With 2015 in our rearview mirror, it is time apply what we learned in cybersecurity to the challenges we will face in 2016. to look back and learn in terms of cybersecurity. We saw records came and fall throughout 2016. We should take those learnings and apply them to the challenges we will face in 2016.
First let’s talk about sure bets when it comes to concerns in 2015:
- We saw new records repeatedly broken for set time after time when it came to new releases of malicious software.
- We saw some cybersecurity budgets trimmed in 2015 despite the growing threat.
- We saw the most concerning breach in history: The Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) experienced the collection of personal information for those with security clearances (past and present).
- We saw shocking new forecasts for the Internet of Things (IoT) market that suggesting we will see over more than 200 billion IoT devices will connecting to the Internet in the next several years, most without firewalls or anti-virus protection.
- We saw additional warnings about the shortage of cybersecurity people and new, increased concerns about the overall shortage of science, technology, engineering and math majors. All those fields are Both are badly needed for military and intelligence services.
Now let's look at some of the pleasant surprises that we saw in 2015:
- We saw surveys that indicate cybersecurity issues will be a major — if not the top concern — for the boards of directors.
- Some point to the passage of the controversial Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act.Cyber Security Bill, However, that is not seen by many as a positive for a number of reasons.
- A few industries saw There was some decrease in the cost per record breached in a few industries. This was brought about by due to insurance and technology/resource investment.
While the negatives outnumber the positives, the three positives were we are at least taking steps in some direction. The direction (right or wrong) is highly debated. Perhaps the steps could have been bigger, bolder and they could have gone further, but for the most part, they are better than nothing. Let’s hope we all have a better and more peaceful 2016, but I would not hold my breath.!
