Category: Cybersecurity

Regardless of the size of the industry, organizations now operate in a digital environment where data is king, and technology is the foundation of corporate operations. This digital shift has brought about previously unheard-of prospects for productivity and growth. However, it has also brought to the forefront an ever-looming menace: cyber threats. Since these dangers—from data breaches to ransomware attacks—have become powerful foes, businesses must give cybersecurity top priority. To navigate the perilous digital terrain successfully, investing in cybersecurity consulting services isn’t just an option; it’s an imperative. Come on, let’s explore the different factors that support the notion that every company, while making crucial business decisions, should consider cybersecurity experts.   

We’ll also stress the advantages of using PeoplActive’s cyber security consulting services to protect your business.

Why does your company require Cybersecurity Consulting Services?  

The Dynamic Cyber Threat Landscape   

The cybersecurity industry is always changing. Cybercriminals, driven by profit and an insatiable desire to exploit vulnerabilities, continuously evolve their tactics. What worked as a defense strategy last year might be woefully inadequate today. It is the job of cybersecurity consultants to remain at the forefront of these developments. They are prepared to react quickly and effectively to emerging threats because they keep a close watch on the changing danger landscape. In this regard, PeoplActive takes a proactive stance. Our team of specialists is committed to following the most recent developments, giving your company up-to-date threat intelligence and illuminating information to strengthen your digital defenses.  

Personalized Solutions for Specialized Businesses  

Just as no two fingerprints are identical, no two businesses are exactly alike. Their size, industry, range, and operating complexity vary. Off-the-shelf cybersecurity solutions usually fall short when it comes to satisfying an organization’s specific requirements. Here’s where the true strength of PeoplActive lies. We are aware of the value of knowledgeable cybersecurity solutions. Our experts thoroughly examine your particular risk profile and security needs to get the full picture. We develop bespoke cybersecurity plans that perfectly match the goals of your company using this data as a springboard. 

Navigating the Complex Web of Regulatory Compliance 

Numerous firms are subject to stringent legal guidelines that govern the security of personal data. These rules are subject to hefty penalties and other legal repercussions if they are broken. Whether it’s PCI DSS, GDPR, or another industry-specific compliance standard, cybersecurity experts are well-versed in its complexities. They act as your reliable guides through the maze of regulations, making sure that your company complies with them strictly. By hiring our Cyber Security Consulting services, you can certainly eliminate these worries and build a trustworthy reputation for your business among your customers. 

24/7 Monitoring and Rapid Incident Response 

Cyber threats don’t adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule; they can strike at any moment. This is the situation where 24-hour monitoring and quick event reaction are truly valuable. Cybersecurity professionals like PeoplActive offer clients continuous monitoring services that let them spot and fix issues right away. By following this approach, you can minimize the potential harm that a cyberattack can cause and run your business smoothly. 

A Long-term Cost-effective Approach 

When you initially invest in Cybersecurity Consulting Services it may appear as an additional financial burden to your organization, but this is where you need to make that one smart move and look at the long-term benefits of this investment. The upfront expenditures of cybersecurity consultancy may not even come close to covering the financial fallout from a successful cyberattack or a data breach. You may effectively protect your company from suffering significant financial losses and reputational damage by spotting and fixing vulnerabilities before they are used by unscrupulous actors. We are an excellent partner in your cybersecurity journey since we get this all-encompassing approach to cost-effectiveness. 

 Safeguarding Reputation and Trust 

Cybersecurity can have an impact on many different companies. Once your clients stop having faith in your company’s ability to protect their private information and sensitive data, it may be challenging to win them back. We recognize how crucial it is for you to control the industry reputation of your business. With the help of our cyber security consulting services, you may build a solid cybersecurity posture as well as a reputation as a trustworthy company. In an increasingly congested industry, the trust you establish through proactive cybersecurity measures can provide business with a significant competitive edge. 

Also Read: The Battle Against IoT Cyber Threats 

How PeoplActive helped an Australian Healthcare Giant? 

