We're only half-way through 2023 and it has been a breakneck year in cybersecurity. While the expected advancements of things like artificial intelligence (AI) and Zero Trust have been focal points in 2023 there have also been several technologies and threats that have emerged as stars in disrupting the status quo for cybersecurity. 

As we delve into 2023, several threats, technologies, and strategies have emerged as pivotal points in fortifying digital defenses. In this article, we will explore seven breakout cybersecurity topics reshaping the way organizations approach security. 
 

#1 Artificial Intelligence: Empowering Defense (and Exploitation)

I'm sure it sounds like a broken record at this point, but 2023 is the year of “Artificial Intelligence.” Every year since the launch of IBM’s Watson in 2010, it feels like we've dubbed each year “the year of AI.” There's something different about 2023, though. With groundbreaking AI productivity tools like ChatGPT, creative generative AI tools like Adobe’s Firefly, and functional multi-application AI assistants like Microsoft 365 Copilot, AI seems to have become a fixture in every modern enterprise office. 

Although AI is making waves publicly, it has been silently reshaping cybersecurity as we know it for the past few years. What sets 2023 apart is the exponential growth in the utilization of AI in modern cybersecurity solutions as well as criminal organizations. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI capabilities to enhance the sophistication and success rate of their attacks. For instance, they utilize generative AI to craft highly convincing social engineering phishing emails that can bypass traditional email security gateways. These AI-driven, socially engineered attacks exploit human vulnerabilities.

AI is offering attackers radically efficient, cost-effective, and scalable cyberattack operations allowing them to form highly successful criminal enterprises like "phishing-as-a-service." The rapid utilization of AI for organized crime makes it crucial for organizations to invest in AI-powered defenses and continuously educate their employees about the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals. 

#2 Social Engineering: Manipulating the Human Element 

Social engineering remains a powerful weapon in the arsenal of cybercriminals, consistently proving its effectiveness in breaching organizations' defenses. As highlighted in Verizon's 2023 Data Breach Investigates Report, the number of data breaches resulting from social engineering has witnessed a staggering increase of over 60%. The impact of these techniques continues to be felt, emphasizing the critical need for organizations to prioritize strategies that combat social engineering attacks. Cybercriminals exploit human behaviors and psychology, using techniques like phishing, pretexting, baiting, and tailgating to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or granting unauthorized access. 

To combat social engineering attacks, organizations must prioritize email security solutions that leverage AI-powered behavior analysis tools that can detect subtle deviations from normal communication patterns. In addition to AI and ML tools, organizations should adopt integrated security awareness training and advanced phishing simulation testing. Training should focus on recognizing the signs of social engineering attempts, such as suspicious requests for sensitive information, unexpected urgency, or unusual communication patterns. Simulated phishing campaigns should be regularly deployed to test and reinforce employees' ability to identify and respond appropriately to these attacks.

By creating a culture of skepticism and empowering employees with the knowledge to identify and report social engineering attempts, organizations can significantly reduce the success rate of such attacks. 

#3 Threat Exposure Management: Proactive Defense Strategies 

Threat exposure management is "back in style" (again) as organizations recognize the importance of identifying and managing vulnerabilities to mitigate potential risks. Proactive defense strategies involve assessing the organization's attack surface, identifying vulnerabilities, and prioritizing remediation efforts based on the potential risk and impact of exploitation. 

To effectively manage threat exposure, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments in conjunction with penetration tests to identify weaknesses in their infrastructure, applications, and systems. Automated scanning tools can help streamline this process by identifying security gaps and providing actionable recommendations for remediation. Identifying the vulnerabilities is only half of it. With the speed of attackers exploiting new vulnerabilities, it is imperative security, and IT teams mitigate vulnerabilities with countermeasures or updates and patches as soon as possible (yes, we know testing takes time). 

#4 Business Email Compromise: Heightened Threats to Corporate Communications 

Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks have become a pressing concern for organizations across industries. These attacks involve cybercriminals impersonating trusted partners, vendors, and co-workers, often high-ranking executives, and attempting to deceive employees into transferring funds or disclosing sensitive information. BEC attacks are uniquely sophisticated from traditional email attacks as they commonly do not contain any malicious content like URLs or attachments. Instead, BEC attacks primarily leverage social engineering tactics and include malicious intent that bypass traditional email security measures.

