Technology moves and evolves swiftly, with change being the only true constant. Year after year, one undeniable trend remains consistent for tech industry leaders: an escalation of cyberattacks and breach attempts. The need for robust cyber risk management only continues to grow. Companies need insight into cybersecurity risk management, emerging technologies, and trends shaping the field for increased business resilience.
The Current State of Cybersecurity Risk Management
In 2023, global attack attempts rose by 104%, according to Armis’ Anatomy of Cybersecurity report. Despite the alarming trend, a concerning number of global organizations continue to underestimate the severity of cyber threats. However, there has been a positive increase in education and awareness of the severity of cyber threats and potential solutions.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and underscored the importance of supply chain resilience. While organizations have adapted to these changes, the evolving nature of these trends requires continued vigilance and, we can never stop anticipating the next threat and risk management trends.
Cyber Threat Hunting
Cyber threat hunting, while not a new concept, is gaining significant traction as organizations prioritize more proactive approaches to cybersecurity risk management. Unlike traditional practices focusing on reactive measures, such as intrusion detection or incident response, threat hunting takes an offensive strategy to identify and neutralize potential threats before they’re detected on a network or cause any signs of a breach.
By leveraging advanced detection tools and technology, threat hunting can transform an organization’s cyber risk management strategy. Cyber threat hunting often relies on the expertise of skilled cybersecurity professionals with a deep understanding of their organization’s systems, networks, and risks from potential threats.
Organizations without the internal resources for dedicated cyber hunting activities may partner with managed security service providers (MSSPs) to improve their capabilities. These providers offer cyber hunting as a part of their service portfolio, leveraging external expertise to enhance threat detection. For specific or advanced threats, organizations might also engage with cybersecurity vendors or consultants who specialize in threat hunting. These experts offer specialized tools, techniques, and insights to enhance the organization’s hunting capabilities. Some threat-hunting techniques include proactively identifying and patching vulnerabilities, combing for insider or third-party vendor threats, and hunting for notable or high-profile threats.
While robust tools and qualified cybersecurity talent can demand significant technology and personnel investments, threat hunting helps organizations proactively improve their risk management and security. The process can also help organizations institute risk-based prioritization, which ranks and addresses the threats with the biggest potential for the largest impact.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Automation
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are taking off, frequently becoming preferred tools for both cyber criminals and security professionals. Generative AI content empowers cyber criminals, quickly supplying realistic phishing emails, deep fake audio or video, and other previously unthought-of methods of deception.
Fortunately, AI and ML are also at the forefront of transforming cybersecurity risk management. The technology can automate repetitive tasks, reduce human error, and help increase overall efficiencies. By training AI models to recognize patterns, identify anomalies, or simulate cybersecurity events to train employees and reveal vulnerabilities, security teams can more quickly neutralize the next wave of cyber risks.
These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a cyber threat. By leveraging AI and ML, businesses can detect and respond to threats in real time, significantly reducing the potential damage. Furthermore, AI-driven security systems are constantly learning and adapting, making them increasingly effective over time.
ESG Risks
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks are rapidly evolving. Many organizations are putting more third-party risk management efforts into vendor relationships that align with their internal values.
Customers are increasingly demanding transparency and sustainable, responsible business practices. As a result, more organizations will continue to integrate ESG considerations into their cyber risk management frameworks. Organizations are becoming more aligned with their stakeholders’ expectations and enhancing their long-term reputation by assessing and mitigating risks related to climate change, social justice, and ethical business operations.
- Environmental Considerations: Organizations are exploring ways to reduce the environmental footprint of their cybersecurity operations. Environmental considerations include optimizing data center efficiency, using energy-efficient hardware, and adopting cloud services that prioritize sustainability.
- Social Considerations: Organizations are enhancing their cyber risk management strategies to safeguard personal information, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility. There is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion within cybersecurity teams. Diverse teams can offer a wider range of perspectives and solutions, improving the organization’s ability to identify and mitigate cyber threats.
- Governance Considerations: Effective governance models incorporate cybersecurity at the highest levels of decision-making. Organizations must have clear policies, accountability, and oversight regarding cyber risk management. As part of governance, organizations must navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape concerning data protection and cybersecurity. Compliance with regulations such as GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California is an example of responsible governance.
No single framework has emerged as the universally accepted ESG evaluation or assessment standard with potential partners. Yet, frameworks from the United Nations Global Compact or the Global Reporting Initiative are among the popular options.
Stay Ahead of Cyber Risk Management Trends with RAMPxchange
On top of everything you’re already doing to support your organization, its people, and its purpose, remaining knowledgeable about the latest trends in cybersecurity risk management may be a challenge. That’s where RAMPxchange comes in. It’s an active marketplace full of members who live, work, and breathe cyber risk management. Learn more and join by speaking with a RAMPxchange representative today. Then get ready to discover the highly rated providers you need to help you stay ahead of the next big trends in cybersecurity risk management.