6 Top Cybersecurity Trends To Embrace In 2019
In today’s ever-evolving cyberthreat landscape, it pays to stay ahead of the latest security trends. After all, cybersecurity (or lack thereof) is considered to be the biggest risk to financial markets going into the new year, according to a new survey of risk managers.
In addition, several large breaches have made 2018 one of the worst for security in the healthcare sector. The industrial sector, too, is likely to see new challenges related to ever-growing Internet of Things (IoT).
6 cybersecurity trends to embrace
To combat these and other threats, we recommend taking critical new steps to improve your security posture. Embrace these six security trends in 2019:
The year of xDR (any detection and responses) is coming.
Security tools are becoming focused on proactive rather than reactive moves. The hackers are now the hunted. From endpoint detection and response (EDR), to network-based anomaly detection and managed detection and response (MDR), the landscape is shifting to detecting and responding to threats in real-time. Using AI and Machine Learning (see more on that below), security products are “learning” what an attack looks like, even if the attack has never been executed before. Protection of critical assets continues to be a data analytics exercise with threat hunting becoming a focus for security operations teams.
A strategic plan for cybersecurity investment is now essential.
Forward-looking enterprises are staying ahead of threats by establishing comprehensive data protection strategies and roadmaps. A strategic plan ensures that you’re addressing the right risks, securing the right solutions for your environment, and directing resources effectively regardless of turnover in your IT security team.
In the rush to migrate to cloud services, it’s tempting to overlook security or to get locked into the cloud service provider’s tools without looking at alternatives. The reality is that, often, other security solutions might be more effective for your environment. A cloud-focused roadmap keeps security from becoming an afterthought in your cloud strategy.
Consider incorporating machine learning and AI into your security arsenal.
Multiple threat fronts are prompting the need for multiple layers of security tools. But, too often, these tools aren’t integrated, and neither is the data that tools accumulate. As security solutions begin to incorporate machine learning and AI, you’ll eventually be able to ‘connect the dots’ very quickly with AI tools that can analyze terabytes of security data in minutes to uncover suspicious patterns and anomalies.
Expect increased interest from the C-suite into your security strategy.
As data breaches continue to make headlines, cybersecurity is gaining the attention of the C-suite—and new regulations are upping the ante. Congressional lawmakers are already considering new tools concerning election-related hacking. You’ll need to stay up to date on emerging privacy and security laws that may apply to your organization.
Network segmentation is becoming a best practice.
The volume of connected devices continues to grow, along with the challenge of managing administrative access and ensuring up-to-date patches. We expect to see greater use of microsegmentation, a networking strategy in which an application is separated from the enterprise network to protect the larger organization. It’s particularly useful for separating a manufacturing production system from the larger network, or keeping connected medical devices separate from a healthcare corporate system.
Prioritize end-user education.
The best defenses in the world can be undone when a user responds to a phishing email or visits a malicious site. Smart cybersecurity teams are constantly educating end-users about safe behaviors, monitoring their behaviors, and communicating often about best practices as a vital front-line defense.
Cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated, it’s true. But so are the cybersecurity solutions now at our fingertips. The key is to advance the right strategies, with the right teams in place. For more ideas on how to do exactly that, please get in touch with a Burwood consultant today.
