Cybersecurity is top of mind for nearly every IT professional, and for good reason. As the internet of things (IoT) expands, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other cybersecurity threats will continue to challenge IT professionals. Here are five cybersecurity stats to keep in mind as you assess your business and take steps to address potential risks in 2023.
1. Cyberattacks Will Increase as More Vulnerabilities Are Exposed
According to Randori’s The State of Offensive Security 2022 Report, 67% of organizations have seen an increase in their attack surface over the past two years, with 30% struggling to manage the influx of new vulnerabilities. Relying on a managed service provider with proven experience handling cybersecurity issues is one way to stay abreast of the latest technology while also mitigating risk. By leveraging managed security services, you can also take advantage of cybersecurity expertise and 24/7 monitoring, alerting, and mitigation to keep your infrastructure secure.
2. Risk Grows With More Complex Systems
As technology and digital tools evolve, so do their processes, often to an organization’s detriment. The PWC 2022 Global Digital Trust Insights report reveals that one-third of executives perceive too much complexity in their organizations. While some of it may be necessary, reducing complexities where feasible not only simplifies your operations but also reduces your organization’s potential for cyberattacks and privacy risks.
3. Ransomware Attacks Show No Signs of Easing
High-profile ransomware attacks have been in the news for several years, and they show no signs of tapering off. According to Sophos’ The State of Ransomware 2022, 66% of the 5,600 surveyed IT professionals experienced ransomware attacks in 2021, a 75% increase over the 2020 data. Further, an estimated 65% of these attacks resulted in the organization’s data being encrypted. While there is no guarantee you will recover everything lost during a ransomware attack, having backups in place is an important protective measure that allows you to recover data if an attack occurs.
4. Phishing Attacks Are on the Rise
Phishing is a common entry point for cyber thieves, with the IBM X Force Threat Intelligence Index 2022 noting that 41% of cyberattacks employed phishing techniques for initial access into an organization’s systems. Measures to prevent these attacks include the integration of anti-phishing tools as well as employee training on how to detect phishing attempts and report them before others within the organization fall prey.
5. Remote Workers Remain a Challenge
The rise in at-home workers spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many organizations still offer remote work options or a hybrid schedule for employees. In its State of Security 2022 report, Splunk confirms that 78% of security and IT leaders consider remote workers harder to secure than those onsite. Training your workforce on the latest methods and instilling strong cyber-hygiene habits is an essential part of protecting your business.
These cybersecurity stats are frightening, but they don’t have to cause you nightmares in the coming year. Instead of trying to manage cybersecurity efforts for your business in addition to keeping your IT running smoothly, outsource these tasks to a firm like TPx, which implements a managed security services approach to address the latest threats and mitigate risk. Speak to a representative today to learn how TPx can help keep your business secure in 2023.