With the extreme rise in cyberattacks, the role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has become far more critical to an organization’s security than ever before. To effectively deliver the expected performance in this role a superior understanding of the future cybersecurity risks and threats is essential. Specifically, CISOs should be aware of dominant cybersecurity trends and devise mitigation strategies to combat cyber issues.
Top Cybersecurity Trends for CISOs
1. Increasing Software Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks appear more lucrative to attackers since they can affect a larger volume of people with a single attack strategy. There are many recent supply chain attacks that have occurred, for instance the Kaseya supply chain attack is a classic example of such an incident.
Such attacks constitute one of the emerging trends in cyber security, demanding keen attention from CISOs.
2. Ransomware Attacks Continue to Evolve
Numerous ransomware groups have surfaced online in recent years, and while some of them have departed, many have emerged to fill the vacant space. This influx of new ransomware groups introduces new attack vectors for organizations to address.
The onus of defending against such attacks will often involve a CISO among other IT security personnel in a company. CISOs need to identify incoming threats, deploy defensive measures implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) for example, and create plans to lower the extent of potential damages during any unfortunate incidents. Maintaining up-to-date data backup, isolating sensitive databases and systems from the network, and restricting third-party access to the critical systems (both via software and hardware) are essential in this regard.
3. Work-from-Home Security to Be a New Challenge
The post-COVID-19 pandemic era has introduced a novel yet sustainable working strategy, working from home (WFH). While it sounds convenient for employees, it can create cybersecurity risks for organizations.
Employees may not be able to assure the same level of security when connecting to their company network from the outside, that’s where CISOs play a role. Depending on the company’s nature of work and staff work routine, CISOs need to deploy network protection measures to facilitate secure remote connections.
4. An Abundance of IoT Devices Demand Greater Security
Another convenient yet risky innovation in the corporate working environment is the inclusion of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. These internet-connected devices, ranging from printers to illumination systems, come from different vendors and therefore have their own security weaknesses which can directly impact the company’s network and IT security.
Malicious exploitation of even a single vulnerability in a specific device can disseminate the threat to the entire business network or, worst, its clients and business partners. So, while these devices ease the work hassle for staff, they increase the burden of maintaining adequate cybersecurity for CISOs.
5. The “Human” Factor Remains the Biggest Risk
Regardless of how robust and solid security protocols guard a company’s IT structure, efforts may fail with a single human error. CISOs (often responsible for all sorts of cybersecurity maintenance) need to keep this factor in mind.
Since phishing and spear phishing are rising, CISOs need to keep this “human factor” in mind when designing company security strategies.
How CISOs Can Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks
While cybersecurity risks are diverse and abundant, mitigating all of them needs only a few proactive approaches.
The most common yet viable cybersecurity strategy to mitigate threats is to utilise robust firewalls and VPNs while also ensuring regular network scans.
Moreover, keeping all user software up-to-date and isolating sensitive systems from third-party or unauthorized access are also major cybersecurity strategies to prevent breaches.
Similarly, securing web applications via a web app firewall (WAF) is another useful measure. CISOs can also seek professional assistance from web app security firms like Indusface. Hiring such a company allows CISOs more time to focus on other areas by sharing the workload for some of the IT security aspects.
Wrapping Up
Being aware of the upcoming cybersecurity trends helps CISOs manage risk. This knowledge of impending cybersecurity threats empowers CISOs to devise adequate mitigation strategies to protect their IT infrastructure. Although, no one can ensure 100% fool-proof security, such approaches play a significant role in preventing damages incurred during any cybersecurity incidents.