Today, several factors continue to cause a dramatic increase of the corporate network attack surface, including:
- digital transformation efforts (switching to cloud and hybrid environments, automating customer satisfaction, improving operations),
- proliferation of AI/ML business use cases,
- and an increase in the number of remote workers.
Other factors contributing to an expanding digital network attack surface include:
- more mobile devices,
- business growth (new branches, new data centers),
- poor security hygiene (writing insecure code, using outdated software),
- new hardware and software systems,
- more endpoints,
- new firewall ports, and more.
This expanding network attack surface, however, does present several challenges for organizations.
First, it increases the risk of cyberattacks by providing more avenues for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. Second, it adds complexity to the system, especially when dealing with multiple cloud and on-premise environments. This complexity can make it harder to maintain and secure the infrastructure.
Additionally, the costs associated with securing and maintaining an expanded attack surface can be significant if not managed properly. Lastly, attack surface expansion can decrease organizational agility, as the focus on security and complexity may hinder innovation and speed to market.
Therefore, cyber threat actors constantly seek to find new ways to exploit these risks and vulnerabilities to cause severe attacks and breaches.
With these challenges in mind, we now present several key trends that are poised to shape the future of network security, each with its unique challenges and implications for organizations.
1. Prevalence of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, remote work, and the complexities of modern networking environments, the adoption of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is poised to accelerate significantly. Already, legacy perimeter-based security models are no longer sustainable, forcing organizations to choose between reliable network connectivity and comprehensive security.
Consequently, companies are increasingly turning to solutions tailored for modern networks, which demand a converged, cloud-delivered architecture that is both reliable and scalable, growing with their business needs. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is emerging as the solution of choice to meet these requirements.
SASE offers a holistic approach to network security by integrating essential security functions such as secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), and zero trust network access (ZTNA) into a single, cloud-delivered service. This convergence simplifies security management and reduces operational complexity, making it an attractive option for organizations seeking to enhance their security posture.
Additionally, SASE aligns with the shift towards cloud-native architectures, providing scalable and flexible security solutions that can adapt to evolving business needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of remote work, driving organizations to reevaluate their network security strategies and prioritize solutions that can secure distributed workforces.
As a result, SASE will become increasingly recognized as a foundational element of modern network security architectures, enabling organizations to secure their networks and applications regardless of the user’s location or device. With the continued growth of cloud services and the increasing complexity of network environments, SASE is poised to offer a comprehensive and future-proof approach to network security that is well-suited to the evolving threat landscape.
2. More Targeted Ransomware Attacks
As organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure and data, they should brace for a dramatic rise in targeted ransomware attacks. Ransomware attacks have become a pervasive and costly threat to organizations worldwide. Today, ransomware attacks typically involve cybercriminals infiltrating a network through phishing emails, compromised websites, or vulnerable remote desktop protocols.
These attacks involve sophisticated threat actors who infiltrate networks, encrypt critical data, and demand ransom payments for decryption keys. The motivation behind such attacks is often financial gain, with attackers targeting organizations that are likely to pay large sums to regain access to their data. The rise of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) models has made it easier for cybercriminals to launch attacks, even with limited technical expertise.
Moreover, the proliferation of cryptocurrency has facilitated ransom payments, allowing attackers to remain anonymous and evade law enforcement. Targeted ransomware attacks are also becoming more sophisticated, with attackers using advanced techniques such as spear-phishing, supply chain attacks, and zero-day exploits to gain access to networks.
As a result, organizations must adopt a proactive approach to ransomware defense, including regular data backups, employee training on phishing awareness, and the use of multi-factor authentication. Additionally, organizations should invest in advanced threat detection and response capabilities to quickly identify and contain ransomware attacks before they can cause widespread damage.
Overall, the threat of targeted ransomware attacks is expected to grow significantly, making it imperative for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their data and operations.
3. Increase in Internet of Things (IoT) Cyber Attacks
As the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices continues to skyrocket, organizations should prepare for a surge in IoT cyber attacks. These attacks target vulnerabilities in IoT devices to gain unauthorized access, disrupt operations, or steal sensitive information.
One example is the Mirai botnet, which compromised hundreds of thousands of IoT devices to launch massive distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Today, attackers already exploit weak security controls in IoT devices, such as default passwords, unencrypted communication channels, and lack of firmware updates. As IoT devices become more integrated into critical infrastructure and industrial systems, the potential impact of IoT cyber attacks grows significantly.
