The past two years saw unprecedented levels of cybercrime, trends that seem poised to continue into 2022. Data breaches have been perpetrated by cybercriminals across numerous industries and at a frequency never-before seen. With distributed workforces and online commerce continuing to grow, it is important for all businesses to consider what goes into a robust cybersecurity plan, and how best to strategize as cybercrime continues to proliferate.
Several Reports Show Data Breaches on the Rise in 2022
Reports have shown that 2021 represented a new high-water mark in the number of data breaches. Between the growing threat of ransomware in several high-profile cases–including professional sports teams–as well as countless new methods for phishing and accessing private information, doing business online has become riskier than ever before, but remains an absolute necessity for most organizations.
Outside of the confines of a secure firm network, employees can be left on their own to deal with levels of cyber risk that they never had to before when using their simple home networks. A proper cybersecurity plan in 2022 must enforce education for all employees to understand the risk of cybercriminals and how to spot potential threats.
There seems to be no slowing down for data breaches and their ensuing costs. In 2021 alone data breaches have accounted for millions of dollars in expenses, the worst seen in nearly two decades, and 2022 looks to continue on that track as the so-called “cyberdemic” continues to affect businesses within the online space.
How the cybersecurity industry is responding
The cybersecurity industry has responded to the rise of data breaches and information theft through new methods meant to monitor networks and detect vulnerabilities. The old adage rings true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Cyber threats will continue to make themselves apparent as the digital space welcomes more and more business. As the transfer of assets and information online continues to grow, so too will these businesses that deal in private or financial information be targeted by cybercriminals.
The rising risk of data breaches can be mitigated with the right cybersecurity plan in place; one that is explicitly designed to defend networks by monitoring vulnerabilities, while keeping any business or firm abreast of their risk posture. Cybersecurity plans, including written policies, are necessary tools, and with their adoption and adherence, throughout all industries, data breaches can begin to decrease.
