As technology continues to advance, cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, which makes it crucial for organizations to stay ahead of them. In this age of digital innovation, prominent cybersecurity developments include the increased utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML),1 the requirement to customize cybersecurity measures to suit cloud infrastructure and data, and the escalation of cyberwarfare as a mechanism for political and economic benefit. Gaining an understanding of these patterns and implementing effective cybersecurity strategies will be essential to safeguard organizations, governments and individuals and their data in the years to come. Three top cybersecurity trends over the next decade will be associated with AI and ML, the Internet of Things (IoT) and quantum computing.
In cybersecurity, XAI can help improve the transparency, interpretability and accountability of ML models that are used to detect and prevent cyberthreats.
AI, ML and Cybersecurity
One of the biggest trends in cybersecurity2 is the use of AI and ML to identify and neutralize cyberthreats. These technologies enable cybersecurity systems to learn from patterns and predict potential threats before they inflict harm. As AI and ML continue to develop, they will become more sophisticated and effective at identifying and mitigating cyberthreats. In addition, the use of AI and ML in cybersecurity will reduce the need for human intervention and increase the speed and accuracy of threat detection and response.
One of the recent developments in this field is the introduction of explainable AI (XAI). XAI focuses on developing ML models that can provide explanations for their predictions or decisions. In cybersecurity, XAI can help improve the transparency, interpretability and accountability of ML models that are used to detect and prevent cyberthreats.
Leading market players are launching products that take advantage of the latest developments in cybersecurity AI. For instance, in April 2021, Nvidia launched the Morpheus application framework, which provides cybersecurity partners with a suite of AI tools designed to detect and prevent security threats in real time.3 It is a cloud-based cybersecurity framework that employs ML to identify threats and anomalies that previously could not be detected and to implement defensive measures. These threats include the leaking of unencrypted sensitive data, malware attacks and phishing attacks.
It is important for organizations to prepare for the potential impact of quantum computing on their cybersecurity measures and explore alternative encryption methods that are resistant to quantum attacks.
In February 2023, ThreatHunter.ai announced the launch of its More Eyes program. This AI-driven threat-hunting solution is designed to complement existing security teams at large organizations by helping them find, track, deter and mitigate cyberattacks.4
IoT Security
Although IoT has enabled significant advancements in various fields, it has also created new cybersecurity challenges. As more devices are connected to the Internet, the risk of cyberattacks increases. In the next decade, IoT security will become more critical than ever, and a multitude of cybersecurity solutions are being developed to protect IoT devices and networks.
Leading cybersecurity providers across the world, such as Palo Alto Networks and Cisco, are developing IoT security products to address the unique security challenges posed by the increasing number of connected devices in homes, enterprises and other settings.
For instance, in December 2022, Palo Alto Networks launched a comprehensive security solution for IoT in the healthcare industry.5 Its Medical IoT Security addresses the challenge of securing the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) by utilizing ML to provide visibility, prevention and enforcement. Moreover, this new security solution will offer insights into the vulnerabilities of healthcare-specific devices. This solution is expected to ensure patient safety and data security while satisfying the requirements of both IT and clinical engineering teams.
In January 2020, Cisco launched Cisco Cyber Vision, a comprehensive security architecture for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).6 Cyber Vision is the first software-based security solution for the automated discovery of industrial assets delivered via Cisco’s IIoT networking portfolio.
Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity
Quantum computing is expected to revolutionize many areas of technology, including cybersecurity.7 One of the most significant cybersecurity threats posed by quantum computing is the potential to break public key encryption. Although widely used public key encryption methods such as RSA and Diffie-Hellman are effective for securing online communication and critical services, they do have some disadvantages.8 One major disadvantage is that they rely on complex mathematical calculations that can slow encryption and decryption processes, which can be problematic for applications that require fast response times. Therefore, it is important for organizations to prepare for the potential impact of quantum computing on their cybersecurity measures and explore alternative encryption methods that are resistant to quantum attacks.
To address the threat to public key encryption, researchers are developing new cryptographic algorithms, known collectively as post-quantum cryptography.9 These algorithms are resistant to attacks from both classical and quantum computers, making them suitable for long-term security.
