Recent trends in Computer Security

The Covid-19 pandemic forced most organizations to shift their employees to remote work. Many surveys suggest that post-pandemic, a high proportion of the workforce will continue to work remotely. Working from home poses new cybersecurity risks and is one of the most talked-about new trends in cyber security. Home offices are often less protected than centralized offices, which tend to have more secure firewalls, routers, and access management run by IT

With the digital revolution around all businesses, small or large, corporates, organizations and even governments are relying on computerized systems to manage their day-to-day activities and thus making computer security a primary goal to safeguard data from various online attacks or any unauthorized access. Continuous change in technologies also implies a parallel shift in computer security trends as news of data breach, ransomware and hacks become the norms.

1. Automotive Hacking 

Modern vehicles nowadays come packed with automated software creating seamless connectivity for drivers in cruise control, engine timing, door lock, airbags and advanced systems for driver assistance. These vehicles use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies to communicate that also opens them to several vulnerabilities or threats from hackers. Gaining control of the vehicle or using microphones for eavesdropping is expected to rise in today's world. With more use of automated vehicles. Self-driving or autonomous vehicles use an even further complex mechanism that requires strict computer security measures. 

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

With AI being introduced in all market segments, this technology with a combination of machine learning has brought tremendous changes in cybersecurity. AI has been paramount in building automated security systems, natural language processing, face detection, and automatic threat detection. Although, it is also being used to develop smart malware and attacks to bypass the latest security protocols in controlling data. AI enabled threat detection systems can predict new attacks and notify admins for any data breach instantly.

3. Mobile Phones

Computer security trends provide a considerable increase of 50% for mobile banking malware or attacks in 2019, making our handheld devices a potential prospect for hackers. All our photos, financial transactions, emails, and messages possess more threats to individuals. Smartphone's virus or malware may capture the attention of Computer Security as well.

4. Cloud Database

With more and more organizations now established on clouds, security measures need to be continuously monitored and updated to safeguard the data from leaks. Although cloud applications such as Google or Microsoft are well equipped with security from their end still, it's the user end that acts as a significant source for erroneous errors, malicious software, and phishing attacks.

5. Data Breaches 

Data will continue to be a leading concern for organizations around the world. Whether it be for an individual or organization, safeguarding digital data is the primary goal now. Any minor flaw or bug in your system browser or software is a potential vulnerability for hackers to access personal information. New strict measures General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was enforced, offering data protection and privacy for individuals in the European Nations. Similarly, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) was applied, for safeguarding consumer rights in the California as well. 

6. IoT with 5G Network 

With the advent and growth of 5G networks, a new era of inter-connectivity will become a reality with the Internet of Things(IOT). This communication between multiple devices also opens them to vulnerabilities from outside influence, attacks or an unknown software bug. Even the world's most used browser supported by Google, Chrome was found to have serious bugs. 5G architecture is comparatively new in the industry and requires a lot of research to find loopholes to make the system secure from external attack. Every step of the 5G network might bring a plethora of network attacks that we might not be aware of. Here manufacturers need to be very strict in building sophisticated 5G hardware and software to control data breaches. 

7. Automation and Integration 

With the size of data multiplying every day, it is eminent that automation is integrated to give more sophisticated control over the information. Modern hectic work demand also pressurizes professionals and engineers to deliver quick and proficient solutions, making automation more valuable than ever. Security measurements are incorporated during the agile process to build more secure software in every aspect. Large and complex web applications are further hard to safeguard making automation as well as cyber security to be a key concept of the software development process.

8. Targeted Ransomware

Another important cybersecurity trend that we can't seem to ignore is targeted ransomware. Especially in the developed nations' industries rely heavily on specific software to run their daily activities. These ransomware targets are more focused. For example,  The Wanna Cry attack on the National Health Service hospitals in England corrupted more than 70,000 medical instruments. Though generally, ransomware asks to threaten to publish the victim's data unless a ransom is paid still it can affect the large organization or in case of nations too. 

9. State-Sponsored Cyber Warfare

There won't be any stoppage between the western and eastern powers in attempts to find superiority. The tension between the US and Iran or Chinese hackers often creates worldwide news though the attacks are few; they have a significant impact on an event such as elections. And with more than 70 elections bound to be held, criminal activities during this time will surge. Expect high-profile data breaches, political and industrial secrets as well.

10. Insider Threats

Human error is still one of the primary reasons for the data breach. Any bad day or intentional loophole can bring down a whole organization with millions of stolen data. Report by Verizon in data breach gives strategic insights on computer security trends that 34% of total attacks were directly or indirectly made by the employees. So make sure you create more awareness within premises to safeguard data in every way possible.

A Bright Future for Computer Security Jobs

Because computer security is such an in-demand field, professionals choosing this career path have a bright future.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer security industry is expected to grow by 31 percent between 2019 and 2029. Moreover, according to some estimates, the global computer security workforce will have more than 3.5 million unfilled positions.

The demand for these skilled, experienced professionals means a high earning potential. 

As organizations continue to value computer security, and as adversaries continue to challenge the systems and security measures in place to protect them, the computer security industry will continue to need skilled professionals.

“Cybersecurity is an interesting field because it’s challenging. It’s like a game trying to outsmart your adversary, Add to that very good compensation, and you have a career that’s fun, intellectually challenging, and financially rewarding.”

Alright with this we have reached the end of this blog. Please give suggestions in the comment section below on how can we improve this blog. 

Thank You !!

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Project : Computer Network (Home Assignment)

Division : IT - A     Group : 11

Members :

55_Ubed Shaikh

06_Prajwal Atram

27_Prathamesh Londhe

37_Omkar Nimase

32_Dhiraj Mukane