We’ve entered a new era of cybersecurity where it’s no longer possible to take a reactive approach. To stay one step ahead, it’s crucial to understand the emerging trends shaping the industry and to be able to prioritise accordingly.

Generative AI in cybersecurity

It’s no surprise that the top trend to shake up the cybersecurity industry in recent times is generative AI. The likes of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) tools can be powerful in defending what matters most to your organisation. Some examples may be:

• Simulating potential attack scenarios
• Identifying vulnerabilities
• Developing robust defence strategies

However, generative AI is a double-edged sword; it has immense potential, but also presents a new set of challenges for security. In the same way an organisation can use AI to protect itself, attackers can use AI to attack. Cybercriminals are currently using generative AI to automate attacks, create sophisticated phishing campaigns, and generate convincing deep fake content.

Building resiliency into cybersecurity

In today’s threat landscape, it’s no longer a question of if your organisation will be breached, but when. Previously, a reactive approach to security was, in a lot of cases, good enough. But now, embracing cyber resilience is no longer optional, it’s a necessity.

“You need to assume that you have or will be breached and build resiliency and processes around what you're gonna do in the, in the case of a breach,” says Liz Knight, Head of Cyber at Theta – an Onwardly partner.

Cyber resilience is all about implementing security measures and technologies that can ensure you can quickly detect and respond to threats.

Implementing advanced threat detection

“There are a lot of different tools that can help you gain visibility of what your priorities are, as well as what the threats, flaws and gaps are in your organisation,” says Liz.

Threat detection can help to analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns indicative of malicious activities. Implementing advanced threat detection can enhance your organisation’s ability to detect and respond to threats in real time.

Continuous monitoring and incident response

Prioritising continuous monitoring and incident response enables your organisation to detect vulnerabilities, identify weaknesses, and respond swiftly to security incidents. This could look like regular assessments, including penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and security audits. 

A well-defined incident response plan should outline roles, responsibilities, and escalation procedures, ensuring your team can respond quickly and effectively.

Collaboration and information sharing

Cybersecurity is a collective effort. By collaborating with other security professionals, we can strengthen our defences against cyber threats. Joining information sharing platforms, participating in security communities, and exchanging threat intelligence provides valuable insights, including early warnings about potential risks.

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Each cybersecurity trend brings unique benefits and challenges. While some trends may be more accessible with your organisation’s resources and capabilities, others may require careful consideration and investment. By critically evaluating these trends, you can make informed decisions about prioritising your cybersecurity efforts and fortifying your defences against threats.