Technologies that will shape the future of cybersecurity
By Suparna
Published on Nov 14, 2022It's a small world—this phrase is becoming a reality due to rapid digitalization and the evolution of technology. Over the past few years, especially throughout the pandemic, the world has experienced a tremendous amount of technological change. Technology has become an integral part of many aspects of our lives, whether it be in our workplaces or personal lives, and this reliance is growing each day.
We have yet to decide whether technology is a boon or a bane to humankind as the very technology that facilitates progress has also been weaponized by cybercriminals to carry out cyberattacks. To breach data and steal personal information, hackers use IoT and cloud technology to spread sophisticated malware and launch DDoS attacks.
While technology helps cybercriminals master their attack plans, it can also help us defend against them. In the Zero Trust era with so many cutting-edge technologies emerging, like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), quantum computing, and distributed clouds, cybercriminals stand less of a chance of winning. Let's dive into these technologies one by one.
1. Blockchain
Blockchain technology has been around since 2008, but it has recently grown into a promising avenue for attack mitigation in cybersecurity. The data and devices managed by a centralized administration are vulnerable to attacks. Blockchain's decentralization distinguishes it from other security frameworks.
In a blockchain, computer networks or blockchain networks play a major role. Such a network validates data transactions before securing them as blocks. Using cryptographic chains, each newly created block is added to the blockchain, making the data inside the block uncrackable. A consensus mechanism validates and agrees on all transactions within the blocks, ensuring each transaction is genuine. This property is the foundation of a decentralized storage solution.
Because the record-keeping process is asymmetric, data is less vulnerable to the threats posed by centralization. Blockchain security can also prevent DNS and DDoS attacks since there is no single origin point to infect. Furthermore, when combined with AI, endpoints can defend themselves if abnormalities are detected instead of depending on a central admin to take action. The use cases don't end here—blockchain will also play a major role in identity and access management, potentially removing the need for passwords altogether.
2. AI and ML
Although the human element is one of the keys to an organization, it is also the weakest link in cybersecurity. We cannot eliminate human error from day-to-day operations, but we can certainly reduce its intervention in critical spaces like cybersecurity. The solution may lie in implementing AI and ML.
No matter the type of threat—simple phishing attacks, insider threats, ransomware, or DDoS attacks—ML has the capability to detect these threats and notify administrators. AI combined with ML can automate a defense so that the attack can be dealt with without any false alarms. These technologies use algorithms that learn from past attacks to identify future ones.
3. Quantum computing
Quantum computing is still a far-off technology compared to the others in this list. According to McKinsey & Company's projections, mass adoption of quantum computing might not take place for up to 10 years.
What is faster than the most advanced supercomputers? Quantum computers.Compared to today's computers, quantum computers can solve far more complex problems. Among these are the algorithms behind encryption keys that protect our data and the internet's infrastructure. Clearly, we can see its power has the potential to be both transformative and disruptive. Despite its potential to cause severe problems with existing encryption protocols, it could improve the privacy and security of enterprise networks by providing a way to generate unbreakable codes.
4. Distributed clouds
In the past, customers didn't care where their data was processed. The popularity of IoT has led to the realization that data must be processed close to its source in order to reduce latency. Data storage and real-time processing are becoming critical with the rise of IoT and other cloud services. This is where distributed clouds come into play.
Distributed cloud infrastructure lets us access public cloud services from multiple satellite locations. Each of these sites has its own processing capability, ensuring that data is processed close to its source. The distributed computing model reduces the potential for centralized hacking, since data is spread across many locations. Furthermore, it facilitates compliance with regulatory frameworks by allowing service providers to process customers' personal information in line with their country's data privacy laws.
The future of cybersecurity rests on how quickly and efficiently we adapt to these emerging technologies. To stay one step ahead of hackers in the digital age, individuals and organizations must be aware of the threats, well-trained, and updated about the latest technologies.