Cyber Trends in 2023: Key Statistics You Can’t Ignore

Here we are – almost ¼ through 2023! Looking at the year so far, the increasing reliance on technology, coupled with the growth of digital infrastructure has led to the need for robust cybersecurity measures. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, the first few months of 2023 have been marked by several significant cybersecurity events. Our experts compiled some of the key developments so far in 2023 related to cybersecurity trends to keep you in the know.

Rise in Ransomware Attacks

So far in 2023, one of the most prominent and concerning trends has been the increase in ransomware attacks. Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated in their tactics, now using social engineering along with advanced malware to infiltrate systems and encrypt sensitive data. Additionally, the rise in cryptocurrency has made it easier for hackers to demand and receive payment for these attacks.

According to the 2023 SonicWALL Cyber Threat Report, ransomware attacks have increased by 57% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year. Some high-profile ransomware attacks in 2023 have targeted government agencies, healthcare providers, and financial institutions.

IoT Devices and the Risks of Cyberattacks

The Internet of Things (IoT) has exploded in popularity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more and more devices being connected to the internet, and seeking to access sensitive data. While this has brought many benefits (I’m looking at you, smart bulbs helping me turn my lights off with just a clap!), it has also created new security risks. IoT devices are not designed with security in mind, which makes them more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Continued Importance of Zero Trust Architecture

For our weekly readers, zero-trust architecture is not a new concept. This is an approach to cybersecurity that assumes all devices and users are potentially compromised and requires constant verification of identity and security posture to access data. This model encourages people to look at security differently. Some basic factors of a zero-trust network are:

• Improving password policies.
• Ensuring your organization has MFA enabled.
• Implementing constant checks based on position in a company.

Just in the first 3 months of 2023, we have seen multiple organizations have employees that have fallen victim to phishing attacks, leading to a serious disruption in the company’s network. Even within the organization’s network, it is critical to always verify the employee and their credentials, phishing attempts can be stopped before they even start.

Increased Focus on Cybersecurity in Healthcare

Of all the industries, healthcare has seen a staggering rise since the COVID-19 pandemic in cyberattacks and ransomware. The number of IoT devices used in a hospital makes it difficult to stay on top of security. Malicious actors target patient data such as social security numbers, birth certificates, and more. Just this week, ZOLL Medical corporation began notifying more than 1 million individuals of a data breach, after detecting suspicious activity on Jan 28, 2023.

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving and so far in 2023, we have seen several key events that highlight the trends shaping the industry. The rise of ransomware continues to be a major concern for organizations of all sizes, while the increase in IoT devices connected to networks presents new security concerns. The continued focus on zero-trust architecture and the increased attention to cybersecurity spending in healthcare also illustrate the importance of vigilance in the face of cyber-attacks. As we move further in the year, check back in with Dataprise experts to review cybersecurity trends to properly adapt to the changing threat landscape.