Evolving challenges of cybersecurity in 2021
CYBERSECURITY is the protection of computer networks and systems from information secrecy, damage, or theft to electronic data software, hardware, and data.
It can help the companies to expand their businesses competitively. Small and medium enterprises can protect their secrecy from cyber attacks and computer viruses.
The challenges of cybersecurity are as vibrant as the field itself and it is ever-changing as the evolution of new technology. Whether it’s information technology development or the internet, businesses must secure their data & secrecy to ensure that their employees are ready to react to cyber-attacks.
They must boost their IT sectors to enhance their cybersecurity measures from growing cybersecurity risks.
They must train their employees with basic security policies and principles, protect their data, devices and networks from cyber attackers by installing security and anti-virus software for updates.
The companies must create a mobile device action plan to meet the cybersecurity challenges, make limited physical access of data by generating unique passwords of employees, and ensure the best practices and anti-fraud services for the banking procedures.
With the advancement of information technology, the threat of cybersecurity continues to advance and become more complicated as malicious risks get smarter. It is compulsory to access the enterprises’ vulnerabilities. They must implement preventive measures and assures protection against cyber crime.
There is a need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to combat the cybersecurity threats, especially when COVID-19 has evolved new challenges for enterprises as they adopt the strategy of a “new normal” in which people work remotely.
After the pandemic, businesses are experiencing a sudden shift to a remote workforce which has major consequences for the industry of cybersecurity. There has been a significant number of people who are working remotely.
Moreover, many organizations have adopted hybrid work models for their routine work. The threat of cybersecurity is increasing day by day because of the remote work environment. The remote workforce has more chance of becoming a victim of a cyberattack.
In 2019, when the emergence of 5G applications was steered, enterprises were considered taking benefits, but at the same time, data is more vulnerable to cyber-breach
The new technology of 5G focused on critical communication applications and IoT but on the other hand, new technologies always come up with new cyber security threats to address.
Cybersecurity experts must look at the potential risks against these evolving technologies and networks. Crypto currency is evolving vastly these days because crypto transactions are digital and secured by cryptography. This is the big deal for businesses and governments based on block chain technology.
Thus, cyber-attacks on crypto currency and block chain have worse challenges in the Cyber security industry for trade because they can compromise the information of client and business operations.
These developments although have exceeded their early phase but, have yet not reached a level of cybersecurity.
Businesses are, therefore, need to be cognizant of the security challenges of the 21st century in the IT domain.
Internet of Things (IoT) is also considered the biggest challenge for cybersecurity in 2021.It is worthwhile to mention that on daily life dependence, computer-based technology is increasing over time, thus exposing to cyber threats also.
These devices are computing, mechanical and digital which includes desktops, laptops, security devices, smart watches, medical devices and cell phones, etc.
By 2025, the number of these devices to the IoT is expected to reach 75 billion (according to Statisa.com). Businesses and individuals are now using these handy gadgets (mobiles, laptops palmtops, etc.) to save money for data collection and streamlining business operations.
Hackers can easily exploit information for their financial gains as more data and information is transmitted by gadgets.
Businesses need to stay vigilant and cautious by instigating secure cybersecurity measures and competent IT professionals as the industry becomes more inter-connected rapidly.
Phishing Scam still a threat for the professionals of cybersecurity in 2021 all over the world.
COVID-19 is an example of a phishing attack. Hackers have moved their target to vaccine-related cheating activities since Moderna and Pfizer have revealed the viability of the Covid-19 vaccination.
Cyber-attackers used this virus to hack information for their financial gains. A study also found that in order to achieve the target, attacks havebeen committed through vaccine-related fraud.
To overcome this challenge, corporations can safeguard their staff and departments by instigating access control strategies even when the professionals are working remotely.
The cyber security workshops and training also evolve as an analytical component when it comes to securing and safeguarding from phishing attacks.
There is no doubt that the previous years have been tumultuous. The cybersecurity industry with the latest technologies is inclining to meet the contemporary challenges.
Safeguarding valuable data and information with professional training and a vigorous cybersecurity policy will help the individuals, organizations, and government to stay ahead of the contest and sustain business operations.
However, the adoption of a security mindset by all individuals in their private or official dealing is considered paramount to address the onslaught of new and more lethal cyber security challenges in the 21st century.
—The author is associated with National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) and contributes to the national press occasionally.