An Australian Infection Prevention Company sought cybersecurity consulting services to fortify their virtual fortress against cyber threats. 

Challenges faced  

• A thorough review of HIPPA/GDPR policies  
• Validating IT procedures to ensure they align with HIPAA/GDPR requirements. 

• Need to develop new procedures to address identified gaps 
• Need guidance to determine the necessary security practices for risk assessment 
• Assist with cyber security assessment 
• Support in creating ISO roadmap and certification documentation with ISMS governance 
• Aid team members in ISO certification and addressing Corl gap remediation 

Solutions offered 

• Ensure HIPAA/GDPR policies meet current compliance standards 
• Aligning IT procedures with HIPAA/GDPR requirements 
• Developing new procedures to bridge compliance gaps 
• Guiding security practices for risk assessment and incident management 

• Assisting with cyber security assessment and auditing policy development 
• Creating an ISO roadmap and implementing certification documentation 
• Regularly revisiting policies to ensure compliance 
• Supporting ISO certification and gap remediation efforts 

PeoplActive’s partnership with the Australian Healthcare Giant exemplifies the power of expert cyber security consulting. 

Also Read: What Are the Different Roles in Cybersecurity and Which Expert Do You Need 

Why PeoplActive Cybersecurity Consulting Services Stand Out? 

PeoplActive stands out as the best choice for protecting your company in a world where demand for cybersecurity expertise is at an all-time high.

Here are the key factors that set us apart: 

1. Exceptional Expertise: The team at PeoplActive comprises seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience in cybersecurity. Our in-depth knowledge and proactive approach make us an invaluable asset in the fight against cyber threats. 
2. Cutting-edge Technology: PeoplActive leverages the latest cybersecurity technologies and tools to provide our clients with the highest level of protection. We stay ahead of emerging threats through continuous innovation. 
3. Comprehensive Services: From risk assessments and strategy development to 24/7 monitoring and incident response, PeoplActive offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services tailored to your unique needs. 
4. Proven Track Record: With a history of successfully safeguarding businesses across various industries, PeoplActive has earned a reputation for excellence in the cyber security consulting realm. 
5. Client-Centric Approach: We place clients at the center of our operations. We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and develop solutions that align with your business goals. 
6. Long-term Partnership: Rather than offering quick fixes, PeoplActive focuses on building long-term cybersecurity partnerships. We are committed to your ongoing protection and adapt to evolving threats. 

Investing in cyber security consulting services is no longer a choice but a necessity for businesses in the digital age. The dynamic threat landscape, the need for tailored solutions, compliance with regulatory standards, 24/7 monitoring, long-term cost-effectiveness, employee education, and reputation management all emphasize the critical role of cybersecurity consulting. PeoplActive’s cyber security consulting services not only encompass all these aspects but excel in them. By hiring PeoplActive’s Cybersecurity Consulting Services, you don’t just invest in cybersecurity; you invest in the future security and success of your business. Don’t wait for a cyberattack to strike; take proactive measures today with PeoplActive and fortify your digital fortress. 

As cybercrime continues its relentless rise, businesses in every sector face a pressing need to hire cyber security developers and professionals to safeguard their networks, systems, and data from potential threats. However, with various types of cybersecurity roles available, determining which cybersecurity expert to hire can be a challenging task.  

In this blog, we will simplify this process by exploring the diverse world of cybersecurity professionals. By understanding the unique skill sets each role demands, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions and fortify your organization against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber risks. Let’s embark on this crucial journey together to secure your business’s future in an interconnected world.

What makes Cybersecurity crucial in today’s world?

Whether you operate a small enterprise or a large corporation, chances are that you heavily depend on digital solutions to store, organize, and retrieve sensitive business-related data. Such information may encompass various sensitive elements, including but not limited to:

• User credentials (usernames and passwords) 
• Financial details (banking information) 
• Personal identification data (social security numbers) 
• Payment card particulars (credit card information)
• And a plethora of other sensitive data.

