2023 is shaping up to be a big year for cyber security, and the indications are that we can expect to see a number of changes and developments in the way that organisations and individuals protect themselves from cyber threats. We’ve put our heads together to highlight 6 key predictions for what we might see in the next year.

1. Increased use of artificial intelligence:

As AI and machine learning technologies continue to improve, we can expect to see more organisations using these tools to enhance their cyber security efforts. One example of this could be the use of AI-based systems to automate the process of identifying and patching vulnerabilities in software. These systems can be trained to analyse code, identify potential vulnerabilities, and then automatically generate and apply patches to address those vulnerabilities.

2. Greater focus on cloud security:

 As more companies move their data and applications to the cloud, we can expect to see a greater emphasis on securing these cloud-based resources in 2023. The trend of just  'assuming data is safe because its with a popular cloud provider' looks to become less prevalent, with organisations becoming more aware of their security obligations whilst using cloud suppliers. We also expect to see an increase in the use of encryption to protect data in transit and at rest in the cloud. This ensures that even if a cybercriminal does manage to gain access to cloud-based data, they will not be able to read or use it.

3. More advanced social engineering attacks:

Social engineering attacks, in which cybercriminals trick people into revealing sensitive information or taking certain actions, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. in 2023 we can expect to see new forms of social engineering attacks emerging. For example, deepfake technology, which allows the creation of highly realistic videos and audio that can be used to impersonate someone, will be used to create convincing phishing emails or phone calls. This makes it much harder for people to identify and avoid these attacks. Additionally, as more people are working from home in the aftermath of the pandemic, vishing (voice phishing) has become a trending attack vector whereby attackers impersonate IT support or other trusted figures to trick employees into giving away sensitive information or access to company resources.

4. Ransomware will continue to be a major threat:

Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly common, and in 2023 the indications are that we can expect to see a number of changes and developments in the way that organisations and individuals protect themselves from cyber threats. With criminals focusing on specific industries or types of organisations. For example, ransomware attacks against healthcare organisations can have particularly severe consequences, as they can disrupt patient care and potentially even put lives at risk. To protect against ransomware, companies should ensure that they have up-to-date backups of their data and regularly test their ability to restore data from those backups in case of an attack.

5. Emergence of new IoT vulnerabilities: 

As the number of IoT devices in use continues to grow, we can expect to see a new set of vulnerabilities and attack vectors emerging in 2023. One example is the use of default or weak passwords on IoT devices, which can allow cybercriminals to take control of those devices and use them to launch further attacks. Another example is the use of weak encryption on IoT devices, which can allow cybercriminals to intercept and read data transmitted by those devices. To protect against these IoT vulnerabilities, organisations and individuals should ensure that they are using strong and unique passwords for all IoT devices, and that they are keeping those devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.

6. The development of quantum computing:

Quantum computers are much more powerful than traditional computers. Quantum computers use qubits, instead of classical bits, to perform calculations. This means that they can perform certain types of calculations much faster that traditional computers, such as the factorisation of large integers. This is the process of breaking a large number into its prime factors, which is a crucial step in many encryption algorithms, such as RSA. This could make it possible to break encryption algorithms that are currently considered secure, and it could also enable cybercriminals to develop new and more sophisticated attack methods. While quantum computers are still in their early stages of development, and it's likely to take some time before they become widely available, it's important for organisations to be aware of the potential implications of quantum computing for cybersecurity and to keep abreast of updates and developments to help prepare for this emerging threat.

The cyber threat landscape will continue to change drastically in 2023 and organisations need to be prepared for new and evolving threats. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect against cyber threats, organisations can reduce the risk of a successful attack and minimise the impact if one does occur. If you need any assistance with your cyber security posture, get in touch with P3M Works today to see how we can help.