The ongoing assault on data protection measures has had devastating consequences for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Private conversations, financial details, and memories are being exposed to the digital underworld, and this frightening reality is becoming increasingly common as cyber threats evolve at an alarming pace.
From the convenience of our smartphones to the vast expanse of the cloud, digital lives are vulnerable to attack. These threats may originate with faceless criminals online or may stem from organizational insiders. Cybersecurity professionals tasked with keeping data secure must stay up-to-date on evolving threats impacting technology security.
The Threat of Mobile Insecurity
Mobile devices have become indispensable companions, carrying a treasure trove of sensitive information, such as contacts, messages, and browsing habits. There is a constant flow of content creation driving the cogs of our digital lives, but this convenience presents unique challenges. Malicious actors are constantly targeting mobile devices, exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems and applications.
Confirming the suspicions of many cell phone users, Security Magazine (2023) reports, “In 2021, …malware was detected on 1 out of 50 Android devices. It increased in 2022 to 1 out of every 20 devices.”
Home and service provider network configurations may effectively deter attackers; however, they aren’t foolproof. Data stored on mobile devices, including laptops and tablets, can also be compromised when on-the-move electronics connect to unsecured local Wi-Fi in cafés, shopping malls, etc. Lost and stolen mobile devices and social engineering attacks present another data protection challenge.
The Cloud’s Cloudy Side
Storing data in the cloud offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability but also introduces new security challenges for clients who trust third-party cloud service providers (CSPs) to secure personally identifiable information. While many CSPs have robust data protection configurations, even the most secure systems can be defeated by a determined hacker.
Cloud data breaches can take place when cloud service vendors, their contractors, partners, or clients improperly configure settings. Illustrating the complexity of this issue, in 2017 a third-party vendor, Nice Systems, misconfigured a “cloud-based file repository” (UpGuard), exposing the call data of millions of Verizon customers.
Additionally, there are ever-present insider threats from disgruntled employees and unethical contractors with privileged access to sensitive client information.
Quantum Leap into the Unknown
The advent of quantum computing promises to revolutionize technology but represents another significant data protection challenge. Current encryption methods rely on mathematical problems that are difficult for today’s computers to solve. Ironically, bad actors may utilize powerful quantum computing technology in the future to break encryption keys and access privileged information, making today’s advanced technology obsolete.
Forward-thinking scientists are working to stay ahead of the threat by developing post-quantum cryptography resistant to attacks by quantum computers. In 2022, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced four quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms that “will become part of NIST’s post-quantum cryptographic standard.”
Quantum computing could also fuel new attack methods researchers have yet to consider, so developing tools to respond to this threat is continually evolving.
Data Protection: Fortifying Our Digital Defenses
Individuals must adopt a proactive approach to data protection to secure their digital lives:
- Create complex passwords and adopt two-factor authentication.
- Keep devices and software up-to-date to patch vulnerabilities.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions and use a virtual private network (VPN) when practical.
- Employ reliable security apps to protect mobile devices.
- Regularly back up devices to prevent loss in case of a data breach.
Organizations can also take steps to secure their data protection systems:
- Implement robust access controls to limit unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.
- Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Provide training and education to employees and contractors on security best practices, including phishing awareness and secure coding.
- Develop a comprehensive incident response plan to minimize the impact of a cyberattack.
As technology continues to evolve, so too will cybercriminal tactics. Cybersecurity professionals must be aware of and prepared for developing threat trends, adaptive in implementing evolving best security practices, and flexible in tackling new data protection challenges as they emerge. Securing data in the cloud and on mobile devices requires the vigilance of users, CSPs, and partner vendors. Meanwhile, scientists will continue to prepare for unknown future threats by creating sophisticated new tools to keep our data safe.
Remember, cybersecurity is not just a technological challenge; it’s a human one. By working together, we can protect our sensitive data from those who seek to exploit it, building a more secure digital future.
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References
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2022, July 5). NIST announces first four quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2022/07/nist-announces-first-four-quantum-resistant-cryptographic-algorithms
Security Magazine. (2023, June 28). Research reveals rise in sophisticated attacks against mobile devices. https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/99569-research-reveals-rise-in-sophisticated-attacks-against-mobile-devices
UpGuard. (2017, July 12). Cloud leak: How a Verizon partner exposed millions of customer accounts. https://www.upguard.com/breaches/verizon-cloud-leak