Other new possibilities have emerged as a result of various advancements in the areas of quantum computing and cybersecurity. For instance, in January 2023, IBM published Security in the Quantum Computing Era, an in-depth analysis of the quantum security landscape that identifies the need for new strategies to maintain the integrity and security of highly sensitive data in the near future.10 The report provides a well-defined plan for organizations to collaborate with their ecosystem partners and safeguard their data from cybercriminals who may exploit the potential of quantum computers.
In July 2022, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced the selection of the first group of winners in a competition to create algorithms that could withstand a quantum computer assault.11 The competition was part of the agency’s post-quantum cryptography standardization project, which aimed to enlist the world’s cryptographers to develop encryption methods that could secure data from quantum cyberattacks.
In November 2022, Google announced that it had begun using post-quantum cryptographic algorithms in its Chrome browser to protect user data.12
Conclusion
There will be notable progress in cybersecurity in the coming decade as AI and ML technologies improve the prediction and prevention of cyberthreats.
In addition, IoT security will become increasingly vital with the growing number of connected devices. As more devices become interconnected, they are being utilized in essential sectors such as healthcare, transportation, energy and finance. This increased reliance on connected devices means that any disruption or malfunction can have significant consequences. Similarly, the increased dependency on connected devices has made society more vulnerable to potential failures or cyberattacks. As life becomes more intertwined with technology, disruptions in the functioning of these devices can have far-reaching effects.
Furthermore, quantum computing will pose new challenges that demand fresh solutions to defend against cyberthreats.
Keeping pace with these trends will be critical to safeguard the data of individuals, organizations and governments against future cyberthreats.
Endnotes
1 Next Move Strategy Consulting, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market,” 2023, http://www.nextmsc.com/report/artificial-intelligence-market
2 Next Move Strategy Consulting, “Cybersecurity Market,” 2022, http://www.nextmsc.com/report/cyber-security-market
3 Nvidia, “NVIDIA Launches Morpheus to Bring AI-Driven Automation to Cybersecurity Industry,” 12 April 2021, http://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-launches-morpheus-to-bring-aidriven-automation-to-cybersecurity-industry
4 Threathunter.ai, “ThreatHunter.ai Launches ‘More Eyes’ Program to Help Large Organizations Mitigate Cyber Threats,” Dark Reading,
27 February 2023, http://www.darkreading.com/risk/threathunter-ai-launches-more-eyes-program-to-help-large-organizations-mitigate-cyber-threats
5 Msehgal, “Palo Alto Networks Introduces Medical IoT Security,” Palo Alto Networks LIVEcommunity, 5 December 2022, http://live.paloaltonetworks.com/t5/community-blogs/palo-alto-networks-introduces-medical-iot-security/ba-p/523318
6 Cisco, “Cisco Launches a Comprehensive Security Architecture for Industrial IoT,” 27 January 2020, http://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2020/m01/cisco-launches-a-comprehensive-security-architecture-for-industrial-iot.html
7 Next Move Strategy Consulting, “Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) Market,” 2023, http://www.nextmsc.com/report/quantum-computing-as-a-service-qcaas-market
8 Saha, P.; “Everything You Need to Know About Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange vs. RSA,” Encryption Consulting, 7 November 2022, http://www.encryptionconsulting.com/diffie-hellman-key-exchange-vs-rsa/
9 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), “NIST Announces First Four QuantumResistant Cryptographic Algorithms,” USA, 5 July 2022, http://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2022/07/nist-announces-first-four-quantum-resistant-cryptographic-algorithms
key-exchange-vs-rsa/" target="_blank">http://www.encryptionconsulting.com/diffie-hellman-key-exchange-vs-rsa/
10 Harishankar, R.; S. Muppidi; M. Osborne et al.; Security in the Quantum Computing Era, IBM, USA, 2023, http://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/EZEGKEB5
11Op cit National Institute of Standards and Technology
12 Kölbl, S.; R. Misoczki; S. Schmieg; “Securing Tomorrow Today: Why Google Now Protects Its Internal Communications From Quantum Threats,” Google Cloud Blog, 18 November 2022, http://cloud.google.com/blog/products/identity-security/why-google-now-uses-post-quantum-cryptography-for-internal-comms
SHANKAR NISHANT
Is a researcher at Next Move Strategy Consulting with more than four years of experience. Nishant is enthusiastic about new technology, enjoys working with a diverse range of global clients. He has delivered numerous market reports in multiple domains. Nishant can be reached at shankar.dutta@nextmsc.com.