Data security is arguably the single most critical challenge facing companies in the digital age. The importance of data has never been greater – but it’s becoming harder for companies to store and manage it.
With so many of the most affordable devices, platforms, and services leveraging cloud-based technology, it’s no wonder that cybercrime is getting harder to prevent and harder to contain.
The time is ripe for innovation, and companies need to think carefully about how they can secure their data from all forms of malicious attack. The threats are changing, but technology is evolving too.
Here are the data security trends we can expect in 2022.
1. New cybersecurity threats
Threats continue to evolve. The most notorious cyber-attacks in recent years have been ransomware, where criminals steal data by encrypting files and holding them ransom for a hefty sum – usually payable in Bitcoin.
Recently, we’ve seen a new kind of ransomware called EDA (extended-decryption adware). EDA takes over compromised computers and uses infected devices to mine cryptocurrency. And the stolen cryptocurrency is then laundered and sold on by cybercriminals.
2. The rise of AI and machine learning
AI and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming the landscape of security, with AI increasingly being used to help fight cybercrime. AI has already become a powerful tool for tackling malware. It uses deep-learning technology and algorithms to identify and neutralize malware.
AI also offers useful insights for businesses looking to improve their cybersecurity. Deep learning and predictive analytics can be used by organizations to predict where vulnerabilities are likely to lie in infrastructure, applications, and data. This helps businesses improve security infrastructure and reduce the likelihood of attacks in the future.
3. Blockchain technology
Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology (DLT). DLT allows secure, verifiable transactions to be recorded on a shared network without a central authority.
Blockchain is used to store data securely, and it can be used to encrypt sensitive documents, such as employee records or financial data. This added layer of security is appealing to businesses in many industries.
Blockchain is emerging as a helpful tool for combating cybercrime. The on-off nature of some blockchain transactions may help to stop people from moving illegitimately acquired data across networks. This could help to protect businesses against cybercrime.
4. Data archiving
Data archiving refers to the practice of storing data securely, outside of a company’s network. It is particularly important for businesses with multiple offices or team members working from remote locations. Archiving data off-site ensures an extra layer of protection against cybercrime.
Enterprises can also archive data off-site but keep this archive available for their business needs. For example, if a company has an off-site data archive, it can use it to restore any lost or damaged data. This can help to ensure that data is secure and backed up at all times.
5. Device management
Device management is a relatively new term, but it’s an important development for cybersecurity. Device management refers to the process of controlling and managing access to devices on a network.
Companies looking to protect their data need to ensure they implement device management in a way that delivers watertight security. Companies need to have an effective plan in place, with controls in place to detect and remove malware, as well as access management.
Ensuring that devices and software are designed to work together securely is a key factor in protecting data. Device management can also help companies to identify risks. It can help to identify when devices are under threat and which, if any, devices are no longer secure.
6. Data encryption
Data encryption is another excellent tool for safeguarding data. It mainly refers to the practice of scrambling data so that it can’t be read. Depending on the level of encryption, data can be protected either in transit or at rest within an organization’s network.
Businesses need to be able to encrypt data both in transit and at rest to ensure that any sensitive information remains secure at all times. Companies should also ensure that they use encryption compatible with all encryption standards, software, and devices.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is an extremely complex field. The threats are continually evolving, and the methods of attack are changing too. The time for innovation is now. Companies need to ensure that their security strategy is robust and that they have the right blend of technology in place to protect their data.
Companies looking to implement adequate data security measures need to think carefully about how they can protect their data. Both IT infrastructure and data need to be secure at all times. Today, it’s also vital that security is integrated into all aspects of an organization’s operations by implementing and monitoring training, security policies, and encryption.