
With 2021 in the rearview mirror, it’s time for our yearly tradition of predicting cybersecurity trends for the new year. From ransomware attacks to zero-day exploits, a lot has happened in these last 12 months. By reflecting on these events, we can gain a better understanding of what’s in store for us down the road. Based on the cyberattacks of 2021, here’s what you can expect in 2022.
Cybersecurity Trends of 2022
Before we start, it’s important to keep in mind that no one has the power to see into the future, so any prediction we make is no guarantee. However, understanding previous trends can inform us about what could happen in the future.
Without further ado, these are our predictions:
Cybercrime Is Going Nowhere
There’s no other way to put it—2021 has been a rough year for cybersecurity. We saw attacks on big businesses like Acer, JBS, and plenty more. Some of these breaches have even resulted in far-reaching consequences, like the fuel shortages that hit the East Coast after the Colonial Pipeline attack.
Since the start of the pandemic, digital transformation has accelerated to the point where we now exist in a hyperconnected and agile business landscape. As a result, there’s a greater surface area for cybercriminals to attack than ever before. Cybersecurity should be a top priority for all businesses. As a precaution against cybercrime, it’s recommended that your organization invest in outsourced cybersecurity services.
We’re Going To See the Effects of Log4Shell Soon
To punctuate the end of a challenging cybersecurity year, researchers discovered a significant zero-day exploit in December that has been dubbed Log4Shell. While many of us have become desensitized to hearing about such vulnerabilities after this year, this is a threat that can’t be ignored. Forget about the top cybersecurity breaches of the year—analysts are claiming this is the worst internet hack in history.
The vulnerability stems from an exploit found in Log4j 2, a popular Java logging library used in most servers. By entering a certain string of text, a hacker can gain full control over a server without using a password. Since the software is almost ubiquitously used, this presents an unprecedented level of risk. Every server that uses Log4j 2 is going to need a patch.
Although companies have begun the patching process, the exploit has already been weaponized by cybercriminals. It’s possible we could see more ransomware incidents in the near future because of this exploit. If you want to learn the best practices to protect against ransomware, check out one of our recent blogs.
More AI-Enhanced Cybersecurity
One of the biggest security trends of 2021 was the emergence of machine learning and AI-enabled cybersecurity. This technology creates robust cybersecurity protocols that are easier to use and more effective than other solutions.
These solutions are so effective because:
- Artificial Intelligence: AI can anticipate and respond to threats by using patterns and algorithms created from an extensive database.
- Machine Learning: With machine learning, cybersecurity solutions can spot risks and learn the behaviors of hackers to prevent attacks in the future.
In 2022, we’re likely going to see this technology be further refined. We’re also going to see more of it as companies continue to find ways to stay protected from cyberthreats.
Cybercrime in the Cloud
Phishing and other similar tactics are still the favored attack methods for hackers, but don’t be surprised if these criminals start to explore cloud vulnerabilities. This could include tools like Adobe Flash, WebLogic, and Java (as mentioned earlier, Log4Shell uses Java).
In addition, we may see hackers try to compromise DevOps tools. By going after this technology, they can target supply chains and infrastructure as code deployments.
How You Can Prevent Cyberattacks
If you want to keep your organization safe from cyberattacks, reach out to RCS Secure today. We’re a leader in cybersecurity solutions that’s dedicated to your success. Our team will tailor our solutions to fit the unique needs of your business.
Contact us today to learn more.
About Us
RCS Secure offers a full spectrum of cyber security safeguards and services. Our services combine compliance standards expertise with cutting-edge technology to identify risks, prioritize remediation, and ensure you are both secure and compliant.