Since many of us currently utilize a remote or hybrid working model, threats like DDoS, credential breaches, phishing, and malware attacks are still ever present. Cybersecurity predictions for 2022 suggest a further rise in their persistence. Therefore, CIOs must tackle threats with increased vigilance.
The remainder of this article lists key factors CIOs should consider when creating mitigation strategies for cybersecurity threats in 2022.
Top 5 Cybersecurity Threat Management Predictions and Practices For 2022
1. Ensure Robust Password Security
The topmost threat prevention strategy that CIOs should implement is the practice of creating strong passwords.
Criminal hackers will always look for ways to infiltrate accounts and networks by stealing passwords. They perform different cybersecurity attacks, from malware infections to phishing/spear phishing attacks.
Therefore, CIOs must ensure that each password in their organization’s network is resilient enough to fend off such attacks. From creating complex passwords that prevent brute-force to applying multi-factor authentication, organizations must ensure that every account or network access is protected behind several checks that ensure password and application security alike.
2. Implementing Robust Web App and SaaS Security
According to Gartner’s cybersecurity predictions 2022, around 80% of enterprises will move to unified SSE (security service edge) solution providers by 2025. This will help organizations maintain a consistent web, app, and SaaS security status across all platforms. Gartner also predicts that organizations will become more concerned with third-party security when partnering with firms.
Therefore, CIOs are responsible for providing appropriate security solutions to protect the business structure. Collaborating with dedicated application security firms like Indusface can help with a multitude of different security solutions.
3. Protecting Networks Behind VPNs
As the latest cybersecurity trends point toward an increase in ransomware attacks and a higher risk of users with work-from-home models, using a VPN is now the norm, this is to ensure that only trusted IP addresses can access company systems as well as to avoid adversaries intercepting sensitive data via MiTM attacks.
Deploying robust VPNs helps protect the entire business network, including remotely connected users, therefore CIOs can use these to reduce the attack surface.
4. Maintaining Data Backups
Ransomware attacks constitute one of the top cybersecurity threats in 2022, therefore having an up-to-date backup is a must, CIOs should ensure backup servers are robust and well-protected.
Further to the above, backups should be regularly tested to avoid restoration issues should the time come when a full restore is required.
5. Devising Risk Management
No one can create a foolproof defense strategy without identifying specific threats posed to the business, CIOs should take necessary steps to identify potential cybersecurity threats to their firm’s IT infrastructure, data assets, and finances. In light of these details, CIOs can develop risk management plans to tackle any potential disastrous situation in the future.
In addition, CIOs shouldn’t leave their plans stagnate, threats need to be kept at the forefront with technological evolution and ever-changing business goals. Therefore, CIOs must periodically review existing threats, test the effectiveness of their response plans, and keep monitoring this niche for continuous security.
Wrapping Up
CIOs hold a critical position in any organization’s cybersecurity structure. The onus for every good or bad happening with the firm’s IT environment is on the CIOs. Hence, they inevitably need to be aware of the latest cybersecurity predictions for 2022 and beyond to stay ahead of the existing threats. MSPs like Indusface can always assist in creating a secure online working environment for their clients.