to only the biggest corporations. Key leaders worldwide will continue to place a high priority on security and video surveillance solutions.

Cyber-Physical Systems Security

The seamless, accurate, and secure integration of physical processes, computing components, and, in most cases, human supervisors is the foundation of cyber-physical systems (CPS), which are engineered systems used at the societal level. CPS engineering is a multidisciplinary field that needs the seamless integration of theoretical analysis, cutting-edge heuristics, artificial intelligence, security approaches, and big data. Much like the internet changed how we engage with one another, the implementation of CPS is fundamentally altering how we interact with the physical environment. Agriculture, aviation, architecture, civil infrastructure, energy, environmental quality, healthcare, tailored medicine, manufacturing, and transportation are just a few of the difficult fields where CPS research is having an influence. The societal and economic impact of CPS only increases with further integration and advancements.

Industrial control systems, smart grids, and autonomous vehicles are a few examples of CPS. Systems that incorporate numerous technologies and elements are difficult and call for efficient administration and design. Observability is a crucial component of it since it enables businesses to keep an eye on and comprehend how these systems behave and spot any problems or bottlenecks. Organizations obtain insight into their performance and behavior by using monitoring and analysis technologies and then act to optimize or improve them.

With an increasing emphasis on IoT integration, the incorporation of AI and ML capabilities, and increased attention to security and privacy, the future of cyber-physical systems appears to be bright overall. Organizations gain from CPS in a number of ways, including increased productivity and dependability, increased safety, increased flexibility, and improved monitoring and management.