2016 IT security predictions from Mark James
2015 has been a big year for IT security and tech in general, but not always in a good way. Mark James, ESET IT security specialist, answers some questions about what we can learn from 2015 and what trends we might see in 2016.
2015 has been the year of the breach. We’ve seen so many high profile companies suffer some quite serious data breaches: Ashley Madison, Target in the US and TalkTalk here in the UK to name a few.
Will 2016 be any different? Will businesses finally start to take security seriously? Mark James answers these questions and more.
What is going to be the biggest threat in 2016?
“The user is still the biggest threat. Compromising the user is still the easiest way to bypass our encryption methods and security measures. Making sure we implement second and even third factor protection should be a high priority.”
What has been the biggest security story of 2015?
“The LastPass data breach was interesting as we are seeing more and more attacks on security companies. When the very companies designed to protect our data are compromised the public perceive this as ‘if they can’t protect their own data how can they protect mine?’”
Will 2016 be the year enterprises finally get serious about cyber security?
“Let’s hope so, with each year we should get more information on attacks and how to combat them, we should learn and adapt easier but of course with that being said the bad guys will also adapt and thus we will still be in this cat and mouse game of them and us.”
How will cyber security recruitment and skills change in 2016?
“We will see more and more cyber security professional’s in 2016. Companies are finally beginning to understanding it’s a very important business role and need to invest in their long term employment. A good set of skills with the ability to adapt and learn will encourage companies to take you on and fit into their organisation with a view to protect from the inside: these roles are essential for combatting modern day cyberwarfare.”
What has been the most important cyber security technology breakthrough in 2015?
Biometric options have to become more mainstream. We have to strengthen the username and password combination but it needs to be something that’s easily to hand (excuse the pun) security is not meant to be easy but it’s meant to be attainable. This technology is definitely becoming more of a viable option now.”
What are some of your predictions around the market for cyber security solutions and how that will evolve in 2016 and beyond?
2016 will be the year of biometrics and we will see more options for integration into our everyday lives: just stating who we are with a username and password is no longer sufficient we now need to prove we are who we say we are.
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