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Cybersecurity Threats: How to Maximise Protection in 2023

Security

 

Hackers are constantly evolving their techniques. The latest statistics show that a cyberattack takes place every 39 seconds. It’s important that your business is aware of emerging cybersecurity threats so you can respond accordingly and keep your critical data protected.

This article looks at the latest cybersecurity threats that have surfaced this year and ways that you can strengthen your security in 2023.

Amongst the evolving list of cybersecurity threats, research highlights that employees continue to be the prime target for cybercriminals. Hackers exploit emotional manipulation through social engineering attempts and phishing. A recent report revealed that 83% of organisations faced an email-based phishing attack in the last 12 months. That’s why providing education on social engineering should remain a top priority in your defence plan. Let’s look at some more cybersecurity threats that may impact your security strategy in 2023.

The Latest Cybersecurity Threats to Your Business

Supply Chain Attacks – Gartner predicts that by 2025, 45% of organisations across the world will have experienced attacks on their software supply chains. It’s important to prioritise digital supply chain risk and put pressure on suppliers to demonstrate security best practices. The increase in this type of attack has led the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to add new guidance surrounding supply chain cybersecurity which you can read about here.

Third-Party Partner Attacks – Cyberattacks related to third parties are on the rise. According to Gartner, only 23% of security and risk leaders monitor third parties for cybersecurity threats. By 2025, Gartner predicts that because of this increased concern, organisations will start to mandate cybersecurity risk as a significant determinant when conducting business with external providers. This could range from simple monitoring of your tech supplier to complex due diligence for partners and acquisitions.

AI-based Spear Phishing – Phishing attempts are already the most common threat vector in cybercrime. But hackers are now using AI to target users with incredibly sophisticated phishing attacks that are more convincing than ever. As people grow smarter, and they train AI to run more complex scenarios, the future of phishing is predicted to look a lot like targeted ads.

Remote Working – According to Gartner, 60% of knowledge workers are remote, and at least 18% will not return to the office. These continuous changes in the way we work, together with greater use of the public cloud and new means of communication, offers cybercriminals further opportunities to launch attacks. This expansion to your attack surface means it’s time to consider looking beyond traditional approaches to security to manage a wider set of risks.

Your People Are Still the Number One Entry Point For Cyber Criminals

According to recent research, 85% of all attacks begin with human interaction. This is no surprise, because even when an individual is supported by robust tools and technology, they are still vulnerable to the most common type of attack: emotional manipulation. Even ransomware and supply chain attacks often begin with phishing. This only highlights the fact that employees play an active part in the solution to the escalating problem of cybersecurity threats.

So, how cyber-aware are your employees? By educating your people on how to handle and mitigate cyber risks, you enable them to proactively defend your business against costly incidents. This is why investing in security awareness training is a great idea to keep your people and data safe in 2023. Implementing and managing effective security hygiene is necessary – but also complex and time-consuming. You can simplify the task by working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like the 848 Group. Working with an MSP can help you move beyond outdated compliance-based awareness campaigns, and towards adopting holistic behaviour and cultural change.

Enter 2023 with a Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity

The latest statistics show that almost 60% of all UK businesses experienced a cyberattack in the last 12 months. Cybercrime is at an all-time high – and it’s not slowing down. Remote working, increased digital dependency, and low security awareness are just some of the reasons your business is being targeted more than ever.

If you think about all the entry points to your business data, it’s no wonder we recommend taking an holistic approach to cybersecurity, considering people, processes, and technology. Yes, it’s important to have robust cybersecurity solutions in place, but they won’t protect you if your processes and policies don’t align or aren’t managed correctly. Similarly, no matter what threat protection software you have on your devices, if you don’t train your people on good security hygiene, then you’re vulnerable to cybersecurity threats built on social engineering.

Start with a Cybersecurity Assessment

Unsure of where to begin? The best way to analyse your current security posture is to conduct a cybersecurity assessment. If designed and carried out by experts, a cybersecurity assessment can uncover security gaps, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities across your entire business. From your devices and systems to your policies, processes and employee behaviour, a cybersecurity assessment can assess every potential avenue that a hacker could take to access your data. Keep your business safe from emerging cybersecurity threats by closing security gaps and strengthening your defence.

Improve Your Cybersecurity Posture in 2023

The 848 Group is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) with a dedicated security practice and team of cybersecurity specialists. We design, deploy, and manage solutions that make security seamless for your business. Our services empower you to secure critical data, devices, and cloud infrastructure to help reduce risk, ensure compliance, and simplify security.

Start with a cybersecurity assessment to uncover weaknesses and ensure maximum threat protection. Book yours by emailing us on [email protected] or calling 03449 848 848.