By implementing effective cybersecurity measures, you safeguard crucial information from falling into the hands of malicious hackers who seek to exploit it. However, not all cybersecurity analysts possess the same skill sets and expertise. So, how do you determine the specific experts you should bring onboard to strengthen your defense? While your hiring requirements are unique to your business, there are several types of cybersecurity professionals that every company should consider. Let’s explore these essential roles and the value they bring to bolstering your cybersecurity strategy.

Top Cybersecurity Roles  

For organizations seeking an impenetrable shield against cyber threats, hiring Cyber Security Experts is paramount. These top cybersecurity roles represent key players in safeguarding businesses from the ever-growing menace of cyberattacks. With their specialized expertise and unique responsibilities, these skilled professionals serve as an essential line of defense, protecting valuable assets and sensitive information from malicious actors. 

Role 1: Cybersecurity Analysts 

Why Should You Hire Cybersecurity Analysts? 

• Detection and Response: Cybersecurity analysts serve as the first line of defense against an ever-growing array of cyber threats. Their primary responsibility is to continuously monitor networks, systems, and applications to detect any suspicious activities or security breaches. With the “2022 Cyber Threat Report” by Accenture reporting a staggering 125% increase in cyberattacks in the past year, hiring cybersecurity analysts ensures you have a dedicated team of professionals ready to swiftly identify threats and respond with effective countermeasures. 

• Preventing Significant Damages: The same report highlights that a remarkable 87% of cyberattacks were blocked at an early stage, showcasing the indispensable role played by cybersecurity analysts in preventing significant damage to your organization. By employing cybersecurity analysts, you strengthen your ability to detect and neutralize threats before they escalate. 

Role 2: Penetration Testers (Ethical Hackers) 

The Crucial Role of Penetration Testers 

• Proactive Vulnerability Assessment: The rise of cyber threats has prompted organizations to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Penetration testers, often referred to as ethical hackers, simulate real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. The “2023 Cybersecurity Insights” by Cybersecurity Ventures reveals that 70% of organizations now conduct regular penetration tests, a significant increase from 56% in the previous year. Hiring penetration testers allows you to discover and patch critical vulnerabilities, thereby averting potential security disasters. 

• Averting Security Disasters: By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities proactively, penetration testers play a crucial role in preventing security incidents that could otherwise lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. 

Also Read: Phishing Attacks Targeting Cloud Services and SaaS Platforms 

Role 3: Security Engineers 

Why Should You Hire Security Engineers? 

• Strengthening Digital Infrastructure: With the rapid adoption of cloud services and digital transformation, security engineers have become indispensable in strengthening an organization’s security infrastructure. The “State of Cybersecurity 2023” report by PwC indicates that 78% of companies have increased their investment in security engineers to protect their digital assets. Hiring security engineers ensures your organization is well-equipped to defend against cyber threats and can maintain business continuity. 

• Protecting Digital Assets: Security engineers play a vital role in designing, implementing, and managing security solutions to safeguard your organization’s digital assets. Their expertise in configuring firewalls, encryption technologies, and other security tools fortifies your defenses against potential cyberattacks. 

Role 4: Incident Response Specialists 

Why Should You Hire Incident Response Specialists? 

• Effective Breach Management: The dynamic nature of cyber threats demands a well-defined incident response plan. The “2023 Data Breach Investigations Report” by Verizon revealed that 73% of data breaches were financially motivated, while 10% were driven by espionage. Hiring incident response specialists ensures you have professionals who can effectively manage and contain breaches before significant damage occurs. 

• Swift Identification and Response: The same report highlighted that 75% of breaches took days or longer to discover, further underscoring the need for well-trained specialists who can swiftly identify and respond to threats. Incident response specialists can help minimize the impact of potential breaches through swift and efficient actions.

Role 5: Security Consultants 

Benefits of Hiring Security Consultants? 

• Expert Guidance: As businesses grapple with the complexities of cybersecurity, many are turning to external security consultants for expert guidance. The “2023 Cybersecurity Trends Report” by EY stated that 82% of organizations engaged security consultants to assess their security strategies and protocols. Hiring security consultants ensures your organization benefits from objective assessments and actionable recommendations. 

