Cybersecurity is trendy

Should we be concerned, that keeping safe and secure while working in a digital landscape is a trend? Should it not be obvious, as natural as breathing? On the other hand; if ever there was a time to be trendy, this is it! Next year it might be too late.

Ransomware increased with 150%

Cybersecurity continues to be a key focus when it comes to digital trends. The increased threat of ransomware attacks and “state-sponsored” attacks - like those we’ve seen from Russia in connection with the war in Ukraine - leads to business leaders all over the world being concerned. This affects the approach and mindset when it comes to boosting digital defences in 2022.  

“ A  'Let’s hit them where it hurts most' -philosophy, so to speak."

When it comes to hacking, ransomware continues to be one of the biggest cybersecurity trends. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, ENISA, is the Union’s agency dedicated to achieving a high common level of cybersecurity across Europe. ENISA estimates that ransomware attacks went up by 150% (yes, you did indeed read right, 150%!) between April 2020 and July 2021. Ransomware may prove fatal and could seriously damage a brand’s value and reputation, leaving the business/organization unable to access vital files. That valuable data then will be auctioned out on the dark web by the attackers. Files lost forever, clients trust violated, and important work gone to waste.

Cybercriminals follow trends too

But business and organization leaders are not the only ones following trends. The trend to target software supply chains is rising among cybercriminals. These targeted attacks can take down an organisation’s entire software supply chain and services, an effective way to cause business disruption. We dare to state, and you may also agree, that supply chain attacks are one of the biggest cyberthreat of today. Cybersecurity must step up!

Supply chain attacks grabbed people's attention especially after the early 2020 SolarWinds hack-attack. SolarWinds, a major Texas-based information technology firm, had hackers secretly breaking into their systems. Due to adding malicious code into the company's software system, that then spread to its clients, the attack went undetected for months and the effect was massive and critical.

An increase in state-sponsored attacks

An increase in state-sponsored attacks is to be expected, due to the Russian war against Ukraine that has become sort of a catalyst. But why? Well, many states attempt to further their country’s interests, and hurt another state in doing so. Typically infrastructure, military and businesses of those countries are targeted, a “Let’s hit them where it hurts most”-philosophy, so to speak.  

Cyber skills has a huge gap

Unfortunately, there is a cybersecurity skills shortage around the globe. The supply of cyberskilled workers just isn’t enough to fill what is needed, there is a huge gap waiting to be filled. Action is needed, and in some areas underway. In the meantime, that gap is an open door for hackers and cybercriminals to invite themselves for a walk about our “digital offices”, leaving a huge mess behind them. 

Get on board

Have you jumped on the "trendy train" too? If not, we suggest you get on board sooner rather than later. It ever there was a time to be trendy, this is it! Next year it might be too late. But we also boldly dare to suggest that the aim for security and safety should be to never become a trend - it should always be the obvious choice.

Full ENISA report available at:  https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/enisa-threat-landscape-2021