For instance, in 2017, a cyber attack targeted a casino in Las Vegas, where hackers exploited vulnerabilities in a smart aquarium thermometer to gain access to the casino’s network. The thermometer was connected to the internet to automatically regulate the aquarium’s temperature. Once inside the network, the hackers accessed the high-roller database of the casino, stealing sensitive information.
For critical infrastructure, a cyber attack on a smart city’s IoT infrastructure could disrupt essential services such as transportation and utilities.
To mitigate the risk of IoT cyber attacks, organizations should implement security best practices such as segmenting IoT devices from the main network, regularly updating device firmware, and using strong authentication mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in their IoT ecosystems. By taking proactive measures to secure their IoT devices, organizations can minimize the risk of falling victim to IoT cyber attacks in the future.
4. More Leadership Focus on Cyber Resilience
In light of increasing cyber threats and high-profile cyber attacks, executives and board members are expected to prioritize cyber resilience as a key trend for network security. Cyber resilience refers to an organization’s ability to withstand, respond to, and recover from cyber attacks, ensuring minimal impact on business operations.
Executives and board members are recognizing the importance of cyber resilience as a strategic imperative, given the potential financial, reputational, and regulatory consequences of cyber attacks. For example, the SolarWinds cyber attack in 2020, which compromised numerous government agencies and corporations, highlighted the need for robust cyber resilience strategies.
Executives and board members are also becoming more aware of the interconnected nature of cyber risk, understanding that a cyber attack on one organization can have cascading effects across the supply chain. As a result, they are investing in cyber resilience measures such as cyber insurance, incident response planning, and employee training.
Furthermore, regulatory bodies are increasingly mandating cyber resilience measures, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in the United States. Overall, the trend towards prioritizing cyber resilience reflects a growing recognition of the critical role that cybersecurity plays in ensuring business continuity and mitigating cyber risk.
5. CISOs Get More Exposure, Both to Cyber Liabilities and Company Management
The role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) will become increasingly exposed both to cyber risks and liabilities, as well as to company boards and management. Regulatory agencies such as the SEC are already holding CISOs accountable for incident mismanagement, leading to personal liability and legal consequences. This trend has created a chilling effect in the CISO community, with many IT and security leaders either leaving the position or competent CISOs choosing not to do the job altogether.
The SEC’s charges against SolarWinds and its CISO for fraud and internal control failures highlight the precarious position of CISOs. This environment has made the job even more stressful, especially considering the already high-pressure nature of the role. Today, many CISOs are concerned about how their actions will be perceived post-incident, leading to a reluctance to take on the job.
However, not all CISOs feel the same pressure, with some viewing the increased liability as a natural progression of security becoming a business-critical function. To navigate these challenges, CISOs are advised to ensure regular updates on risk management to the board and establish crisis management plans and communication strategies in advance. Despite the challenges, some CISOs are finding a silver lining, with more opportunity to better collaborate with company management and line-of-business leaders on the best security practices to protect their organizations.
6. Widespread Adoption of Zero Trust
As organizations continue to evolve their network security strategies, there will be a significant shift towards implementing Zero Trust principles over traditional VPNs and firewalls. Zero trust aims to eradicate the primary causes of security breaches and attacks: by removing implicit trust and excessive permissions.
Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no trust, inside or outside the network, and requires verification of every user and device attempting to connect to the network, regardless of their location. This approach is gaining traction due to the limitations of VPNs and firewalls in today’s complex and dynamic network environments.
For example, VPNs provide secure access to the network but once inside, users often have unrestricted access to resources, which can lead to lateral movement by attackers. Firewalls, while effective at blocking unauthorized access, are unable to prevent attacks from malicious insiders or compromised devices within the network perimeter.
In contrast, Zero Trust enforces strict access controls based on identity, device security posture, and other contextual factors, reducing the attack surface and minimizing the impact of security breaches.
Several major technology companies, including Google with its BeyondCorp model, Cisco with its Cisco Zero Trust framework, and Microsoft with its integration of zero trust principles into Azure Active Directory and Microsoft Defender ATP, have embraced zero trust security. These companies treat all network traffic as untrusted, requiring authentication and authorization for every request, regardless of its origin. This approach helps protect against modern threats by eliminating the need for VPNs and focusing on securing access to applications and data based on user identity and context.