• Assessing Security Strategies: Security consultants bring an unbiased perspective and a wealth of experience to your cybersecurity strategy. They can help your organization identify strengths and weaknesses in its current approach, aligning your security efforts with industry best practices. 

Role 6: Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts 

Why Should You Hire Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts? 

• Real-Time Monitoring: SOC analysts are responsible for real-time monitoring of an organization’s security infrastructure, including network devices, servers, and endpoints. They use advanced security tools and technologies to detect and respond to security incidents as they happen. 

• Incident Triage and Escalation: SOC analysts play a pivotal role in incident triage, assessing the severity of security events and escalating critical incidents to higher-level security teams for immediate attention. Their swift actions can help prevent major security breaches. 

• Threat Intelligence Analysis: SOC analysts analyze threat intelligence data to stay abreast of emerging cyber threats and trends. By proactively adopting security measures based on this intelligence, they bolster an organization’s defenses against evolving threats. 

Role 7: Cybersecurity Architects 

Why Should You Hire Cybersecurity Architects? 

• Creating Comprehensive Security Blueprints: Cybersecurity architects design and build a comprehensive security framework that aligns with your organization’s specific needs and compliance requirements. 

• Ensuring Scalability and Flexibility: They ensure that security measures are scalable and adaptable to accommodate future technological advancements and business growth. 

Also Read: Approaches in Network Security for Businesses 

Role 8: Threat Intelligence Analysts 

Why Should You Hire Threat Intelligence Analysts? 

• Proactive Threat Monitoring: Threat intelligence analysts specialize in monitoring and analyzing emerging cyber threats and trends. By continuously tracking the cyber landscape, they can provide your organization with early warnings and proactive strategies to counter potential attacks. 

• Strategic Decision-Making: These analysts offer critical insights to help leadership teams make informed decisions about cybersecurity investments, resource allocation, and risk management. 

Why is it so hard to hire cyber security developers? 

In today’s digital age, hiring cybersecurity developers has become a formidable task, with the ever-increasing demand for skilled professionals in the face of an evolving threat landscape. The scarcity of qualified candidates with up-to-date knowledge and technical expertise only adds to the challenge. But fear not, at PeoplActive, we understand the critical importance of assembling a top-notch cybersecurity team. Our hand-picked professionals come with a proven track record in countering cyber risks and securing organizations’ most valuable digital assets. 

With the right cybersecurity team in place, your organization can confidently navigate the complex digital landscape, protecting what matters most. Don’t compromise on security – connect with PeoplActive today and hire a cyber security expert from our 4000+ pre-vetted professionals to fortify your organization’s defense against cyber threats. Together, let’s build a fortified shield against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber risks, ensuring your business thrives safely in the digital world.

Healthcare cybersecurity has become an increasingly important issue in recent years as the healthcare industry has become more reliant on technology to store and manage sensitive patient information. Healthcare organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals looking to steal valuable data and disrupt healthcare operations. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen defenses against cyber-attacks to ensure patient safety and maintain the integrity of healthcare systems.

The healthcare industry has become a prime target for cyber attacks due to the high value of patient data. Healthcare organizations store vast amounts of sensitive patient data, including personal identification information, medical records, and financial information. This data can be used for identity theft, insurance fraud, and other malicious activities. Cybercriminals can also disrupt healthcare operations, causing significant harm to patients and the healthcare system.
PeoplActive is an ISO 27001:2013 certified leading tech hiring platform. By utilizing an exclusive network of 4000+ Silicon Valley calibre tech talent specialized in 100+ in-demand IT skills, it was pretty easy for businesses to hire game-changing engineers and developers in just 48 hours. So, if you want to accelerate your business, schedule a quick call with our experts now.

The Vital Role of Cybersecurity in Modern Healthcare

The healthcare industry has become increasingly reliant on technology to store and manage sensitive patient data. Electronic health records (EHRs), medical devices, and other healthcare systems store vast amounts of patient data, including personal identification information, medical histories, and financial information. This data is valuable to cybercriminals, who can use it for identity theft, insurance fraud, and other malicious activities. Additionally, cyber attacks can disrupt healthcare operations, causing harm to patients and the healthcare system.

