Cybersecurity is a little bit like sports. Each side—the business owners and the cybercriminals—is trying to outdo the other. Hackers will develop a new way to steal sensitive information, and businesses will counter it by implementing better defenses.

It’s a constant game of cat and mouse but thankfully, businesses are constantly upping their game. And companies don’t always have to be on the defense—here are some cybersecurity trends we expect to see in 2023:

5G Speed and Internet Speeds

Like most things, 5G internet has pros and cons. While it will help us connect faster than ever before, it’s a relatively new architecture, meaning it’s easier to hack. IT experts are still finding vulnerabilities and ways to combat them.

As more devices connect to the internet (think your fridge, household devices, etc.), it creates more pathways for cybercriminals to break through. Businesses need to stay on top of the security for their internet-connected devices and make sure they have the capabilities to handle increased speed and potential attacks.

Mobile Devices and Remote Work

With 9 in 10 workers wanting to be remote at last in some way, securing mobile and remote devices has become essential. It’s not just laptops that need protection; your tablet and cellphone are just as vulnerable to attacks.

Mobile devices account for 60% of digital fraud—like stolen passwords—and some employees may access sensitive company information on their phones.  Make sure to have the proper security features in place, and educate remote workers on how they can protect their devices while working from home.

Companies will also need to focus on encrypting data on mobile devices and implementing strong password policies for remote workers. They’ll also want to consider investing in virtual private networks (VPNs) for added security.

Regulations and Legislation

For the most part, the internet is like the Wild West. The mixture of rapid growth and an inability to hold people accountable create a perfect storm. But as cybercrime becomes more prevalent, governments are starting to take notice and create laws to protect both individuals and businesses.

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe is just one example of an effort to increase data privacy for consumers. Look for more legislation to pop up in the next few years, with a focus on protecting consumer data and holding companies accountable for breaches.

Data Privacy Industry

The online world is always creating more jobs and 2023 will be no exception.  There’s a growing need for professionals in the data privacy industry, as businesses struggle to keep up with regulations and protect sensitive information.

Expect to see more job listings for cybersecurity experts, compliance officers, and data protection specialists in the next few years. There will also likely be an emphasis on continuing education and training as technology evolves and cybercrime tactics become more advanced.

Automation and AI

Businesses are turning to automation and AI for two main reasons: to improve their security and to cut costs. What business owner wouldn’t want that, right? Automation can help businesses automate their cybersecurity processes, including things like password management and data encryption. This helps free up employees to focus on other tasks and improve work-life balance.

In the cybersecurity world, AI can help identify and prevent cyberattacks. By using machine learning, businesses can train AI to recognize patterns in hacker behavior, making it easier to stop them before they do damage.

Cloud Security

$623 billion—that’s what data suggests the cloud market will be worth in 2023. We hope you’re picturing a person’s face with dollar signs in the eyes right now because that’s a whole lot of money.

But this growth also means businesses need to be extra vigilant about their cloud security. Cloud breaches can lead to stolen or leaked data, which can have serious consequences for a company’s reputation and bottom line.

Expect to see more emphasis on multi-factor authentication, encrypting stored data, and ensuring that only authorized employees have access to sensitive information on the cloud. The increasing use of IoT devices will also contribute to a need for strong cloud security measures, as these connected devices can provide entry points for hackers.

Want to Jump on These Trends? Partner with iTology

Like we said at the beginning, cybersecurity is like a sport, and for most sports, it’s essential to have a team. Our cybersecurity solutions can be your defense and offense—you can use IT to protect your data and serve your customers.

We offer a variety of security solutions, from managed firewalls to remote monitoring and management, all tailored to meet the unique needs of your business. And with our team of certified IT professionals, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve got your back in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity.

Have questions or want to work together? Call today or get a cybersecurity risk assessment of your network, security, and technology!