How does the Advent of New Technologies Impact Information Security?

The ever-evolving digital age affects information security more than most folks understand. The rate of cybercrimes has increased exponentially and is harmonious with the progress of technology.

As technology grows and evolves, so do the cybercrimes that are committed. Luckily, as technology has advanced, it can seek out cybercrimes in time and protect people and companies from massive losses.

This article is focused on 2 scenarios i.e., 1st scenario -how new technologies are giving rise to new cyber threats and what are they, and 2nd scenario- new technologies to improve information security. We will be discussing both sides of the coin.

Technological Evolution and Human evolution almost go hand in hand and this leads to an evolution in cyber threats as well. Businesses need to focus on it more as the reputations, client data, etc. are at stake in case a breach occurs.

One just needs to go through the Verizon DBIR 2021 Report to get chills down the spine by observing the alarming rate at which cyber-attacks are growing.

Cyber security specialists now have to deal with threats created by the Cloud, the Internet of Things, mobile/wireless, and wearable technology. Data that was once held within systems is traveling via a dizzying assortment of routers, data centers, and hosts.

Usage of the following attacks has only increased and worsened the scenario:

• Man-in-the-Middle (MiM) attacks to eavesdrop on entire data conversations
• Spying software and Google Glass to track fingerprint movements on touch screens
• Memory-scraping malware on point-of-sale systems
• Bespoke attacks that steal specific data

Most enterprise cyber security breaches occur from criminals manipulating employees to provide them with critical data via scams and social scheming.

The usage of new and innovative methods to identify loopholes and crevices in enterprise security systems is increasing rapidly. As such, most of them gain access to critical company data, repositories, records, and information.

Evolution of Botnets

There was a point when hackers used botnets to capture email addresses and passwords. But presently cybercriminals are using advanced botnets to seize even your private data like name, age, payment card information, online activities, email addresses, and passwords.

Unauthorized selling of data or holding it for ransom could be the result.

Utilizing the data and information collected via botnets, the criminals could even take down networks and systems, purge data, and take the business to the verge of bankruptcy.

Having advanced software like Prophaze AI WAF or Cloudflare WAF is the way to go.

Digitization of Data and Information

The majority of offices have gone paperless. Current organizations rely more on digitized information than on hard copy information. When you glance around, virtually everything is digitized. Even though digitization comes with tremendous benefits for businesses, it also professes a security risk.

If you don’t own strong cyber security in place, a cybercriminal could simply encroach into your networks, cloud storage, or systems and steal your digitized data. This could set your company at higher risks.

Cloud computing and cloud networks make business cost-effective, but they also provide an easy way for unauthorized people to access data and information.

Employee Training & Development

Superior technologies would be helpful for the organization only if the employees are suitably trained to apply them.

When new information security technologies are used, the employees have to be trained and taught to operate them efficiently and effectively. One should also exercise precautions like using top-of-the-line AI-powered Prophaze WAF to mitigate zero-day attacks as well. The risk that an employee might botch up the new technology is ever-present and that is why adequate training is important.

Rising Information Security Tools

• Hardware authentication

Hardware authentication can be particularly important for the Internet of Things (IoT) where a network wants to ensure that the only authentic users trying to gain access have the access

• Behavioral Analytics

If username and password are compromised, whoever has them can get onto a network and employ any kind of malicious behaviour. That behaviour can trigger a red flag to system defenders if they’re employing Behaviour analytics.

The technology uses big data analytics to identify anomalous behaviour by a user. Cloud WAF providers like F5 & Prophaze provide behavioural analysis as a part of their WAFs.Deep learning & the cloud are also amongst the emerging information security tools. The mentioned technologies will help level the playing field.

With the upward progression in technology, the presence of hackers and other cybersecurity threats are also on the rise. With increased awareness and knowledge of technology, from consumers and hackers alike, the risks for cyber fraud are heightened.

For individuals and corporations to protect their information online, it is important for security precautions to be taken to protect against cybersecurity breaches.