What are the 6 Biggest Cyber Security Trends Expected for 2020?

Every single day, there are new online threats developed and new cyber criminals cropping up. Due to their sophistication accompanying the steady advancements in technology, there is a slew of new threats emerging practically every hour on a daily basis. While 2020 is still brand new, there is so much on the horizon for this year. Along with the threats, there are also six cyber security trends to look out for this year.

Integration of Security with Data Science

Data science is essential for ensuring that companies are competitive. They can improve on AI algorithms and push companies quickly into the future. However, while AI such as that incorporated in cloud technology, has increased in usage throughout many industries, its implementation can lead to privacy leaks and other concerns. When security and data science is combined, it can lead to numerous potential issues that can compromise the data.

More Small Scale Attacks

In most cases, cyber attacks that have occurred that make headlines are those that are massive and affect large companies and corporations. The Experian data breach that occurred in 2017 is a prime example of this. However, one trend to look out for in 2020 is that there will be additional smaller scale cyber attacks occurring. While hackers will continue to target huge companies, they will also focus on compromising the security of small businesses with fewer customers as well.

More Sophisticated Attacks

In addition to hackers and other cyber criminals increasing their number of attacks this year, you can also expect those attacks to be more sophisticated. As technology advances, thieves continue to grow savvier and more difficult to stop. This will also require more top tier professionals to combat these cyber attacks in many different sectors of business.

Increase in Mobile Attacks

Obviously, at this point, there are more people using mobile devices than ever. That goes for both business and personal use. As a result, criminals are eyeing them as prime targets of their cyber attacks. Technology is making it even easier than ever for a hacker to strike cell phones, tablets, laptops and other mobile devices. This is especially relevant if the devices used for business purposes are not protected for transport layer security or TLS. You may be asking yourself, “What is TLS?” It is a security protocol that provides strong security for privacy and communications online. It uses encryption in email, messaging and VoIP, processes that are all traditionally used frequently on mobile devices.

Cyber thieves can further their attacks on mobile devices through fake apps, a means that has grown in the past few years on the Android platform. This and other malware attacks highlight the need for better security measures on mobile devices, including not only the use of antivirus protection and a virtual private network or VPN, but also better awareness of potential mobile security risks.

Phishing Attacks will Rise

Phishing will remain a dominant means of online threat in 2020 in spite of the sophistication of cyber attacks emerging. Thieves will continue to send fraudulent emails posing as reputable companies in order to entice people to click on a link or enter sensitive personal or financial information. One way they have more recently honed this method is through text messages in addition to emails. If a person isn’t tech savvy enough to recognize that the message does not come from the real company, they can easily fall prey.

More Accountability

Considering all the online threats that exist today, companies will be held to a higher standard of being fully prepared to fight them. This means being able to effectively eliminate a threat once it’s detected and preventing certain attacks from even occurring in the first place. In this day and age, there’s no excuse for businesses to not have exceptional IT teams fully equipped to handle cyber threats.

These are some of the biggest cyber security trends to keep your eyes peeled for in 2020. Although hackers and other online criminals continue to grow even savvier and bolder, you can do your part to ensure that your business and sensitive data remains as secure as possible.