Healthcare organizations must prioritize cybersecurity to protect patient data and maintain the trust of their patients. A cyber attack can cause significant harm to patients, including exposure to sensitive health information, medical errors, and delayed treatment. Additionally, healthcare organizations may face legal and financial consequences, damage to their reputation, and loss of patient trust in the event of a cyber attack.

The healthcare industry’s reliance on technology has made it vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Healthcare organizations use a variety of systems, such as electronic health records (EHRs), medical devices, and mobile devices, to store and manage patient data. These systems are connected to the internet and can be accessed remotely, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Additionally, many healthcare organizations lack the resources and expertise to adequately protect their systems from cyber threats.

Some best practices for healthcare cybersecurity

Therefore, healthcare organizations must take steps to strengthen their defenses against cyber attacks.

The following are some best practices for healthcare cybersecurity:

Conduct Risk Assessments

Healthcare organizations should conduct risk assessments regularly to identify vulnerabilities in their systems. Risk assessments can help healthcare organizations identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, evaluate the likelihood and impact of a cyber attack, and prioritize their cybersecurity efforts. Risk assessments should be conducted regularly and should be updated as new threats emerge.

Develop and Implement a Cybersecurity Plan

Healthcare organizations should develop and implement a cybersecurity plan that outlines the organization’s policies, procedures, and guidelines for protecting patient data. The cybersecurity plan should include procedures for detecting and responding to cyber-attacks, as well as contingency plans for restoring operations in the event of a cyber attack.

Train Employees on Cybersecurity

Healthcare organizations should provide regular cybersecurity training to their employees to ensure they are aware of the risks of cyber attacks and how to protect patient data. Training should include information on how to identify and report potential security incidents, as well as best practices for securing devices and data.

Encrypt Data

Healthcare organizations should encrypt patient data to protect it from unauthorized access. Encryption is the process of converting data into code that can only be read with a decryption key. Encryption helps protect patient data in case of a breach, as the data cannot be read without the decryption key.

Implement Access Controls

Healthcare organizations should implement access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access patient data. Access controls can include password protection, two-factor authentication, and other security measures that restrict access to sensitive data.

Monitor Systems for Suspicious Activity

Healthcare organizations should monitor their systems for suspicious activity, such as unusual login attempts, data access, or data transfer. Monitoring can help identify potential security incidents and allow organizations to take action before a breach occurs.

Use Up-to-Date Software and Security Patches

Healthcare organizations should use up-to-date software and security patches to protect their systems from known vulnerabilities. Software vendors regularly release security patches that address known vulnerabilities, and healthcare organizations should install these patches promptly to reduce their risk of a cyber attack.

Conduct Regular Security Audits

Healthcare organizations should conduct regular security audits to evaluate the effectiveness of their cybersecurity efforts. Security audits can help identify vulnerabilities that may have been missed in previous risk assessments and help organizations prioritize their cybersecurity efforts.

Develop Incident Response Plans

Healthcare organizations should develop incident response plans that outline the organization’s procedures for responding to a cyber attack. The incident response plan should include procedures for notifying patients, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.

Wrapping it up

In today’s digital age, cybercrime is an ever-evolving threat that can bring even the mightiest of companies to their knees. The stakes are high, and all it takes is one vulnerability for the entire organization to crumble. But fear not, for there is a solution – a Cyber Security Ninja. These experts are trained to detect and neutralize cyber threats before they can wreak havoc on your company. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Hire a Cyber Security Expert within 48 hours to safeguard your business and protect it from the dangers of the digital world.

Take Actions Immediately!

According to projections, the size of the Middle East Cyber Security Market will increase from USD 20.3 billion in 2022 to USD 44.7 billion by 2027, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17.1% throughout the forecast period.

The growing sophistication of cyberattacks across heavy sectors to result in financial and reputational losses, strict government restrictions, and cyberattacks due to expansion of the digitalization are anticipated by the major market drivers.

