Post-Pandemic Cyber Security Threats

Cyber security threats were already ramping up before the pandemic hit. Still, with the abrupt change to remote work and the permanent shift to remote and hybrid work environments, cyber security concerns have become more complex. Here are three challenges that have created complexity in addressing cyber security threats:

Multiplication of Threats: Findings from FortiGuard Labs include one showing that new variants for ransomware have shown a 100% increase in the first half of 2022 compared to the six months preceding it. Additionally, malicious actors are increasing the frequency and intensity of their attacks, looking for opportunities to take advantage of the pandemic's broader security plans. When a successful ransomware attack occurs, the attackers are not only holding data but also exfiltrating and utilizing your data to change the breadth of who they are targeting through automation.

Security Gaps: With more companies allowing or even promoting a work-from-anywhere model, there is an increase in security gaps. Security gaps can proliferate if companies don't have the right policies and practices in place or if they don't have the right security skills in-house.

Even when remote workers are granted secure access, some organizations have challenges integrating the protections with existing security architectures. This results in a siloed security approach, causing visibility limitations for IT security teams. If a malicious actor compromises an endpoint device, they may gain access to the network undetected.

Talent Shortages: Security teams need help to get the resources to address increased and more varied threats. A team that can adequately address cyber security threats has always been elusive and an ongoing challenge for organizations. The Cyber Workforce Report says that this workforce segment would need to grow 65% to equip companies to defend their data and systems.

The Fortinet 2022 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report found that 80% of organizations had weathered at least one breach in the past year connected to a lack of skills or awareness of cybersecurity threats.

Addressing Cyber Security Threats

There are several steps that companies can take to reduce threats and enhance existing strategies:

• Focus on Awareness: Ongoing and frequent training will increase awareness among all employees, and skills training will keep security professionals better prepared to address threats.
• Adopt Zero Trust Network Access: This approach, also called ZTNA, begins with the assumption that every user and device is a threat, using verification and role-based access to resources.
• Consolidation of Security Tools: Make security management simplified while reducing costs when choosing a solution that offers automation and integration and a high level of visibility.Cyber security threats won't be going away, but you can proactively manage them. Contact us at ITBroker.com to learn more about the steps you can take for a more secure IT environment.