As the world undergoes a complete digital transformation, experts anticipate cyberattacks will increase and become more sophisticated. Large companies will not be immune, and small businesses will be targeted more frequently because they are considered easier, softer targets by cybercriminals.

Many companies never recover from a data breach. In fact, 60% close their doors permanently within six months after suffering a serious cyberattack. Being aware of the latest threats will help you be more prepared. The following will discuss eight cybersecurity trends that your business should watch out for in 2022.

1) Raising Awareness

When an organization is attacked by hackers, it is often their customers who are most victimized because their personal information has been compromised. One important step is educating users on how to be safer online to protect themselves. In addition, companies should also train their employees on how to help prevent cyberattacks that are carried out through social engineering techniques such as baiting and scareware.

2) Predictive Analytics

Cloud security needs to be improved because many cloud services do not offer secure encryption. Insufficient cloud security can attract cyberattacks that result in the theft of sensitive data. The implementation of predictive analytics for cybersecurity make cloud platforms much less vulnerable to hacking and data breaches. Predictive analytics are capable of discovering a data breach before it can occur.

3) Geo-Targeted Phishing

Phishing is the most extensive cybersecurity threat, and part of its effectiveness is simply being delivered via emails and victimizing many people over a brief period of time. These phishing emails have malicious links embedded in them, and they are now both more personalized and localized through geo-targeting. Phishing is best combated through employee training, so staff will not open these emails and click on links, resulting in damaging data breaches. 

4) Healthcare Sector

The healthcare sector is become a favored target of cybercriminals, leading to ransomware attacks that can be very costly to an organization. The coronavirus pandemic has let to many healthcare companies easing their firewall policies to allow more of their staff members to work from home. As a result, they need to pay more attention to complying with personal data security regulations, including HIPAA, and strengthen cybersecurity to protect the sensitive information of their patients.

Part 2 will cover four more cybersecurity trends to watch for in 2022.

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