Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2018. Read them in this 10th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
Contributed by Mike McKee, CEO, ObserveIT
Cybersecurity in the New Year
As we wrap up 2017, it's difficult
to forget the numerous data breaches that occurred over the past year. From
Equifax to Uber to the NSA, security incidents are becoming commonplace in
today's digital era. As technology continues to evolve - and with the annual
damage from cybersecurity attacks projected to reach $6 trillion
by 2021 - it's crucial organizations implement resources proven to mitigate
risks, streamline the incident investigation and remediation processes, and
ensure safe and secure environments.
Here are six predictions for
trends that will shape the industry in 2018:
1)
Heightened Lack of
Cybersecurity Resources
As
technology develops, the risk of potential data breaches does as well. To
protect themselves both against malicious hackers and naive users who
unknowingly help attackers, organizations need to have experienced team members
on board to detect, prevent, and resolve attacks at all times. Today, more than
780,000 people work in cybersecurity in the United States alone. However, there
are currently more than 350,000 open cybersecurity positions, and that number will continue to rise in the new year.
2)
Increased Partnerships
with Security Vendors
With
the current shortage of in-house security experts, many organizations will turn
to third-party vendors to assist with their security needs. Next year,
companies will invest in best-of-breed solutions to eliminate potential
security attacks, resolve data breaches, and manage all associated activities.
3)
More Women in Cybersecurity
Today,
only 11
percent of the world's information security workforce is women. However, in 2018, that number will expand significantly. As
women continue to enter the male-dominated technology industry,
we'll see many fill cybersecurity positions in 2018.
Next year, women will not only invest in furthering their education and
understanding of the market, but many will help to close the gap of available
talent.
4)
Larger Presence of
Automation and Orchestration Tools
Detecting
and resolving security incidents is a very time consuming and complex process.
However, in today's technology-driven economy, there are solutions that can
help to automate and orchestrate many security-related processes. As worldwide
spending on security-related hardware, software, and services will surpass $100 billion by 2020,
we'll begin to see an increased number of companies explore and invest in these
platforms to enhance operations and reduce the time and funds spent to monitor
for, prevent, and remediate cybersecurity attacks.
5)
Eliminating Social
Engineering
In
recent years, hackers have often used social engineering tactics to manipulate both
employees and those with access to confidential data to break normal security
procedures. In 2018, organizations will look to eliminate these exploitations
by providing insiders with the proper education and training to identify common
techniques, mitigate vulnerabilities, and avoid making risky, compromising
mistakes.
6)
Focus on People
By
2022, it's projected that there will be 283.5 million internet users in
the United States. As the number of online users continues to grow, the potential
risk to an organization's classified information does
as well. In 2018, companies will work diligently to defend against potential
threats - both hackers and internal employees - by investing in new innovative technology
platforms to enhance processes and facilitate data protection.
As the level of
potential threats to an organization continues to grow, companies will develop
new risk-mitigation strategies to protect themselves from both targeted attacks
and accidental data leakage. In 2018, I predict many businesses will elicit help
from qualified experts and incorporate proven tactics and technology platforms. What do you think will shake up the industry
in 2018?
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About
the Author
Michael
McKee, CEO & DIRECTOR
Mike brings 20+ years of cross-functional, global experience in
technology to ObserveIT. Previously, Mike led the award-winning Global Services
and Customer Success organizations at Rapid7, served as Senior Vice President
CAD Operations and Strategy at PTC, and Chief Financial Officer at
HighWired.com. Additionally, he held Analyst roles at Broadview Associates,
McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. Mike played professional hockey as a
defenseman for the Quebec Nordiques. He graduated cumlaude from Princeton
University and received an M.B.A., with honors, from Harvard Business School.