7 Cybersecurity Trends To Monitor In 2023 And Beyond

Research suggests that 65% of the world’s population will be protected by some form of digital privacy law by the end of 2023. 

But this doesn’t mean that cybercriminals are going to slow dowin trying to hack into our personal accounts. 

As a digital citizen, you have to stay updated with the latest trends and tendencies surrounding cybersecurity. In this article, we’ll share 7 trends that will shape cybersecurity in 2023. 

1. More Frequent Car hacking

Automatic doors, cruise control, and assorted engine processes are just some of the few examples of how modern vehicles apply digital technology. 

However, vehicles that come equipped with innovative creatures like Bluetooth can present a target for cybercriminals. 

Many pundits expect to see a rise in automotive hacking, where cybercriminals break into a car’s operating system (OS) in order to gain control of its features. 

2. The Use of AI for the Wrong Purposes

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and similar technologies have revolutionized many industries. 

But, like all technologies, AI can also be applied for malicious purposes. As a matter of fact, this technology has already been used to conduct cyber attacks. 

This will likely fuel the number of phishing campaigns and similar attacks carried out using AI technology. 

3. Shift to Mobile Focus

It’s estimated that more than 7 billion people will use a mobile device to connect to the internet by the end of 2023. 

Mobile internet usage surpassed that of desktop devices a few years ago, so it makes sense that most cyberattacks already occur online. 

Around 60% of all digital crimes target mobile devices already, and you can expect to see this number increase even more this year. 

4. Cloud Systems Become Bigger Targets

Cloud computing systems bring a huge number of benefits. They’re relatively easy to set up, can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, and may be integrated into most businesses. 

But, the reality is that more connection points can translate to a higher number of targets for cybercriminals. 

Corporations have been seeing this trend for some time, and criminals will start targeting more mainstream industries in 2023. 

5. IoT Breaches

There will be more than 40 billion IoT devices by 2025, so it’s no surprise that cybercriminals will focus on attacking gadgets that use this technology. 

This includes consumer goods like smart home accessories, televisions, and even refrigerators. 

Companies will likely see an increase in cyberattacks targeting automated warehouses, temperature control systems, and other smart devices. 

It may seem trivial, but keep in mind that a small breach can provide access to larger networks. This, in turn, can lead to larger attacks that result in millions worth of damage. 

6. Ransomware Becomes More Targeted

Digital technology has improved fields like transport, manufacturing, and retail, especially in developed nations. 

The problem is that cybercriminals see this as an opportunity to attack and target specific organizations that have more resources and, therefore, can pay bigger ransoms.

There have already been examples of targeted ransomware attacks like the one on the Irish healthcare service, but the incidence will likely increase in the next 12 months. 

7. State Cybercrime

Many pundits believe that we are in the middle of an information war between world powers. Because of this, experts have warned about the potential for state-sponsored cybercrime. 

It’s important to note that this type of cybercrime often revolves around false information, mud-slinging, and control of the masses. 

Thus, the social impact of this type of malicious activity is not as obvious but is actually more profound than identity theft or cyberbullying. We’ll just have to see how it unfolds in the upcoming year.

What Are 5 Ways to Be Safe Online?

Want to stay protected during 2023? Here are five simple tips that can help you combat cybercrime. 

  • Use an anonymous browser like DuckDuckGo;
  • Don’t share any personal data over channels like email;
  • Avoid public wifi connections;
  • Keep your device operating system updated;
  • Don’t enter sites that lack a valid SSL certificate.

It’s always a good idea to learn more about DuckDuckGo as well as the other tips listed above, to make the best decisions for you. 

What Will Cybersecurity Look Like in 2025?

With more than 7.5 billion users accessing the internet by 2025, it’s important to look beyond our immediate future and consider what lies further afield. 

AI will likely take center stage in the battle of cybersecurity, so breakthroughs in this field will help dictate how we will protect ourselves in the next two years. 

Conclusion

Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to take advantage of online users. This is why cybersecurity experts need to monitor new threats and create sophisticated ways to combat digital crime. 

We hope that the trends above give you a good idea of what to expect in 2023 and how you can protect yourself from cybercrime this year.