Cyber Security Trends 2022
Cyber security trends for 2022 are not expected to slow down at all. Keeping networks secure from attacks was one of the main focuses for almost all businesses, as well as the U.S. government in 2021. Companies have allocated a lot of their budget to secure their networks from cyber attacks. However, as technology evolves, so do the tactics used by cyber criminals. Organizations will have to stay ahead of the game to protect their business from attacks.
Gartner recently released its Top 8 Cybersecurity Predictions for the next three years. As a whole, companies and governments worldwide will give more attention to cyber security, and businesses will transition to more SaaS delivery models.
Here’s a look at cyber security trends to watch for in 2022.
More Security Training
As businesses, especially small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), begin to realize how vulnerable they are to cyber attacks and the potential monetary losses and consequences resulting from mistakes, they will begin investing in employee training.
Keeping employees informed and trained on identifying potential threats will help to reduce the chances of being attacked significantly. A 2021 report from a cybersecurity awareness training firm, KnowBe4, found that many employees working for small- and medium-sized businesses could not identify social engineering attacks or understand how cyber security risks adversely affect the company. Additionally, it confirms that training frequency matters—consistent and regular training is key to mitigating risks.
Increased Budgets for Cyber Security
Common keywords used by executives on Q2 and Q3 quarterly earnings calls included “supply chains” and “cyber security.” These phrases are growing hot topics of discussion among company leaders. Additionally, a recent survey found that more than 25% of C-level executives are preparing to increase cyber budgets in 2022 by at least 10%, whereas in 2021, only 8% planned for a double-digit increase.
So, why the budget increase? Companies are starting to realize the expense and detrimental risk that accompanies failing to protect employee and customer data as well as their network systems.
Unfortunately, cyber criminals are becoming better organized and more sophisticated in their approach for attacks in 2022. Here’s what to watch out for:
Ransomware Attacks. Ransomware was a challenge for businesses in 2021, and it will continue to be a concern for companies in 2022. Let these statistics sink in:
- 30,000 daily hacks on websites worldwide
- 94% of all malware comes from employees engaging with the email
Email is not the only way malware gains access to the corporate network, but it’s one of the most common ways. Phishing attacks caused by employees clicking on emails will continue into 2022, but cyber criminals are using more advanced methods for their activity.
Phishing Threats. The number of phishing emails will continue to grow. Why? It’s simple and effective, and yet the threats will be more personalized, localized, and geo-targeted because cyber criminals are doing their research. They are using the same approach as companies do to target clients. Personal information is on the dark web, so if enough data is collected, cyber criminals will be able to deliver emails that contain personal information that’s more believable than a generic broadcast email.
Supply Chain Attacks. In 2021, supply chain attacks were highly publicized because of the major disruptions they caused for the business and people in general. A supply chain attack happens when an unauthorized visitor compromises a company’s network by entering through an outside partner or provider with access to the company’s system. Supply chain attacks are becoming easier to execute because systems are more interdependent on one another. If there’s disruption on one system, it can quickly spread across all interconnect software. The European Union expected that four times as many supply chain attacks in 2021 than there were in 2020, and the number is expected to increase or 2022. A current list of significant cyber incidents is available from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The threat of supply chain attacks is so significant, Gartner predicts that by 2025, 60% of all organizations will evaluate third-party transactions and business engagements using cyber security risks as a primary factor.
Rise in Attacks on Healthcare Sector
The healthcare sector will see continued efforts from cyber criminals in 2022 because patient records contain a lot of valuable personal information, and they are easy to infiltrate. When employees moved remote and started working from home during COVID, more opportunities opened for cyber criminals because organizations relaxed their firewall rules. Cyber criminals had more devices and different networks to use as front doors to company networks. Also, healthcare facilities such as doctor’s offices and other small medical offices don’t necessarily have the budget to have cyber security professionals on staff.
Prepare for 2022
Be ready for 2022 and know the risks that may affect your network and data. Don’t leave your organization open to an attack that’s preventable with additional software, procedures, or network attention. Do you have the personnel to adequately manage your network or set up automated processes to keep your system safe? At the very least, set up a training program for employees to educate them on how to spot threats and know what to do if they spot cyber attack attempts.
Visual Edge specializes in managed I.T. services and security, cloud computing, and print/copy solutions for businesses across the U.S., including remote offices. The company has more than 30 years of technology service with a national network of expert engineers. Request your no-obligation assessment today and get a free dark web analysis.
