The pandemic of 2020, coupled with economic upheaval and social issues, has hastened global digital transformation and the prioritization of digital strategies. However, as organizations embrace digitization, cyber risks have surged. Cloud-based attacks spiked by 630 per cent between January and April 2020 and threaten the cybersecurity infrastructure of several organisations. Consequently, businesses are reassessing their approaches to digitization to safeguard their services and clients.

Rising Threats and the Growing Cyber Skills Gap

A new digital landscape introduces potential vulnerabilities to an organization’s cybersecurity. Hackers are deploying increasingly sophisticated threats and phishing attacks as data becomes a company’s most valuable asset. According to Verizon’s 2019 Data Breach Investigation Report, phishing played a role in 32 per cent of all verified data breaches. Concurrently, the cyber skills gap is widening alongside the proliferation of data breaches, with 3,800 reported in 2019 alone. Reports indicate a 350 per cent increase in unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work.

Navigating the Era of Digital Transformation

In a period of constant change across all sectors, technology stands out as a rapidly expanding industry driving significant transformations. As businesses undergo digital reinvention, cybersecurity emerges as a fundamental pillar in building the new business ecosystem across all sectors. However, achieving this transformation requires a well-conceived security strategy and adequate resources. Businesses must adapt securely to thrive in this new era, with security playing a pivotal role in their transformation and adaptation efforts.

Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Threat Landscape

Ensuring the security of computer networks and data has become increasingly complex. Cybercriminals are deploying more sophisticated and inventive attacks than ever before, including file-less and zero-day assaults, phishing, vishing, and smishing. The notion of Macs being safer has been debunked, underscoring the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

Ushering in a New Era of Cybersecurity

To safeguard against evolving cyber threats, organizations must adopt a proactive and robust cybersecurity approach. This entails implementing a comprehensive arsenal of security solutions to protect against potential threats. While some may deem such measures excessive, the reality is that any security vulnerability can be exploited by cybercriminals.

Addressing Fragilities in Cloud Ecosystems

Cloud ecosystems, while enabling value creation through resource pooling among trust actors, also introduce vulnerabilities due to a lack of visibility and coordinated governance. Threat actors exploit these weaknesses to undermine confidence and disrupt operations. Strengthening cyber resilience and value realization for trust actors requires ecosystem-wide cyber awareness and response capabilities.

Conclusion

As organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation, cybersecurity emerges as a critical component for ensuring resilience and mitigating risks in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. By prioritizing cybersecurity measures and adopting proactive approaches, businesses can adapt securely to the demands of the digital era and position themselves for future success. With the support of AVIANET’s cutting-edge solutions, businesses can strengthen their cyber defences and thrive in an increasingly digital world.