Exploring evolving trends in data security: unveiling key developments

It’s no secret that the data security sector is constantly changing. It has an annual CGR of about 12.3%.

Future trends in data security

Much of this has to do with the rise of cybercrime in recent years, with reports showing that cyberattacks happen as often as every 39 seconds. To combat the growing rate of cybercrime, data security has been on the rise.

As we journey further into this era, it becomes evident that a spectrum of significant trends is molding the future of data security. This exploration delves into a selection of these trends, unraveling their importance and the potential implications they carry 

1. AI security tools will increase 

Artificial Intelligence is also being used in the development of smart attacks and malware

The introduction of Artificial Intelligence in the data security industry brought significant changes, especially in cybersecurity. AI has been the golden standard for face detection, natural language processing, automated threat detection, and automated security systems.

Additionally, Artificial Intelligence is also being used in the development of smart attacks and malware, bypassing even the latest security protocols in data control. And as time progresses, AI security tools will flourish and dominate the scene. Let’s take a more in-depth look at three of the top AI security tools.

• Targeted attack analysis tool 

Manufacturers utilise targeted attack analysis tools to uncover targeted and stealthy attacks. Artificial Intelligence can be applied to the program’s capabilities, processes, and knowledge. For instance, Symantec launched this tool to combat the Dragon 2.0 attack in 2022. The phishing attack reprimanded multiple energy companies while trying to gain access to their operational networks.

Targeted Attack Analysis Tools can analyse incidents and look for similarities from previous situations. They also help detect suspicious activities and collect all the necessary data to determine whether a specific action is malicious.

• Intercept X tool 

Results from the Intercept X Tool feature high accuracy and a low false positive rate

Sophos, a British security hardware and software company, launched the Intercept X Tool. It engages a neural network that records and analyses data like a human brain. Sophos’ Intercept X Tool can extract features from a single file and perform a deep analysis.

It detects malicious activities within 20 milliseconds. Plus, it’s also trained to work on bi-directional sharing and real-world feedback of threat intelligence. Results from the Intercept X Tool feature high accuracy and a low false positive rate. 

• IBM Watson Technology 

IBM’s QRadar Advisor uses IBM Watson Technology, a unique AI tool for fighting cyber attacks. Artificial Intelligence can auto-investigate activities and indicators for potential exploitation or compromise. With cognitive reasoning, IBM Watson Technology can present critical insights to accelerate the response cycle.

Security analysts can utilise this technology to search for threat incidents, reducing the risk of letting them fly under the radar.

2. Blockchain as a security solution 

It guarantees no points of failure or hackable entrances that can expose datasets inside the system

Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology (DLT) that aims to establish trust within an untrusting ecosystem. Today it’s one of the most robust cybersecurity technologies in the industry. Blockchain utilises a decentralised ledger system, but your team members can still gain access to transparent information in the cloud. Members can also record, pass along, and view necessary transactional data in the blockchain.

The entire blockchain process maintains data integrity within the system while establishing trust among team members. It guarantees no points of failure or hackable entrances that can expose datasets inside the system.

• Cybersecurity, biometrics

Cybersecurity primarily benefits from these features because blockchain can create a secure and robust wall between data and hackers. On top of that, blockchain ledgers can include biometrics like fingerprints and retina scans. These prevent hackers from accessing any private data.

Because blockchain is decentralised, it also limits hackable data. Together with the technology’s record-keeping system, each node is provided insight into data manipulation exposing real-time cybercrime attempts. 

3. Increased and widened access control 

Without access control, expect your company to be open to security issues, including theft, data loss, and breach of data

Access control is critical in data security. More than a valuable security tool, business leaders can use access control to regulate people accessing any given resource. A company with an IT security setting can control who has the liberty to edit certain files.

One of the primary goals of access control is to minimise threats or attacks to organisations and businesses to keep people and data secure. Without access control, expect your company to be open to security issues, including theft, data loss, and breach of data protection laws.

Benefits

The benefits of increased and widened access control include:

• Identifying who can access and control your data at specific time intervals.
• Protecting data from overwriting, accidental deletion, and malicious intent.
• User permissions that can be readily changed.
• Compliance and regulation with data privacy laws.
• Central management of access to data through a reporting portal or a dashboard. 

Multi-factor authentication

Access control comes in various types and systems, so it’s critical to know the features of what you’re looking for. The most common type is multi-factor authentication or MFA. It involves multiple steps before logging in, requiring the user to enter other relevant information besides the password.

Some other examples of information include biometrics, answering a security question, or entering a code sent to the user’s email address.

Two-factor authentication, role-based access control

Two-factor authentication further prevents unauthorised entries that can result in unnecessary data possession

Two-factor authentication further prevents unauthorised entries that can result in unnecessary data possession. 

Another type of access control is role-based access control. In this setup, only one individual can set up access guidelines and grant permissions to specific team members within an organisation.

4. Greater use of the zero-trust security model 

The zero-trust security model is a framework that requires every user within and outside the organisation to undergo authentication, authorisation, and validation. These are all essential to ensure proper security configuration before access is granted to the company’s applications and data.

A zero-trust model assumes that anyone can cause data breaches and that a traditional network edge is not taken into effect. Moreover, it addresses the following modern-day challenges:

• Hybrid cloud environments.
• Security of remote workers.
• Ransomware threats. 

This framework utilises the combination of multiple advanced technologies, including: 

• A risk-based multi-factor authentication.
• Endpoint security. 
• Identity protection. 
• Cloud workload technology. 

The zero-trust model uses all these innovative tools for system identification, user verification, access consideration, and system security maintenance.

Constant validation and monitoring

Enforcing strict policies and compliance with data privacy laws are also essential

Additionally, it also considers data encryption, email security, and asset verification before establishing connections with applications. The architecture of a zero-trust framework requires constant validation and monitoring of the users and the devices they are using. Enforcing strict policies and compliance with data privacy laws are also essential.

More importantly, the zero trust architecture requires all organisations to be aware of all their available services and accounts to gain complete control of data handling and manipulation.

5. Increased privacy regulations 

Privacy regulations and policies guide organisations in proper data control, handling, and security. These policies guide organisations in proper data control, handling, and security. As a responsible business owner, you must comply with these regulations to avoid legal issues.

With cybersecurity attacks becoming common, expect increased and stricter privacy regulations to be released in the next few years. While current policies are still taken into effect, various modifications and adjustments will occur to compete with the rising numbers of data breaches, thefts, data loss, and more. 

California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)

Currently, the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) is the most comprehensive legislation on state data privacy. It only started to take effect on January 1, 2023. The CPRA introduces the following principles:

• Broad individual consumer rights.
• Significant duties of people who need to collect sensitive and personal information.
• Additional definitions of data privacy and security.

An individual’s duties include releasing information about data collection to concerned data subjects and proper access, correction, and deletion of information.

Final thoughts 

2023 is a big year for data security. Trends such as increased adoption of zero-trust policies, a greater reliance on AI security tools, and the implementation of blockchain as a security solution are all things we expect to see shortly. 

Staying up-to-date with these trends is important for keeping your business current and ensuring that you’re adhering to new and changing regulations. Doing so can give you an edge over the competition and keep you out of legal hot water.