Be on the Lookout: Top Cybersecurity Trends in 2021
As we begin reflecting on this unpredictable year, it is safe to say that 2020 was one for the record books. While many industries experienced priority shifts, the cybersecurity industry faced a complete revamp. Considering this year’s challenges and routine changes – from lockdowns to remote work – we must continue evolving our cybersecurity strategies as we continue to encounter future obstacles and threats.
As the world’s workforce moved from company buildings to in-home offices, the need for data security is at an all-time high. Gartner Forecast Analysis stated, “the worldwide information security market is forecast to reach $170.4 billion in 2022.” There are many reasons for this projection, but at its core, it comes down to the heightened need for cybersecurity solutions and tools on a global scale.
This blog post will discuss several promising trends that will guide network security efforts across the industry in 2021.
Cybersecurity in 2021
To say that navigating this year’s changes within the cybersecurity industry was challenging is an understatement. Whether you enjoy planning ahead or not, now is the best time to explore what the future of cybersecurity looks like for IT professionals and your organization. Below are a few of the top industry trends to be on the lookout for in 2021, according to Analytics Insight:
- Cloud Breaches: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in support for public, private, and hybrid data cloud usage as more businesses have adapted to the cloud. New potential cyber threats will allow for an increase in the demand for infrastructure security.
- Artificial Intelligence Integration: Security professionals across the country are experiencing intense pressure to do more with less. As a result, automation and integration have become essential everywhere. By incorporating AI into processes like ModelOps and DevOps, companies will manage and reduce risk while upholding development quality.
- BYOD and Mobile Security: With remote work on the rise, more businesses call for employees to use their own devices. Bring-you-own-device (BYOD) is a trend likely to continue because it minimizes costs and increases overall productivity. An expectation is that employees’ schedules will continue to be more flexible now that remote work is the new norm.
- Internet of Thing (IoT) Threat: This has been an ongoing trend for the last 10 years as sensors’ data continue to make IoT more rewarding. According to the Analytics Insight article, “Things will get more and more serious over the years. Expect more of hardcoded passwords, non-encrypted personal data, updates of software and firmware form unverified sources, issues related to wireless communication security and more. All of these are actual threats connected with IoT devices placed at home, public place, or enterprise.”
- Insider Targeted Attacks/Error: Human error is a massive threat to cybersecurity. With no sign of remote work ending, we may see an uptick in data breaches and insider attacks. Businesses must embrace all data storage options that will safely transfer information from one source to another. Keeping sensitive and employee accessed data safe should remain a top priority.
- Investments in Security: The expectation is that cybersecurity will have a big 2021. Developing a solid plan for defending against malicious attacks should be a top goal for your IT department. You may even consider making a significant yet critical investment in a security and compliance platform to secure your network.
With all the uncertainty this year has caused, it is not surprising that these trends help define the future of cybersecurity. As we enter the new year, it is refreshing to know that protection and prevention hold a crucial spot on IT teams’ priority list.
New Year, New Expectations, New Themes
If your organization is anything like other financial institutions, trying to navigate the cyberworld, you have high hopes and expectations for cybersecurity advancements in upcoming years. The trends stated above are only a few examples of what businesses must know to navigate the future cyber world. Gartner’s Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2021 claims that cybersecurity in the new year will also focus on these three themes:
- People Centricity: Businesses will center around the people they serve. People will need to be motivated by digital tools to interact and stay connected.
- Location Independence: Technology will continue to shift to accommodate and support remote work.
- Resilience: Cybersecurity will withstand whatever global challenges and risks come its way through smarter technology, proper preparation, and execution.
It is safe to say that quite a few cybersecurity solutions have a bright future, and growth is happening within the industry. Between 2021 trends and themes, we should be encouraged by the focus on community building, which is an essential pillar of the cybersecurity industry. Regardless of how your organization decides to incorporate these predictions into your IT roadmap, remember that the key to a happy customer is a secure one.
