With a security breach occurring every 39 seconds, according to some estimates, today’s cyber threat landscape is vast and unpredictable. How can organisations secure their digital assets?

Introduction

In an era of digital interconnectedness, the corporate landscape increasingly resembles a battleground, with cybercriminals launching relentless attacks on companies. The tactics and tools employed by cybercriminals evolve with the pace of technological advancements, posing new challenges for all of us. This blog delves into emerging cyber threats that exploit the latest technological developments to target individuals and organisations. By learning more about these emerging threats, you can strengthen your business resilience and respond as required. We also discuss why a customised cybersecurity solution is the best option for securing your organisation.

Emerging Cyber Security Threats to Note

• The death of encryption through quantum computing
Quantum computing possesses an extraordinary level of computational capability that could potentially compromise the existing encryption methods that protect our most confidential information. If quantum computers become readily accessible, it could severely undermine cybersecurity. A recent study conducted by Péter Szikora and Kornélia Lazányi suggests that the future development of quantum computers might render traditional encryption obsolete.
• The dangers of a growing number of connected devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) and the growth of connected devices may have transformed our lives, but many of these devices lack adequate security measures. In 2021, there were over 13.8 billion IoT devices connected to the internet, and this number is expected to reach 30.9 billion by 2025. The exponential growth of such devices creates a massive attack surface for cybercriminals, with adverse consequences for society. For example, in 2017, a vulnerability in St. Jude’s Hospital patients’ pacemakers allowed attackers to alter how they function, deplete their batteries and even deliver potentially fatal shocks.
• Deepfake manipulation: blurring the lines between fact and fiction
Gone are the days where photoshopped images could ruin reputations. With the advent of deep-fake content, anyone can be framed into any compromising position, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Technology has come to a point where misinforming the masses has become easier than ever. A well known instance from 2019, where a manipulated video of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was posted on social media, and the resulting online outrage, comes to mind. From social engineering to disinformation, there’s no limit to what these cyber-hoodlums can do.
• The rise of automated cybercrime
Artificial intelligence (AI) is certainly a valuable tool in the cybersecurity arsenal. But hackers can also use AI to automate and optimise attacks. AI-driven, automated attacks can overwhelm company defences, making them more vulnerable to security breaches. According to a recent report, 75% of cybersecurity professionals have seen an increase in attacks over the past year, with 85% attributing it to bad-faith actors weaponizing AI.
• The trials and tribulations of the cloud
Today, the need for cloud security has become paramount, considering that an increasing number of organisations rely on cloud-based services. In 2022, cloud security breaches cost businesses an estimated $4.45 million on average. Misconfigurations or weak cloud security measures can give cybercriminals access to sensitive data. In 2021, a misconfiguration in the cloud storage service of a major food delivery company exposed the personal data of over 100 million customers.
• The threats lurking in supply chains
We all rely on supply chains, and attacks on them have become a major concern in recent years. These attacks target third-party vendors or software providers, gaining access to organisations through trusted sources. The ripple effect of a supply chain attack can cause widespread damage, affecting not only the target company but also its customers and partners. For example, in 2020, the SolarWinds hack compromised the software supply chains of several US government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.

The Importance of Customising Your Cybersecurity Solution

The evolution of the threat landscape and its many uncertainties highlight the pressing need for cyber security solution strategies that are not just reactive but proactive and predictive, and most importantly, customised to address the unique needs of any organisation. The rationale behind such an approach is simple yet profound: no two organisations are identical, and a cookie-cutter strategy for cyber security is ineffective and could potentially leave critical vulnerabilities unaddressed. Your technology partner must have the capabilities to deliver a comprehensive range of services tailored to shield your organisation from the entire spectrum of cyber threats. Such a solution should include not only traditional defensive measures but also advanced offensive techniques to ensure that your defensive strategies, tactics, and procedures are robust enough to safeguard overarching business continuity objectives. A comprehensive cybersecurity approach encompasses aspects such as red, blue, and purple teaming, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VA/PT), threat hunting, and vulnerability and posture management. All are aimed at fortifying your systems against known vulnerabilities and potential breach points. For organisations seeking continuous protection, the cybersecurity solution must offer 24/7 monitoring and swift responses to security incidents.

How NCINGA Helps to Safeguard Your All-Important Digital Assets

The cybersecurity philosophy at NCINGA is straightforward. We advocate for a dynamic cybersecurity approach because every organisation’s defence strategy must be a reflection of its distinct security needs. We address the complete spectrum of cyber threats - from traditional defences to cutting-edge offensive techniques. As cybersecurity pioneers, we leverage security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) and next-generation security information and event management (NG-SIEM) to help you stay ahead of emerging threats. Your organisation will be protected at all times. Because our advanced threat detection systems, powered by AI and machine learning, neutralize threats in real-time. Moreover, our team is available 24/7 to help you mitigate security threats - especially in the event of a security breach. Endpoint protection is another area that is gaining importance due to increased device interconnectivity. Our cybersecurity solutions are designed to safeguard every device on your network, from malware to ransomware.

Conclusion

Given all the intricacies of contemporary cyber security, adopting tailored solutions has become a non-negotiable necessity for organisations aiming to protect their digital assets. From quantum computing threats and IoT vulnerabilities to the dangers of deepfakes and automated cybercrime, you need to understand how cyber security solutions will equip your organisation to defend against both current and emerging threats. With a cybersecurity partner that provides you with the technology to address these challenges, you can focus on your core business operations, secure in the knowledge that experts committed to your security are protecting your digital assets. Get in touch with us to learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of the digital world with confidence, safeguarding your future against the ever-changing cyber threat landscape.

Co-authors - Sudeysh Thomas, Aruna Malalasena