As 2020 ends and the new year looms, we sadly cannot say that the cybersecurity issues of this year have been put behind us. If the predictions flying around are anything to go by, then we may be in for some rough times as far as cybersecurity is concerned in 2021.
The Cyber Security Predictions
- The Corona Virus (COVID-19) has changed the digital world in ways we’ve never seen before. Workers work from home, and this gives hackers an easier open door of access.
- Espionage, cyber-crimes and other forms of cybersecurity breaches are likely going to increase in 2021. The reason for this is the lack of international coordination or sanctions against nations that are known to be sponsoring cyber-espionage or harboring cybercriminals.
- Breaches to data stored in the clouds will continue to increase. Organizations haven’t sanitized their data storage processes which leave a lot of their data unsecured and open to breach.
- This year, the EU introduced the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Many companies have scrambled to comply. Therefore, no major player has actually been hit. 2019 may likely see the beginning of sanctions against defaulters.
- Reliance on the tradition anti-virus will be a risky business in 2019. Damages from ransomware will top $11.5 billion in 2019. This prediction is based on the sophistication of 2018’s malware activities. Therefore, organizations must take a multi-pronged approach to their cybersecurity.
- Experts predict that there will continue to be an increase in password theft and breaches. This is because many have failed to see the importance of taking a serious look at their “passwording” system.
- Boards of organizations will begin to take more interest in cybersecurity. This is because of the increased impact of cybersecurity on different aspects of modern-day business operations. Boards will discuss it with a view to coming to a better understanding of the subject.
Conclusion
It is clear that the prognosis for cyber security in 2021 is not so good. We must therefore as individuals and organizations begin to take the security of our space more seriously. We must also strategize and deploy tools that will improve the security of our business and personal data.