The necessity to take the appropriate precautions in advance for ensuring the entire security posture and technological advancement in cloud and IoT has bolstered potential use cases across sectors.

Cyber attack is a global phenomenon that continues rising in tandem with the ICT industry’s rapid expansion; they are now at such a high level that both governments and individuals must work together to combat them. Cybercrime has evolved into well-organized networks with advanced attack techniques, and cyberattacks have grown to represent the kinds of hazards that a true war may bring; as MENA countries rapidly digitize their economies and their reliance on information technology grows.

The MENA region has recently grown more and more popular as a target for cyber attackers. Along with other crucial businesses, hackers concentrate on high-value government sectors (such as oil and gas). MENA regions are investing more money in the ICTs sector, social infrastructure, economic sector, and schools and hospitals, which are now entirely Internet-based. ICTs have currently taken on a crucial role in both domestic and international security structures in the MENA Region, underscoring the urgent need for significant advancements in cybersecurity there.

Also Read: ZERO TRUST SECURITY : A New Perspective on Cybersecurity

Challenges of Cyber Security

Growth of Cyber Crime

According to a survey by Cybersecurity Ventures, the cost of cybercrime globally is expected to increase by 15% annually between 2021 and 2025 and could total $10.5 trillion annually. The growth can be linked to a sharp increase in the activity of government-backed organizations and cybercriminal gangs. The attack surface is growing concurrently as a result of the digital transformation processes sparked by the advancement of the digital environment.

Lack of skilled Cyber Security Experts

The greatest difficulty faced by Middle Eastern firms and others is the shortage of people with the necessary cybersecurity capabilities, which is predicted to hinder the organizations’ capacity to satisfy constantly changing IT security requirements.

According to a CISCO report, in the Middle East, 94% of businesses acknowledged having experienced a cyber risk in the previous year. One of the biggest challenges to maintaining cybersecurity is the absence of security personnel, which is reported in the same report to affect 25% of firms in the Mena region. 34% of Middle Eastern breaches affected more than 50% of a company’s systems, while 58% of Middle Eastern businesses had to handle an outage lasting more than five hours in the previous year as a result of a breach. These figures show that businesses in the Mena region are hiring security experts that are ill-equipped to recognize and analyze these cutting-edge risks when confronted with a cyberattack.

The growth of the Dark Web

The massive increase in criminal behavior on the dark web in recent years, especially with the outbreak of the pandemic, is a significant issue and highlights how crucial it is to conduct threat intelligence operations in these hidden areas of the Internet.

New Cyber Attack Tactics

Trends like the emergence of new types of social engineering organizations must stay up with new and emerging attack scenarios and share this knowledge with their personnel.

One type of phishing that has witnessed rapid growth recently is so-called callback phishing, a technique that combines classic email-based phishing with voice-based phishing and is used to hack into businesses’ systems and spread malware, such as ransomware, on their networks.

Security in the Crypto Systems

Consumers, companies, and governments are all discovering new applications for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and so are Cyber Criminals. Cyberattacks and cryptocurrency scams targeting different participants in the crypto ecosystem have exposed the industry’s susceptibility to hacks. It is clear why security-related issues in the bitcoin industry frequently make the news.

Also Read: Top 10 Considerations in Cybersecurity Risk Management

Final Words

MENA is an acronym that refers to both the Middle East and North Africa. The fast development of technology and network infrastructure has increased cyber security risks, which now pose a danger to all industries in MENA countries. Internet usage has grown significantly in the MENA region over the past ten years, but there has been little knowledge of cyber security risks. As a result, all MENA organizations have seen a high rate of cyberattacks, with significant economic and political consequences. To handle all the issues posed by cyber risk, it is essential to upgrade the network infrastructure and establish regulatory frameworks to control the use of cyberattacks in the area.

Shield your company from data breaches with PeoplActive – Cybersecurity consulting service. We build full security plans and provide ongoing guidance to eliminate vulnerabilities and keep your company protected.

