A Quick Refresher
As we move ahead, taking advantage of the energy of the new year and work to get our annual plans moving, sometimes rushing to get a lot more done than usual since we now know the unexpected is all that can be expected, let’s have a quick refresher.
Cy-BURN-out
New normal. Our new reality. The various ways that we describe everyday life in the time of a global pandemic. It means a lot of change, in a lot of ways, for a lot of people. While parenting is definitely more challenging when it comes to managing to homeschool and work from home at the same time, there is another group that might not be getting as much press when it comes to feeling overwhelmed. The IT industry.
Cybersecurity Trends for 2021
Bell bottoms, neon colors…kale…trends come, and trends go, and generally, we’re not one to care much about what’s in style, but cybersecurity trends? That’s one we can get behind and think that there can never be enough of!
So, what can you expect to see as both a consumer, employee, employer, business owner or just a member of the general public who has a computer? Let’s take a look at what we are seeing.
You Know Better
The end of the year in the usual circumstances brings about reflection even if it hasn’t given us challenges to face or decisions to look back on. This year was one of extraordinary circumstances, and while the situation was unprecedented, the summary of what transpired lends itself to the age’s old advice: Preparation is key.
The poet Maya Angelou is credited with saying “When you know better, you do better.” And in knowing better, would that have meant that:
Home Security
When establishing a safe environment at home, we put locks on the doors, latches on the gate, and home security systems that keep uninvited visitors out, and alert us to any intruders otherwise. What we see is what we address – as is the case with most things and situations.
But hidden somewhere in your house is an unlocked door – or doors – that may be giving access to information that can be accessed and stolen much more easily than the family heirlooms and jewels. Your home network is an entry point that is far too often overlooked.
Incoming Cybersecurity Leadership
Regardless of whichever way you lean politically, the recent announcement of a few incoming Presidential government staff appointments is hopefully good news to those who know the importance of strong cybersecurity.
Why?
Because these individuals come with a collective history of working in the industry. This means that there won’t be any lag time in getting them caught up on why a strong cybersecurity program is critical to all of us and the nation as a whole.
Lemons to Lemonade
Let’s try to make lemonade out of these lemons we keep getting with COVID-19. Yes, there is an uptick in the number of cases and yes, it appears we are heading towards additional restrictions and lockdowns in various ways. One of two things has likely happened, you started working from home and are still there; OR, you were home, but now back in the office. If you’re part of that second set, all signs are pointing to a work from home scenario again in the near future.
Stimulus Scam
With the election season winding down, and a new administration announcing plans for the future, there will be another factor that contributes to the uncertainty of our times. (When does the list of uncertainties stop growing, I wonder?)
And again, we find hackers and cybercriminals in a power position to take advantage of our uncertainty of not only what is true, but also who to look for when it comes to dispersing accurate information. This isn’t discrediting any individual or organization, but we can all agree to admit, chaos can prevail in the current climate of COVID-19.
Security Skill Shortage
As the need for cybersecurity awareness increases across the entire business landscape, so does the need for strong programs and a trained and competent workforce. This affects everyone in at least two ways. First, you need to have a designated leader in place who facilitates the program, and second, you need to ensure that the entire team is strong and informed in their skill set when it comes to ensuring that they are behaving in ways that reinforce the program set in place.
Safe Voting
There’s a lot to talk about in the political world right now. In the United States, we’re on the cusp of a huge election and the opinions are strong. We aren’t here to discuss that side of politics; we’re here to look at how cybersecurity factors into this election process and how it affects all of us, regardless of which “side” you fall on.
What Are the Factors?