6 FA L L 2 0 2 3 As I think about 2024 and what the future holds for cybersecurity, there are exciting tools on the horizon to help secure the networks of small businesses. Of course, the bad guys are also innovating and evolving, but more things are happening proactively rather than reactively than ever before in the cybersecurity space. This is encouraging, since organizations have long been in a state of constant reaction to the latest threats and vulnerabilities. It’s not time to sit back and be complacent, however. Many of these new developments are yet to come into full practicality, so we still have cybersecurity work to do. Let’s explore what’s ahead. REALITY IS SETTING IN Finally, after years of hacks and compromises of networks around the world, most people now have a firm grip on the reality that cybersecurity must be integrated into their lives and businesses. (Some are unfortunately still in denial, but they’re in the minority.) This acceptance of reality creates synergy between security professionals and the organizations they serve, keeping us moving together in the right direction and accelerating the implementation of improved cybersecurity practices. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS While nobody likes to be forced to do anything, security requirements—through regulation, qualification for cyber insurance coverage, or standards that must be met to get grant money—do result in basic cybersecurity work being implemented. Those who are already doing what they should be doing on the cybersecurity path are not burdened by these requirements. Remember, external entities aren’t the ones forcing you if you choose to take precautions on your own beforehand. CQ (CYBERSECURITY QUOTIENT) There’s IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient). I’ll take the liberty to make up my own term, CQ (cybersecurity quotient), to measure the knowledge of cybersecurity. CQ levels are rising as people learn more about all things cybersecurity and make smarter decisions. They refrain from clicking on the link in phishing emails, transfer private information using encryption, and ask about cybersecurity before buying a new software package. SECURING OUT IN THE OPEN New software is increasingly available that allows us to make the public cloud a private resource. Secure Gateway Services are redefining what securing IT means. As we’ve moved more of our private information into public cloud services like Microsoft 365 or G-Suite, you commonly hear, “Well, that needs to be open so we can get to it from anywhere.” Secure Gateway Services provide ways to not only replace traditional VPN clients to 2024 CYBERSECURITY REPORT By Ryan Pieken, Sr. Consultant – CIO/CISO Services You have more and better resources to proactively increase security
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