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field where both black hat hackers and cybersecurity service providers compete to outsmart one another. 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused due to human error. What are the cybersecurity challenges faced by large organizations and SMEs and how do they encounter them successfully? In this blog, we would be exploring the latest trends in cyber security 2021 to watch out for.

1. Cybersecurity Trends 2021: Rise of Automotive Hacking

Imagine a hacker stealing control of your vehicle remotely😢! Yes, it is possible as hackers have taken it to another level. The future of the automotive industry is bright, however, there is a stumbling block which it needs to kick out – Cyber attacks. The automotive vehicles make use of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology for better communication and operation which opens doors for hackers. Hacking a vehicle automatically reveals the owner’s trip data and other personal credentials which he might want to keep private.

In 2020, the number of automotive hacking cases increased by around 138%, and is also believed that in the coming years, we can witness a 99% increase in such incidents. There are some ways of protecting vehicles against hacking such as –

• • Updating the car’s software
  • Restrict the use of wireless systems
  • Turn off GPS
  • Use VPN

2. Cybersecurity Trends 2021: The Internet of Things (IoT) evolving

The evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) is creating doors for cybercrime. The Internet of Things are the devices that are connected to the internet and share data. Instances of IoT devices are – smartwatches, voice assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home. Moreover, it is believed that there will be around 64 billion IoT devices installed by 2026. Work from home is also driving it even faster.

An increase in the number of IoT devices gives opportunities to hackers by expanding the cyberattack surface. IoT devices have less processing as well as storage capability and that makes it challenging to install firewalls, antivirus, and other security applications to shield them.

Also Read – The Battle Against IoT Cyber Threats

3. Cybersecurity Trends 2021: Cloud – A Potential vulnerable

Adoption of remote working after the pandemic has expanded the need for cloud-based administrations. There are several benefits of Cloud services – adaptability, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and much more. However, they have become the primary target of hackers. Misconfigured cloud settings are a critical reason for data leakage, unauthorized access, and account hacking. The average expense of an information break is around $3.86 million, therefore, organizations need to take stringent steps towards cloud data protection.

Besides data breaches, organizations facing cloud security challenges include –

• • To ensure regulatory compliance across jurisdictions
  • Giving adequate IT expertise to deal with the cloud computing demands
  • Cloud migrations issues
  • Insider dangers – some unintentional, some deliberate – are brought about by the misuse of personal devices, unapproved remote access, unsecured networks, and weak passwords.

4. Cybersecurity Trends 2021: Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering attacks refer to the broad range of malicious activities used to trick users and make security mistakes or share critical information. These activities usually take place in one or more steps. The attacker first gathers all the backend data such as weak security protocols or potential entry points and then gains the victim’s trust. These types of attacks are more dangerous because they rely on human error which is difficult to predict and identify.

Some common social engineering techniques are –

Baiting – These attacks trick a victim’s greed or curiosity through an unrealistic promise. As a result, the victim picks up the bait out of curiosity causing an automatic malware installation on the device.
Scareware – It involves practices where false alarms are bombarded on users’ screens. For eg – you must have seen on your system some similar text like this – “Protect your computer from harmful spyware attacks, install the tool”. If the user clicks on it, the attackers’ goal is achieved.

Phishing – It is the most common social media attack we have been facing. In this case, attackers send an email or text message that induces a sense of curiosity in the victim’s mind. As a result, the victim ends up clicking on the link or opening the attachments containing malware. For eg. – You must have heard of a fraud email elaborating about new policies and services which require an immediate call to action such as passwords or bank credentials etc.

5. Cybersecurity Trends 2021: Remote Working Cybersecurity Risks

Though WFH has several advantages yet it poses new cybersecurity risks on businesses. Remote work has become one of the most talked-about trends in cybersecurity. It’s difficult to create and secure work environment like a centralized office at home. In offices, there is an IT team looking after the operational and traditional security of the business by installing more firewalls, routers, and other advanced tools.

So, the biggest trend in cybersecurity is to focus on the security risks of a distributed workforce. It involves detecting, monitoring, and eradicating security vulnerabilities by implementing security controls. Most businesses have migrated to the cloud, find out what are cloud computing security challenges and how to overcome them.

