Cybersecurity continues to be a high-profile concern both for businesses and individuals. With more people working at home and using their computers in 2020, it is reasonable to believe that cyberattacks will only increase in number and severity. These six cybersecurity trends provide a snapshot of what 2020 will look like.

1. Cybersecurity expertise

Cybersecurity professionals are very much in demand and, unfortunately, are in short supply. This, coupled with the increase in cyberthreats to both large and small businesses, results in the need for creative solutions to infrastructure security. Staying current with the latest tools and approaches, along with basic awareness training for all staff members, are effective cyber security budget justifications.

Larger companies with substantial computers, services and applications are turning to automated security packages to allow their short-staffed IT department to do more with less. Some automated packages can scan computers and provide fixes for vulnerabilities in a fraction of the time it would typically take if done manually.

But cybersecurity is not just a problem for large companies. Every business operating on a network connected to the internet needs to have a cyber incident response plan. It is not optional if you want to secure your valuable information and financial assets with a small number of IT professionals.

2. Data breaches

Data breaches, incidents in which cybercriminals access valuable financial or personal data, are a huge cybersecurity issue both for businesses and individuals. This could include social security numbers, credit card numbers, customer data, trade secrets or, in the direst situation, national security information. The criminals then sell the information on the black market or use it themselves to disrupt your personal or business life.

This increase in data breaches is partially because many businesses are moving their data to the cloud and not properly attending to cloud-based cyber threats. It is crucial for everyone to properly secure their data to prevent the risk of catastrophic losses.

3. Phishing and ransomware

Cybercriminals have used phishing attacks for many years to steal identities and personal data as well as introduce malware onto computers. Phishing attacks are not going away. They are actually on the upswing as more people enter the cyber criminal world and discover new and creative ways to harm innocent people and businesses.

Ransomware, an attack in which the cybercriminal blocks access to your data or threatens to publish it, is also very popular in 2020. It is imperative to be aware of these threats and to properly secure your personal or business computers to prevent cyberattacks.

4. Mobile device vulnerabilities

Almost everyone has a mobile device these days. As the number of mobile devices increases, so does the amount of personal and business data saved on the devices. Cybercriminals are aware of this somewhat untapped source of information and will be taking greater advantage of the opportunity. Beware of what you store on your mobile devices and what sites you access, such as your bank accounts or your company’s proprietary information.

5. State-sponsored cyberattacks

State-sponsored cyberattacks are not a new concept. However, as political tensions escalate between countries, the number and severity of state-sponsored cyber attacks are expected to increase. Large businesses and government sectors will be the most vulnerable and need to increase and modernize their cyber solutions.

6. IoT risks

The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of physical devices connected to the internet, such as appliances, household and commercial lights and security systems, thermostats, etc. Anything that can be controlled virtually can also be attacked by cybercriminals. This is yet another reason to practice maximum cybersecurity both at home and in the business world.

These are just a few of the more common cyber risks our country will face in 2020. Be aware of your cyber surroundings and take the highest precautions at all times.