Across other industries, Zero trust has surged in popularity in recent years, emerging as a practical security priority. A robust zero trust approach entails defining detailed policies, enforcing suitable access permissions, and exerting precise control over network users. While an effective Zero Trust strategy can defend against numerous cyber threats, it is not a comprehensive or complete solution. Companies need to begin with zero trust and gradually layer on more security controls to develop a fully mature security program.
As organizations increasingly adopt cloud services and remote work arrangements, Zero Trust is positioned to offer a more flexible and scalable approach to network security that aligns with modern business needs. Zero Trust is a continuous process, and adopting the correct strategy can facilitate and accelerate this process, transforming it from wishful thinking into a security actuality.
7. More Government Oversight on Cyber Incidents
Organizations should expect an increase in government regulations pertaining to network security as a future trend. Governments around the world are recognizing the growing threat posed by cyber attacks and are taking steps to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information.
For example, in the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued guidelines requiring public companies to disclose cyber incidents that could have a material impact on their business. Similarly, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates that organizations implement appropriate security measures to protect personal data and notify authorities of data breaches within 72 hours.
These regulations are designed to hold organizations accountable for safeguarding sensitive information and encourage them to adopt best practices in network security. As cyber threats continue to evolve, governments are expected to introduce new regulations and update existing ones to address emerging threats and ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure.
Organizations should stay informed about regulatory developments in their jurisdictions and proactively implement security measures to comply with these regulations and protect their networks from cyber attacks.
8. Cyber Insurance Covering Lesser Costs
Organizations should brace for the likelihood of fewer and more expensive cyber insurance policies as a future trend in network security. The cyber insurance market has experienced significant losses due to the escalating frequency and severity of cyber attacks.
For instance, the 2017 NotPetya ransomware attack resulted in substantial losses for global insurance companies, prompting them to reevaluate their risk models and coverage offerings. As a result, insurers are becoming more stringent in underwriting cyber insurance policies and are raising premiums to offset potential losses.
The 2020 ruling in the Merck case further highlighted the challenges insurers face in covering cyber-related losses. Merck sued its insurers for refusing to cover losses incurred during the NotPetya attack, arguing that the attack constituted an act of war, which was excluded from their cyber insurance policy. The court’s decision to uphold the insurers’ denial of coverage underscored the limitations of current cyber insurance policies and the importance of understanding policy terms and exclusions.
To navigate this changing landscape, organizations need to conduct thorough risk assessments, implement robust cybersecurity measures, leverage cloud-based security services such as SASE, and engage in open dialogue with insurers to ensure they have adequate coverage. In the event of a cyber incident, insurance can help mitigate financial risks and provide resources for security audits, facilitating faster recovery.
However, organizations should note that relying solely on cyber insurance is not a guarantee of better defense. In fact, some argue that cyber insurance could incentivize ransomware payments since victims know they will be reimbursed. Attackers might even target organizations based on their insurance coverage.
Given the increasing responsibility for cybersecurity falling on organizations themselves, the evolution of the cyber insurance market will be intriguing. It is crucial for organizations to adapt their cybersecurity strategies to address evolving threats and explore alternative risk management strategies, such as risk transfer and mitigation, to protect themselves against cyber-related financial losses.
9. More API Security Breaches
Organizations should prepare for an increase in API security breaches as a future trend in network security. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) have become integral to modern software development, allowing different applications to communicate and share data. However, the growing reliance on APIs has also made them a prime target for cyber attackers.
One example of an API security breach is the 2018 Facebook data scandal, where a third-party app accessed and improperly stored user data through Facebook’s APIs, leading to widespread privacy concerns. As organizations continue to design applications around APIs, the attack surface for API-related vulnerabilities expands.
Common API security risks include inadequate authentication and authorization mechanisms, insecure data transmission, and insufficient rate limiting and access controls. Additionally, the rapid pace of API development can lead to overlooked security vulnerabilities.
To mitigate the risk of API security breaches, organizations should prioritize API security in their development lifecycle. This includes implementing strong authentication and authorization measures, using encryption for data transmission, and regularly auditing and monitoring APIs for vulnerabilities. Organizations should also stay informed about emerging API security best practices and incorporate them into their development processes to protect against API-related cyber threats.
10. Simpler Network Security Infrastructure for Organizations
Organizations should anticipate a trend towards the simplification of cybersecurity tools to manage the security of complex network infrastructures more effectively. As networks become increasingly intricate and distributed, managing security across diverse environments can be challenging.
