Cyber Security Trends in 2023: What You Need to Know

Introduction

As technology evolves, so do cyber threats. For the cyber security trends in 2023, we expect to see a rise in cyber-attacks in frequency and sophistication.

One trend that is expected to continue is the increased use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cyber attacks. This could make it more difficult for traditional security measures to detect and respond to attacks. In addition, attackers may also use advanced techniques like deep fakes, which can manipulate audio and video to make it appear that someone said or did something they did not.

Another trend to watch out for is the increased targeting of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which often have weaker security measures than other devices. Additionally, as more and more devices become connected to the internet, the potential attack surface for cybercriminals will also increase.

There may also be an increase in nation-state attacks and cyber espionage as countries continue to use cyber attacks to gain strategic advantages.

In this blog post, we will discuss five cyber security trends in 2023 to watch out for, including data breaches, artificial intelligence-powered attack vectors, ransomware-as-a-service, multi-staged social engineering, and the lack of human skills and qualified employees.

Data breaches have become increasingly common, with millions of personal records compromised each year. In 2023, we expect to see even more high-profile data breaches as cybercriminals continue targeting large organizations.

For example, in 2022, authentication platform Okta suffered a data breach by the threat actor Lapsus$. The attackers could enter the company’s systems by accessing a computer belonging to a Sitel employee working for the company as a third-party contractor.

Threat actors can use various techniques to conduct data breaches, including exploiting vulnerabilities in software or systems, phishing attacks, and social engineering tactics. Once they gain access to a company’s systems, they can use various techniques to steal or exfiltrate data, such as copying files, injecting malware, or using remote access tools.

In 2023, we can expect to see more AI-powered attacks, such as;

Deepfakes

AI-powered deepfakes use synthetic media to create fake videos or audio recordings that appear to be accurate. This can be used to spread false information or manipulate individuals or organizations.

Advanced Phishing Attacks

AI-powered phishing attacks are more sophisticated than traditional phishing attacks. For example, attackers can use AI to craft personalized and convincing phishing emails that are more likely to trick their targets into clicking on malicious links or attachments.

Password Attacks

AI can crack passwords faster and more efficiently than traditional brute-force attacks. AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns in passwords and predict potential passwords based on these patterns.

Malware

AI-powered malware can be used to evade detection by traditional security solutions. For example, attackers can use AI to create polymorphic malware that changes its code to avoid detection by antivirus software.

Cyberattacks on IoT Devices

AI-powered attacks can target Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart homes or industrial control systems. Attackers can use AI to identify vulnerabilities in IoT devices and launch attacks that exploit these weaknesses.

Individuals and organizations must stay aware of these threats and take proactive measures to protect themselves against threats.

Ransomware-as-a-Service

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a type of ransomware attack where attackers rent out their ransomware tools to other cybercriminals in exchange for a percentage of the ransom payments. RaaS has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing even non-technical criminals to conduct ransomware attacks easily.

In 2023, we expect to see more ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) offerings, allowing even novice hackers to launch ransomware attacks. For example, in 2021, the REvil ransomware gang used RaaS to launch a significant attack on Kaseya, a provider of IT management software.

Multi-Staged Social Engineering

Social engineering is the art of manipulating people into giving up sensitive information or performing actions that may not be in their best interest. In 2023, we expect to see more multi-staged social engineering attacks, combining multiple tactics to achieve their goals.

For example, in 2020, a group of hackers used a combination of phishing emails, social media impersonation, and fake job postings to steal sensitive information from a company.

In 2022, Uber experienced a cyber security incident where a threat actor, who is believed to be a teenager, could hack into the company’s systems and access sensitive user data. The attacker convinced a contractor to accept a multi-factor authentication prompt, allowing the attacker to register their own device.

Once inside, the attacker claims to have found a network share that contained PowerShell scripts with privileged admin credentials. This enabled the attacker to access several important systems, including Uber’s AWS, Slack, Google Cloud Platform, OneLogin, and SentinelOne incident response portal.

Lack of Human Skills and Finding Qualified Employees

Finally, in 2023, we can expect to see a continued shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. This can make it difficult for organizations to find the right talent to defend against cyber threats. Additionally, as technology evolves, cybersecurity professionals must continually update their skills to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Despite the challenge of a lack of human skills and finding qualified employees in the cybersecurity industry, there are several actions that organizations and individuals can take to address this issue:

1. Invest in cyber security training: Organizations can train their existing employees to increase their knowledge and skills in this field. This can be in the form of workshops, online courses, or certification programs.
2. Collaborate with educational institutions: Organizations can work with educational institutions to develop cybersecurity programs and curriculums that can help train future cybersecurity professionals.
3. Partner with cyber security service providers: Organizations can partner with cyber security service providers to outsource their cyber security needs. This can provide access to a pool of qualified cybersecurity professionals who can help protect the organization’s systems and data.
4. Foster a cyber security culture: Organizations can foster a culture of cyber security awareness by promoting best practices, such as using strong passwords, implementing multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating software and security systems.
5. Encourage diversity and inclusion: Organizations can encourage diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity industry by recruiting candidates from different backgrounds and providing equal opportunities for all.

For individuals, there are also several steps they can take to increase their cyber security knowledge and skills:

1. Seek out cyber security training: Individuals can seek cyber security training opportunities, such as online courses or certification programs, to increase their knowledge and skills.
2. Join cyber security communities: Individuals can join cyber security communities to network with other professionals and learn about the latest trends and best practices.
3. Stay informed: Individuals can stay informed about the latest cyber security threats and best practices by reading industry publications and attending conferences and webinars. In addition, you can gain knowledge and keep up with critical security news with our weekly Security Newsletter and Dark Web Spotlight.
4. Volunteer: Individuals can volunteer their cyber security skills and knowledge to non-profit organizations or community groups to gain experience and help improve cyber security in their communities.

Cyber security threats will continue to evolve in 2023, with data breaches, AI-powered attacks, RaaS, multi-staged social engineering, and the shortage of qualified employees all posing significant challenges. However, by staying vigilant and implementing best practices, organizations can minimize risk and protect themselves against these threats.