Cyber security is a major priority for any business today. With more and more of our data storage and processes taking place online, having a reliable security system in place has become vital for companies to remain secure. Cyber security is a very fluid area and one where the risks are constantly evolving – so what does the future look like for cyber security and what can your business do to prepare for what comes next?
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is already playing a key role in many business processes. From handling big data to being utilised in customer service, this new, evolving technology brings with it significant cyber security risks. As machine learning becomes ever more central to business-critical processes, a wider range of vulnerabilities opens up and can be exploited by those who know how. However, AI can also be used to develop responses to these vulnerabilities and to warn business owners about risky websites or poor choices. Understanding the technology you use within your business, and its inherent risks, is key to preparing for the future of cyber security.
An increase in cyber attacks
The frequency of cyber-attacks is thought to be around one every 39 seconds. Most of these attacks are achieved with automated scripts that crawl through databases and systems looking for weak points. Each one of these scripts has to be written by someone with advanced technical knowledge and understanding of IT security protocols. As we move towards an ever-growing reliance of technology within business, it’s going to become more important than ever to have the ability to protect against cyber based threats. Whether this is by ensuring the maintenance of your systems via regular upgrades and updates, or by having a designated IT support team that can identify threats before they can materialise, ensuring that your business is protected will be paramount for success and longevity.
The need for new cyber security talent
This is going to be a big growth area for economies all over the world and one that businesses also need to focus on. Having the right cyber security talent can protect a business and ensure that resources are being properly used. Paid-for software can only go so far as the range of cyber security threats continues to evolve and human input is going to be essential. However, experts can be expensive and it’s often difficult to justify a large spend on cyber security if a problematic event has not yet occurred. Solutions for individual businesses range from outsourcing cyber security requirements to upskilling and training staff in-house.
Problems with legacy tech
Many of the major cyber security issues that have arisen in recent years can be traced back to legacy tech. For example, the ‘WannaCry’ ransomware attack in 2017 was enabled by the vulnerability created as a result of computers running older versions of Windows in 150 countries. Out of date systems are a big issue when it comes to cyber security, as many manufacturers simply stop releasing updates and patches for out-of-date systems, leaving them seriously vulnerable. Plus, legacy tech creates reliance on other pieces of legacy tech and equipment to continue to function. A simple way to get out ahead of this future risk for any business is to regularly update equipment and systems with the latest software to reduce the risk of becoming exposed to increasingly sophisticated malware threats.
Cyber security is an evolving area within IT support. From the increased use of AI to the huge rise in malware threats, having a strategy in place to protect your business is vital. To find out how our team can ensure your business is operating with the latest cyber security software, visit our ‘IT Security & Data Protection’ page for more information, or email us at support@sads.com.
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