By Alicia Tarrance
A new year is upon us, and as technology advances, so do cybersecurity threats and privacy issues. This article will touch on some of the many problematic cyber-related threats you can expect to increase as the year progresses and how endpoint vulnerabilities are a growing problem.
With a new year comes fresh business opportunities but also heightened threats for anyone with access to technology. Like legitimate enterprises, threat actors are incentivized to level up innovation to mitigate the effects of inflation and other adverse economic issues.
What Will the New Year Bring?
Every year, companies predict what problems the new year may bring and solutions to combat them. More people are working from home than ever before, further increasing cybersecurity risks and privacy issues. A 2022 study showed that since 2019, the number of people working from home has tripled, going from 5.7% (roughly 9 million people) to a whopping 17.9% (27.6 million people!)
The start of a new year is always filled with both possibility and danger. In an ever-evolving world of technology, cybersecurity threats and privacy issues are constantly on the rise. Companies continue to predict what problems may arise in the upcoming year and create solutions to combat them—as such, investing in the latest cutting-edge security technologies and advanced AI systems is the best way to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
Endpoint Vulnerabilities
Endpoint vulnerabilities are a growing problem, so ensure that your computers and mobile devices are protected with robust anti-virus software and encrypted networks. It’s also important to educate yourself on basic cyber safety protocols and continue updating them as needed to stay safe. With the right measures in place, you can help prepare yourself for what may be in store this coming year and beyond.
The threats of the devastating war going on in Ukraine will affect the US with Russia’s new cyber weapons. One expert, Joshua Aaron, CEO of Aiden Technologies, said, “2022 was another record-breaking year for cybercrime with both the number and cost of data breaches eclipsing any prior year. … Russia is again using Ukraine as its cyber-warfare petri dish. New cyber weapons being developed as a part of the war will undoubtedly be used against US & EU critical infrastructure and businesses.”
Aaron continued, “Businesses need to urgently embrace new technologies in endpoint management and patch management, rather than rely on traditional tools and manual processes that have failed to protect companies.”
Endpoint vulnerability is a major issue that businesses must take seriously to protect their networks from unwanted access. By keeping track of what endpoints are vulnerable, companies can drastically reduce the chances of their networks being accessed by malicious actors. It is also essential for businesses to adopt the latest technologies and tools available so that they can have the best safety protocols in place.
Companies should keep themselves up-to-date with the most recent technology releases and solutions, as outdated systems may expose them to attack. Additionally, having trust in people alone to fix security issues is not enough, as it does not provide enough protection or coverage for businesses against potential attacks. For this reason, embracing new technology and tools is an absolute must if companies want an adequate level of security on their networks. Investing in updated systems ensures that networks are kept safe and secure, protecting them from unwelcome access.
Joshua states, “Corporate boards have gotten the message that endpoint vulnerability is critical. That message arrived loud and clear through cautionary tales of breaches at other companies, urgent alerts from analysts like Gartner, and a steady stream of cybersecurity reports from trusted industry and governmental entities like the ones recently published by CISA and ENISA.”
Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in privacy issues as technology progresses, and it has become increasingly easier for malicious actors to gain access to confidential company information. With this being said, many organizations fail to provide adequate training to their employees, leaving them more vulnerable to potential cyberattacks or security breaches. The consequence of this negligence has been severe, with reports showing that identity theft-induced financial losses have risen by an alarming 77% since 2020.
It is not only internal individuals that businesses need to be aware of, but outside companies too. Numerous cases have been reported where personal data belonging to customers has been sold off without their knowledge or consent. This violates customer rights and can lead to significant fines and serious reputational damage for the organization in question.
Conclusion
It is evident that endpoint vulnerability poses a serious threat to businesses, and the consequences of not taking proper precautions can be severe. Companies must ensure they have the latest technologies in place to keep their networks secure against malicious actors or data breaches. Furthermore, ongoing education and training around security protocols should also be provided to staff members so that everyone understands how to keep company information safe from potential harm. By following these steps, organizations will help protect themselves and customers’ data while creating a more secure digital future for all stakeholders involved.
Staying vigilant and keeping your systems up to date with the current technologies should greatly decrease your losses. This year will be full of many challenges. Are you prepared to face them?
Alicia Tarrance is a budding writer and content creator focusing on technology, cybersecurity, and social issues. She is a regular contributor to Brilliance Security Magazine. Based in the American southwest, Alicia is highly sought after for her insightful commentary and sharp writing style. When she’s not busy crafting the next great article, she enjoys being a mom and spending time with her family.
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