Cybersecurity plays a vital role in protecting our most important information. Whether you’re an individual, or a leading a larger organisation, it’s likely that you care about the protection and security of your data. Legal firms, local councils, and debt recovery departments are all beginning to place their vital infrastructure online, making it vulnerable to attack. From smartphones to AI and machine learning systems, in 2020 the world is automated and connected.  But how will cybersecurity evolve in 2020 and what will be top of the agenda over the coming year?

1. Targeted Ransomware

The resurgence of ransomware seems like a strong possibility in 2020. Ransomware is defined as a malicious software, which is designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid – just like a ransom. 2019 was the year of the Cryptominer; those individuals who chased cryptocurrency via the use of ransomware. 2020 may see many smaller attacks, which are easier for criminals to employ. This year many organisations will be looking to consolidate their cybersecurity solutions. The rate of ransomware attacks continues to escalate. For example, Phishme has reported that ransomware attacks have increased 97% over the past two years. And Cybersecurity Ventures have estimated that a new businesses fell victim to ransomware every 14 seconds during 2019.

2. The AI Defence 

In 2020 Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasing role in cyber defence. The tech available to help us avoid falling victim to cyber attacks is often based on artificial intelligence. Deep learning security algorithms and the improved automation of systems that are vulnerable to human error, are two great defensive capabilities of AI that will continue to become more sophisticated. In 2020 more AI systems will be integrated for enhanced threat and malicious activity detection through predictive analytics

3. Emphasis on Compliance

Since the rollout of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018, states, countries, and industries alike, have begun evolving their data privacy regulations. In 2020 organisations will continue to place a strong emphasis on privacy standards, by developing and implementing new software and policies as the means by which they can meet their compliancy demands.

4. Automation of Security

In 2020 automation will continue to find a key role in the cybersecurity landscape. A recent Ponemon Institute survey found that 79% of IT security practitioners either currently use, or plan to use, automation tools in the next six months to three years. 

5. Cybersecurity and the Cloud

Cloud computing has certainly dominated our collective business consciousness over the last 10 years. In 2020 more organisations will shift their workloads to the cloud as they work to leverage the latest technology and organisational tools available to them. Accelerating data protection and encryption while data is being transmitted, stored and processed is an important way to secure cloud data in 2020. Finding the right cloud security software is of paramount importance.  

Lateral builds next generation Financial Case Management and Debt Recovery Software providing business automation tools for organisations of all sizes. Keeping your data and identity secure is more important than ever in 2020. Get in touch with LATERAL to help you evolve your tech, and make it more safe and secure.