Cybersecurity Trends to be Aware of in 2018 Published November 3, 2017 by Daniel Beck

We are going into 2018 more aware than ever before when it comes to detecting and preventing cybercrime. However, as a general population, we are still not as informed as we should be as the number of cyber-related crimes increases year after year.  

“If you haven’t been hacked yet, you will be soon,” Rose State College cyber security professor Ken Dewey said. “Everyone is a target now. Home users possibly not so much, but for corporations and companies, it is getting worse.”

Cybercrime occurs every day in the United States, for both businesses and individuals alike.

Everyone should learn how to protect themselves from cybercrime before it happens, and take necessary steps to keep themselves safe from hackers.

Rose State College’s Cyber Security degree is a great next step for those interested in the field, considering the increase in cybercrime and lack of knowledge from the general public.

Cybercrime continues to change and evolve at a fast pace. Below are some dangers and trends to be aware of going into 2018.

General Education Needed for Cyber Security

Everyone, young and old, has access to a computer or smart phone and many people aren’t trained properly in safety. It’s frightening how many people will click a link without knowing where it will send them.

Dewey is pushing for basic cyber security courses to be provided for high school students. “Education is critical,” he said. “Every user needs to be trained in some aspect of security.”

Dewey went on to share how he has received emails before, supposedly from his Apple iTunes account, saying that his child purchased something and he could receive credit back if he provided his billing information. He warns people to be alert for scams and double check that emails like these are expected and from the right source.

Employers Provide Education on Cyber Security Best Practices

Employers are starting to recognize the need and value for cyber security training. Many are seeking to keep their employees informed of the dangers and threats they can unknowingly expose the company to if they aren’t careful when making decisions online.

The more employers emphasize security and make employees feel responsible for their cyber security knowledge, the safer businesses will be when it comes to cybercrime.

There are many programs designed to help businesses keep their employees informed. Popular programs are Security Mentor and Wombat Security.

While these programs may be helpful, it’s important that companies aren’t lulled into a false sense of security. No program can provide a 100 percent guarantee that cyberattacks won’t happen. However, it’s a wise way to limit the possibility.  

Employers from all levels should be proactive and willing to make changes to how they operate in protecting insider knowledge. Unfortunately, some companies might be trying to protect themselves, but are too slow in making updates in comparison to hackers who can act quickly.

Robots Replacing Human Jobs

Many robots have taken the place of people for certain tasks, and this trend will continue as technology evolves. This fact is both a positive and a negative.

“Replacing people is really a pretty good idea,” said Dewey. He explains how robots can always do a consistent job and won’t open up your computer to cybercrime by employing unsafe practices, like clicking risky links.

While many of these robots are helpful time savers, it also puts certain factors at risk. For instance, a robot may develop a glitch and do something a human wouldn’t, so it's vital to routinely monitor and make sure everything is running properly.

Recognition Technologies and Fewer Passwords

The use of passwords to secure devices and online accounts will most likely continue to decline. Many people reportedly use the same password for multiple accounts, increasing their likelihood of being hacked. Enter: recognition technologies. Computers are getting more advanced at recognizing faces and using other methods, such as thumbprint recognition, to secure our most valuable information.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Dewey said. “Passwords, we don’t remember them or they are too weak. Passwords get broken, stolen, or written down.”

In fact, the newly unveiled iPhone X will require facial recognition in order for users to unlock their phones. Alternative methods for securing data, like facial recognition, will become more and more prevalent in coming years.

Dewey shared that he has the Nest Cam IQ, an advanced security camera that can recognize and remember faces. This tool can alert the owner via mobile device if someone is in their house. Once someone has become a known entity, Nest Cam IQ can trigger “Familiar Face” notification so the owner will not receive alerts for family members or frequent visitors. “It’s kind of scary, but kind of nice,” he said.

Businesses Investing in Cyber Insurance

Depending on the business, companies may benefit from investing in cyber insurance. Cyber or privacy insurance covers a business’ liability in the event of a security breach in which employees’ or customers’ personal information, such as credit card numbers, addresses, or Social Security numbers, is exposed or stolen. These insurance policies cover expenses associated with handling cyber hacks, such as notification costs, credit monitoring, losses resulting from identity theft, and fines and penalties.

However, for many insurance companies, Dewey suspects there will be large payouts.  “If I was in the insurance business, I would not sell it,” Dewey said. “It would be too hard.”

Are you looking to protect others against hackers and cybercrime? Learn more about our Cyber Security program.