6. Cyber Security Trends: Insider Threats

Businesses should equally work on inside and outside threats. With insider threats, we mean the security risks imposed by any individual associated with the organization including the employees, contractors, or business partners. Chances are there that these individuals may misuse the networks and assets to leak or delete confidential data. Some of the insider threat examples include –

The current employees misuse their credentials and share confidential data to get extra income. As per Gartner, these types of activities account for around 62% of insider threats. Not only current employees, but it is also very important to invalidate the credentials of ex-employees so that they can’t participate in any of such activities. Also, make sure that each and every employee is attending the security programs without fail. What are the best ways to minimize insider threats?

• • Train your staff on basic security awareness regularly
  • Commission a simulated phishing assessment
  • Implementing penetration testing annually will help you find security improvements
  • Perform a 24/7 network and endpoint monitoring to trace abnormal activities/behavior

7. Cyber Security Trends: Mobile Cybersecurity

For telecommuters, it’s normal to keep switching from laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other computing devices as per their comfort, using public wi-fi networks. As a result, mobile threats are continuously evolving and creating potential security vulnerabilities. The progressing rollout of 5G innovation has added up to the potential security weaknesses which should be fixed. Mobile threats include –

• • Attackers are taking advantage of basic security weaknesses within Android devices.
  • Particular spyware intended to track encrypted messaging applications.
  • Mobile malware has several application scenarios ranging from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assaults to SMS spam and data theft.

Mobile cybersecurity is a wide subject that encompasses different components, for example, back-end/cloud security, network security, and an ever-increasing number of connected objects (i.e., the Internet of Things), like wearables and auto gadgets. You can’t protect these apps using a single method however, putting extra layers of security can help in maximizing the degree of safety.

Also Read – Understand the 5 Essential Pillars of Cloud Security

8. Cyber Security Trends: Artificial Intelligence

Humans can’t deal alone with cyberattacks. Therefore, they are progressively turning to AI and ML to sharpen the security infrastructure. By deploying AI technology, organizations have successfully mitigated cyber threats and saved a significant amount. AI has been vital in building automated security frameworks at a faster pace, face detection, natural language processing, and automatic threat detection. This is advantageous both for large organizations managing huge data and SMEs whose security groups may be under-resourced.

Till now, we saw how AI has helped organizations improve their security infrastructure. However, hackers are also making use of advanced technology (AI) to automate their attacks.

The functional utilization of AI are as yet developing – we expect security tools driven by AI and ML to keep on growing in sophistication and capability.

9. Cyber Security Trends: Multi-Factor Authentication Improving

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is viewed as the standard level of validation. Nonetheless, hackers are finding better approaches to encounter it – explicitly, authentication completed using SMS or calls. In 2020, Microsoft encouraged clients to stop using mobile-based MFA, suggesting rather utilizing application-based authenticators and security keys.

SMS has some in-fabricated security, yet the messages sent – including for validation purposes – are not encrypted. This implies that hackers can acquire one-time passwords in plain text. This presents a weakness for exercises like internet banking, where confirmation is frequently done through SMS. Therefore, we need a better procedure that can add up certain security layers to this.

10. Cyber Security Trends: Data Privacy as a Discipline

Various prominent cyber attacks have exposed millions of personally identifiable information records (PII). This, combined with the introduction of stricter information laws around the world, for example, the EU’s GDPR, implies data protection is progressively being prioritized.

Companies that don’t comply with the guidelines and customer expectations may lose consumer trust and position in the market. Information security influences practically all parts of any organization. Thus, enterprises need to emphasize more on hiring information protection officials and guaranteeing role-based access control, multifaceted verification, encryption in transit and at rest, network division, and external appraisals to identify areas of progress.

These were some of the latest trends in cyber security. We hope you found the blog useful and informative. Is your cybersecurity specialist team understaffed? Hire top-tier cybersecurity professionals on contractual/permanent roles with PeoplActive. For more details, email us at info@peoplactive.com or contact us.