To mitigate the risks associated with BEC attacks, organizations need to implement a modern mailbox-level email security solution that utilizes AI and ML learning to detect and remediate BEC attacks based on "malicious intent" and not traditional malicious content. In addition to automated technical controls, it is imperative to fortify end users with advanced phishing simulation testing that trains employees to identify and report sneakier social-engineering BEC attacks. By combining technical safeguards with an empowered workforce, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to BEC attacks. 

#5 Zero Trust: Redefining Network Security and Access 

Traditional network security models, relying on perimeter-based defenses, are no longer sufficient in today's dynamic threat landscape. Zero Trust architecture represents a paradigm shift in network security, assuming that no user or device can be inherently trusted, regardless of their location within the network. 

Zero Trust security principles emphasize the importance of continuously authenticating and authorizing every user, device, or application attempting to access network resources. This approach requires granular access controls, strong identity verification methods, and continuous monitoring of user behavior to detect and respond to anomalous activities. By adopting a Zero Trust strategy, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, lateral movement within their networks, and the potential damage caused by insider threats. 

Implementing Zero Trust may require organizations to reevaluate their existing network architecture, invest in identity and access management solutions, and deploy advanced security analytics tools. However, the long-term benefits of enhanced security and increased resilience against evolving threats outweigh the initial implementation efforts. 
 

#6 Human-Centric Security: Putting People at the Core 

The 2023 Verizon DBIR frequently refers to the ‘human element’ when discussing breaches and addressing security challenges. Gartner highlights the importance of considering humans as both the targets and the--potential--defenders in cybersecurity. Despite significant investments in technological solutions, these leading cybersecurity authorities continue to emphasize that humans remain the greatest weakness in organizational security but also serve as the greatest opportunity for enhancement. Human-centric security aims to incorporate humans into security strategies and solutions effectively, recognizing their critical role in fortifying defenses. 

Organizations should focus on building a cybersecurity-aware culture where employees understand their responsibilities in safeguarding sensitive information and systems. This includes comprehensive security awareness training programs that cover topics such as password hygiene, safe browsing practices, and identifying and reporting suspicious behavior, activity, and security incidents. With email continuing to be the leading attack vector for these security incidents, implementing an integrated and personalized phishing simulation tool enables end-users to identify and report emerging threats. Furthermore, it is vital to cultivate a supportive environment that encourages employees to confidently report any security concerns they may have, without the fear of facing negative consequences.

To maximize the effectiveness of these tools, organizations should implement user-friendly technologies that prioritize seamless user experience, enabling enhanced security measures without hindering productivity. User-centric design principles should be applied to security solutions, ensuring that security measures are seamlessly integrated into employees' daily workflows. By considering humans as an integral part of the cybersecurity ecosystem, organizations can significantly enhance their overall security posture. 

#7 Identity Fabric Immunity: Strengthening Identity and Access Management 

Identity and access management (IAM) form the foundation of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Gartner emphasizes the concept of Identity Fabric Immunity, demonstrating the need for organizations to strengthen their IAM practices to protect against unauthorized access and identity-related attacks.

Critically, organizations should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions that combine MFA components such as passwords, authentication apps, biometrics, and, most reliably, hardware tokens to enhance identity verification. Additionally, privileged access controls (see Zero Trust above) should be established to ensure access to critical systems and data are only available to authorized individuals. Furthermore, regular reviews of user privileges and access rights are necessary to maintain an accurate and up-to-date IAM framework.

Organizations should leverage identity analytics and behavior-based monitoring to detect suspicious activities or anomalies in user behavior. These technologies can help identify potential identity-related threats, such as compromised credentials or insider threats.

Conclusion 

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, staying updated on the latest terms and themes is crucial for organizations aiming to protect their digital assets. Embracing the power of AI in both defense and exploitation research, mitigating the risks associated with business email compromise and social engineering attacks, adopting a human-centric security approach, implementing Zero Trust principles, prioritizing threat exposure management, and strengthening identity and access management are all key steps in securing the digital future. 

By staying informed and implementing robust security measures, organizations can navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape with confidence. The time to embrace these breakout cybersecurity terms and themes is now, as they pave the way for a more resilient and secure digital ecosystem.