IT support answering questions via headset

2022 is coming, and cybersecurity threats are only going to get worse. The coming year will present old and new challenges for your IT support team. Is your organization fully protected? Are you investing enough in cybersecurity to ensure you’re not a victim of unpredictable and debilitating attacks?

While nobody knows the future, there are some things we can predict about the coming year. With this knowledge, you can take meaningful steps to safeguard what’s most valuable for your organization: your private data.

Here are four expert-supported predictions for cybersecurity threats in 2022 and what it means for your IT support strategy: 

Reusing Passwords Will Continue To Be a Problem

Many employees reuse the same password from bank accounts to software to email accounts. Creating unique passwords for every tool and remembering them all is challenging. However, this is a huge security risk for organizations with sensitive data.  

52% of people almost always reuse passwords across platforms and accounts, with only 24% using a password manager. Hackers know this structural weakness and can more easily steal your data because of it. IT support in 2022 will need to refocus efforts on requiring password changes, educate employees about password best practices, and implement password management.

One of the easiest ways to start the new year off with increased cybersecurity is to improve password management. Every member of your organization is crucial to your overall security, and password management is a worthwhile practice that can immediately increase your protection.

Remote Work Cyberattacks Will Continue To Rise

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a process already underway: the move to remote work for employees. That trend will only continue as companies allow for more and more hybrid work options. 

Cybercriminals know this: 

  • Studies show a strong correlation between remote work and cyberattacks. 
  • Remote employees often use vulnerable personal devices to access work accounts and data, and that trend will only continue in 2022.
  • Ransomware attacks have increased exponentially in the last year and will continue to be a primary cyberattack method in 2022. Consider working closely with IT support to define proactive security measures against ransomware to protect your data. 

Email Phishing Scams Will Continue To Be a Threat

Email phishing is not new, and it’s here to stay. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were around 800 million COVID-themed phishing emails per day. These emails attempt to trick recipients into doing something that seems reasonable but has negative consequences: like installing ransomware. 

The number of email phishing scams is only expected to rise in 2022. Your company’s IT support services will need to educate employees on determining what constitutes a legitimate email and what’s a blatant phishing attempt. 

5G Technology Will Continue To Be Vulnerable

5G tech has made everything faster and more efficient. But it has been and will continue to be vulnerable to cyberattacks. 5G capabilities will simplify communication, streamline innovation, and facilitate rapid economic growth. However, in a recent survey, an alarming 48% of 5G operators say they find it challenging to secure their networks. 

In 2022, your IT support team will need to adopt cutting-edge technology to protect against cyberattacks, like examining security weaknesses within your personnel’s technology practices and reevaluating infrastructure integrity to determine where your network is vulnerable to bad actors.

New Year, Better Security 

While the impending cyber threats of 2022 can seem overwhelming and daunting, especially to small and medium-sized businesses, investing in cybersecurity is the best proactive step your company can take to tackle the new year head-on. With a reliable partner in IT, your organization is safer than ever. Contact JNT Tek today to secure your network! 

 

Published On: December 20th, 2021Categories: Cybersecurity

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