8 IT Security Trends To Keep Your Eye On

2018 alone has seen many high profile cyber attacks. Therefore IT security is now at the forefront of every consumer, business and software developer's mind. Here are a few trends to keep a close watch on to ensure your risk management is up to snuff.  

1. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is making waves as of late, but especially in the realm of security as machine learning means its easier to both prevent and launch cyber attacks. Just as hackers could potentially use this latest technology to develop more sophisticated attacks, security professionals are utilizing AI to learn from and identify possible threats to help them put together a more successful defense.

2. Cloud based security 

Cloud based security is becoming more and more necessary as more businesses rely on digital data. Information must be stored on secure servers in order to be deemed safe. According to SC Media, "cloud-delivered security products are more agile and can implement new detection methods and services faster than on-site solutions.”

3. Multi-factor authentication 

For the many of us that use the same passwords for all of our accounts, it should come as no surprise that weak or stolen passwords are a major cause of data breaches. However, multi-factor authentication can circumnavigate this kind of security gap. By requiring more than one credential to verify a user's identity, it ensures that a stolen password doesn't have a domino like affect on other accounts.

4. Remote browsing 

Remote browsing allows you to browse the internet via a browser that is hosted by the cloud instead of an application on your device. It has become an effective way of isolating and protecting user information from malware.

5. Evading Sandboxes

Sandboxes have been successful in the past at detecting and preventing unverified parties from accessing operating systems by providing a controlled space for them to run in. However, malicious code bypassing sandboxes is becoming a more prominent issue in security. Viruses are now able to detect that they are in a sandbox. Instead of attacking immediately, they stay inactive and undetected until out of the controlled environment.

6. Internet of Things Ransomware 

Ransomware has always been a popular attack method. Encrypting files that cannot be regained or used until payment usually means a big pay out. However, such an attack could be more dangerous than once anticipated in terms of the Internet of Things. As many connected objects don't yet have a well developed security system, they're easy pray. While IoT's like home appliances and gadgets seem to be of low risk, smart cars and manufacturing organizations could by critically targeted.   

7. Cryptojacking 

An alternative to ransomware, cryptojacking generates currency instead of holding your software hostage to get it. Cryptojacking occurs once a hacker has gained access to a computer and installed software that mines online currency such as bitcoin. Except for a slower functioning computer, users don't usually notice and are able to use their computer as normal.  Access is mostly given via a malicious link in an email, website, or online ad. 

8. Email security 

Email security is of the upmost priority for individual and business accounts. This is because email is one of the most common applications attackers use to gain unauthorized access. Measures like encryption, utilizing strong passwords and spam filters can go a long way to protect against potential leaks. Additionally, avoiding public WiFi connections, being careful of revealing sensitive information, and only opening messages from trusted contacts will ensure you are not compromised.

At Number8, we connect companies with IT talent and software developers that are fully trained in product development. By encouraging talent to come up with creative solutions, they remain motivated and positively contribute to a healthy company culture. If you’re interested in learning more about Number8 and what we do, give us a call at 502-212-0978, or check out our information page.