One approach to simplification is the consolidation of security tools into unified platforms that offer comprehensive coverage. For example, Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances combine multiple security functions such as firewall, intrusion detection, and antivirus into a single, easy-to-manage solution. Another trend is the use of Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms, which automate repetitive security tasks and integrate disparate security tools, streamlining incident response and management.
Additionally, organizations are increasingly adopting cloud-based security solutions, such as Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS), which offer scalable and easily deployable security services without the need for on-premises hardware. Simplifying cybersecurity tools can help organizations reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and enhance overall security posture.
However, organizations must carefully evaluate and select tools that meet their specific security needs and integrate seamlessly with their existing infrastructure. By simplifying cybersecurity tools, organizations can better manage the complexities of modern network security and protect against evolving cyber threats.
11. Proliferation of AI/ML-Powered Cyber Technologies and Solutions
Organizations should anticipate a significant increase in the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) tools and technologies in network security. AI and ML have the potential to revolutionize network security by enabling more proactive and adaptive defenses against cyber threats.
For example, AI-powered threat detection systems can analyze vast amounts of network traffic data to identify patterns indicative of malicious activity, allowing organizations to respond quickly and effectively to potential threats. ML algorithms can also be used to enhance access control mechanisms by learning and adapting to user behavior, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Additionally, AI and ML can improve incident response by automating the detection, analysis, and remediation of security incidents, reducing the burden on security teams and minimizing response times. Furthermore, AI-driven security analytics can provide organizations with valuable insights into their security posture, helping them identify vulnerabilities and prioritize remediation efforts. As AI and ML technologies continue to advance, organizations can expect to see them integrated into a wide range of network security tools and solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint security platforms.
More so, as threat actors start to intensify their efforts in using more AI and ML tools to launch attacks and cause breaches, organizations will need to be several steps ahead – both in adopting more AI/ML-powered software and technologies, but also in incorporating AI and ML solutions into their comprehensive organization-wide cybersecurity strategy.
By leveraging AI and ML in network security, organizations can enhance their ability to detect and respond to cyber threats, ultimately improving their overall security posture.
12. More Cloud Network Security Attacks
Organizations should anticipate an increase in cloud network security attacks as a future trend in network security. This is because as more businesses move their operations to the cloud, cybercriminals are shifting their focus to exploit vulnerabilities in cloud environments.
One example of a cloud network security attack is a data breach caused by misconfigured cloud storage, such as an Amazon S3 bucket left open to the public. Another example is a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack targeting cloud infrastructure, which can disrupt services and cause downtime for organizations. Additionally, attackers may use phishing attacks to gain access to cloud accounts and steal sensitive information.
To protect against these threats, organizations should implement strong access controls, regularly audit their cloud configurations, and use encryption to protect data in transit and at rest. They should also educate employees about the risks of cloud network security attacks and provide training on how to recognize and respond to phishing attempts. By taking these proactive measures, organizations can mitigate the risk of cloud network security attacks and protect their data and operations in the cloud.
13. More Supply Chain Security Attacks
Organizations should prepare for an increase in supply chain security attacks. Supply chain attacks involve targeting vulnerabilities in the software, hardware, or services provided by third-party suppliers to gain access to an organization’s network or data.
One example of a supply chain security attack is the SolarWinds breach in 2020, where attackers compromised SolarWinds’ software update mechanism to distribute malware to thousands of customers, including government agencies and corporations. Another example is the NotPetya attack, where attackers used a compromised software update for a Ukrainian accounting software to distribute malware that caused widespread damage globally.
To protect against supply chain security attacks, organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments of their supply chain partners and ensure they adhere to strict security standards. They should also implement security controls such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and intrusion detection systems to detect and respond to potential threats.
Additionally, organizations should establish incident response plans that include procedures for addressing supply chain security breaches. By taking these proactive measures, organizations can mitigate the risk of supply chain security attacks and protect their networks and data from malicious actors.
In Conclusion…
The future of network security is poised to be both challenging and intense, as organizations navigate a rapidly evolving threat landscape. The rise of IoT attacks, cloud security breaches, and supply chain vulnerabilities underscores the need for robust security measures and proactive risk management strategies.
Embracing trends such as Zero Trust architecture and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) can help organizations strengthen their security posture and adapt to the changing nature of cyber threats. Additionally, the increasing use of AI and ML technologies in network security holds promise for enhancing threat detection and response capabilities. By staying informed about these future trends and implementing effective security measures, organizations can better protect their networks and data from cyber attacks in the years to come.