The pandemic caused many companies to cope with new threats regarding cybersecurity. Many employees had to convert into home office mode resulting in a drastic change in working patterns. They connect with companies’ servers from all different devices and localisations around the globe. It expands terrain for cyberattacks and stresses the importance of cyber protection. We are more digitally dependant than ever before, so penetration testing services are a foundation to any business.
While the vaccine is already here, most businesses choose to remain in the remote work mode until at least the summer of 2021. Other organizations will implement this workforce distribution into their long-term business plans. Last year suppliers went all-in into the digitalization process to be more flexible and independent. This year cybersecurity professionals empathize a crucial role in building a secure digital space to recover from the crisis resiliently.
After such a challenging period, let’s see what business owners should consider when dealing with cyber protection in 2021.
Automation Process
Skilled and qualified IT experts were at a premium even before the coronavirus outbreak. Researchers estimate the global workforce gap to calculate around 4 million employees. As a result of these estimates, companies must increasingly look for automation solutions to relieve existing staff’s overfilled schedule. The main resource focus should stay on protection against emerging security threats and developing new strategies.
Simple errors and tasks should be performed automatically, letting employees focus more on areas requiring in-depth human expertise. Employee fatigue and lack of complacency increase cybersecurity issues. Companies shall take this human error factor into careful consideration. Advanced automation technologies are easily accessible and don’t end on streamlining processes like Dropbox and a corporate VPN.
Cloud Security
Many companies decide to move their applications and services to the cloud to make access more efficient and straightforward. Those platforms require a high level of protection, as serious problems may arise from misconfigured could resources.
Cloud computing is internet computing. Unprotected data can be easily compromised by a hacker attack, reckless password security, or a resentful employee. Data breaches and the use of ransomware are expected to rise in the upcoming year. When companies recodify processes for maximum agility and profits, preliminary analysis and IT expert advice are essential.
Data Protection
The digitalization level is boosting. Companies’ responsibility for the stored and collected data expands, which may be an obstacle for small and medium-sized enterprises. Data protection is necessary for all organizations operating in the EU and other markets such as China and Australia, from sole proprietorships to big international corporations.
For companies operating on an international level, it is crucial to be up to date with GDPR, DIFC, and CCPA regulatory frameworks. Privacy is a growing trend that makes transformation strategies more complex and raises the pressure to improve sensitive data management. Without strong security controls, a company’s resources are exposed to internal and external threats.
5G Security
Experts anticipate that the 5G network centralized on personal data transfer will completely change the face of the IT industry. IoT technology connected with 5G will cause massive business transformations. But enabling autonomous transportation, smart manufacturing, and supply chains will require a high level of protection.
The number of devices connecting with 5G is expected to expand rapidly in 2021. To protect those devices from cyberattacks, organizations should consider new means of securing against breaches and new forms of attacks to maximize customer and enterprise protection.
Machine Learning
ML’s (machine learning) primary purpose is to analyze and automate massive data clusters efficiently in as little time as possible. It is extremely helpful in enabling organizations to perfect data security. However, monitoring user network behavior, analyzing user activity, and network parameters are only a few aspects of its use.
ML can be used to detect system anomalies and launch complex cyberattacks based on a detailed data analysis. As the number of companies that use Machine Learning is rapidly growing, they need to ensure that all security protocols are robust and reliable. As the average cost of a data breach reaches $3.86M, a powerful defense towards hostile Machine Learning attacks is key.
Business Security in 2021
Last year redefined our work structures, changing our perception of security, privacy, and outlook on business technology. 2021 is the time for local and international organizations to perfect their digital presence and maintain the status quo. While technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and machine learning gain popularity and rapidly accelerate transformations and growth, they can cause a potential threat to companies’ assets.
Enterprises need to perfect their network security in all sectors, especially on resources stored in the cloud. When securing your resources and data, think broadly and prevent hazards on all user devices, such as laptops, terminals, mobile phones, and PCs. According to statistics, 78% of businesses claim they lack knowledge and skills regarding cyber protection. So make sure that your organization’s goal for 2021 is mastering digital models while maximizing business security.