Top 7 Network and Security Trends in 2017

The year 2017 has been laden with security breaches. Ransom ware attacks like WannaCry brought the world down to its knees. With so many security breaches doing the rounds of the market, there are a lot of trends which have emerged slowly. Despite the outburst, it’s tough to ignore the presence and the impact of these breaches in the long run.

With this thought in mind, let’s take a quick peek into the 7 top security trends in 2017, each of which has played a pivotal role in shaping the world we know today.

1)Machine Learning on the rise: Machine Learning is a type of Artificial Intelligence, which provides computers the ability to comprehend and transform data into legible analysis. This movement has had a significant impact on the security of data, which helps organizations focus on risk management and assessment. Machine learning is tailored towards finding zero day threat patterns which allow computers to look for deviations. For companies which are prone to cyber attacks, machine learning can prove to be the savior. It can go a long way in securing the Internet, by limiting the data flow between connected devices.

2)   Cloud Cover: By 2020, it is estimated that 92% of all data center traffic will be located in the Cloud. The Cloud is beginning to become a mature solution for enterprises; however, the security is definitely an issue which needs to be tackled with utmost caution. Each Cloud layer needs to be secured to avoid any inherent security breaches. In order to do so, organizations need to focus on end point devices and understand how the security can be maximized. Cloud Access Security Broker or CASB is a gateway between the Cloud and the organization’s infrastructure, and it needs to be more pervasive to support the security trend.

3)The Internet of Things (IOT):As per Gartner, there will be 8.4 million connected things by the end of 2017. Given the increasing volumes, it has become even more imperative to concentrate on securing the organizational data which is shared via the Internet. Firmware is still a vulnerable part of an organization’s data structure, which makes it susceptible to hacker attacks.  Organizations need to concentrate on embedding firmware into their risk assessments’ tasks in order to curb the issue of security breaches.

4)   Mobile Threat Defense: As we progress further through the years, everything has become mobile. From apps to mobile inventions, there is a lot to look at from a technological perspective. As the security trends take a whisk, there is an imminent need to have a robust security system in place to enhance the protection of data on all mobile apps and devices alike.

5)Software-defined networking: During 2016, many enterprises have taken the time to educate themselves on the working of software-defined networking (SD-WAN). As these companies progressed into 2017, many of them have begun initiating MPLS WAN contract renewals to branch router upgrades in order to create a compelling event for switching to SD-WAN.

6)Ransomware: Ransomware attacks seem to be on an all time high, simply because of the vulnerability of the system. Recent attacks like WannaCry, Petya, etc. have changed the face of security within organizations. As technology advances so do the quality of the ransomware. With such advancements in place, ransomware can attack any device, which makes it even more dangerous than any other hacking methodology. This brings out the need to be well prepared when it comes to enhancing security on all types of devices, especially the ones which have access to personal client data.

7)  Political hacking: Hackers have modified their game and taken it to an all new level. With industrial espionage taking a back seat, more and more government based attacks are coming in to the limelight. This way, hackers are able to infiltrate private documents with an aim to spread privileged information to sow discord and disharmony within the echelons of the governments. Political “hacktivists” are using hacking as a tool to dip into the secret information to further their causes and meet their own set agendas.

These were some of the forecasted security and network trends which one should look out for in the year 2017. Even though this year is almost coming to an end, the remaining months are enough for newer developments, which should be kept in mind at all times.