Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Flipboard 0 If you thought 2017 was bad, just wait to see what 2018 has in store. Experts across the board are predicting an increase in cyber attacks this coming year, new and more sophisticated methods of attack, and more devastating data breach impacts. All of these risks are important to understand, but pay careful attention to Nos. 4 and 5. While most companies are taking steps to prepare for the first three, progress is lagging when it comes to identifying negligent employees and deploying prevention strategies. Prediction: Ransomware on the Rise Ransomware will be a widespread method of attack again in 2018. It is one of quickest and easiest ways for criminals to cash in, largely due to companies using outdated legacy systems that are easy to hack and ignoring insider threats. Hackers are coming up with ransomware attacks that are harder for security products to detect. Instead of running files on your computer that can be detected by antivirus software, hackers will use code that seems legitimate because it runs in programs like Microsoft Word. Solution: Backup your files in the cloud and on external devices, and patch your devices. Prediction: IoT Interconnectivity Risks The increasing interconnection of devices from smartphones to vehicles to appliances – referred to as the Internet of things (IoT) – further complicates security. In the recent AT&T Cybersecurity Insights survey, nearly one-third of respondents cited IoT attacks among their top concerns. As smart devices continue to hit the market without security regulations, attacks will increase. Taking advantage of these vulnerable devices, IoT-based DDoS attacks are expected to grow both in size and traffic. Solution: Assess your risk and create an actionable strategy using these tips. Prediction: Tougher Regulations With strict regulations like the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171 taking effect this year, businesses will need a deeper grasp and understanding of their data. Countless businesses are not ready for these, and many will find themselves scrambling to comply in order to avoid fines and penalties. Solution: Check your blind spots. Prediction: Negligent or Malicious Employees Businesses tend to focus on external threats from hackers, but your own employees are more likely to cause a breach – often by accidentally mishandling data or acting negligently. This is a huge threat because most companies don’t take insider risks seriously. According to Harvard Business Review, the role that insiders play in the vulnerability of all sizes of corporations is massive and growing. IBM’s 2016 Cyber Security Intelligence Index found that 60 percent of attacks were carried out by insiders. Three-quarters of those were the result of malicious intent, and one-quarter were mistakes. Solution: Use employee monitoring software to determine which security policies are being violated, and by which employees. Tracking tools reduce insider risks by analyzing trends in employee behavior and allowing you to write rules that prevent risky behavior such as sensitive information being sent by email or confidential records being printed. Prediction: Reactive Approaches Far too many companies still have a reactive approach to cyber security, taking action only when a breach occurs. However, the tide is beginning to shift as businesses realize the risks of legacy systems and the limitations of firewall protection. Solution: Proactive prevention strategies such as monitoring and data analysis. 2018 Cyber Security Predictions Infographic – Credit: IT Security Central This was originally published in IT Security Central and was reprinted with permission. Read more: Cybersecurity in a Hyper-Connected Smart City Twitter Tweet Facebook Share Email This article was written for Business 2 Community by Connor Brooke.Learn how to publish your content on B2C Author: Connor Brooke Connor is a Scottish financial expert, specialising in wealth management and equity investing. Based in Glasgow, Connor writes full-time for a wide selection of financial websites, whilst also providing startup consulting to small businesses. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, and a Master’s degree in Investment Fund Management, Connor has … View full profile ›More by this author:ACH Crypto Price Prediction 2022 – Is it a Buy?Lucky Block Partners with Dillian Whyte ahead of Heavyweight Showdown with Tyson FuryNFT Pixel Art – The Best NFT Collections for 2022