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We are entering a brave new world. Rapid advances in technology coupled with an unprecedented rate of digitalization have transformed the cybersecurity landscape. A new generation of consumers now operate as digital natives, living and working in an interconnected global network unlike anything seen before.

With this new paradigm of hyperconnectedness come new kinds of threats and challenges, including new modes of attack and new types of threat vectors. But not all technologies wield the same impact. We have analyzed 4 emerging technologies poised to have the biggest impact on the future of cybersecurity as we know it.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Generative AI has revolutionized our understanding of cybersecurity threats. This is both good and mind. While on the one hand, generative AI has already been implicated in sophisticated attacks employing deepfakes, AI and ML also empower cybersecurity professionals by arming them with the ability to analyze massive datasets to identify patterns and detect anomalous behavior intelligently in real-time.

Besides AI-powered threat detection, these technologies also arm organizations against cyberattacks by potentially automating key response mechanisms. This can cut response times – and, subsequently, damage – to a fraction of what we might see otherwise.

Will AI- and ML-driven cybersecurity technology be sufficient to not only keep at pace with but thwart AI- and ML-mediated threats? That remains to be seen, but it presents an exciting area for future development in cybersecurity.

Zero-Trust Architecture

There was a time when zero-trust architecture was assumed to be a necessity only at the highest levels of security – think military-grade or governmental usage. That is no longer the case. According to Gartner’s latest findings, 63% of organizations around the world now either fully or partially implement a zero-trust architecture.

A concept originating in the early 90s far ahead of its time, Zero Trust Architecture adopts a strategic approach that requires verification at each step of a potentially sensitive action such as accessing certain areas or records or conducting a digital transaction. This continuous validation of users, devices, and applications ensures robust authentication.

But zero-trust architecture doesn’t only rely on continuous authentication to deliver superior security. It also employs network segmentation and stringent access controls, minimizing the risk of lateral movement within an organization’s networks even in case of a breach at one point. This is particularly useful for scenarios where not all information systems can be reasonably secured to the same degree.

For us, the verdict is clear: the future of cybersecurity architecture is zero-trust.

Quantum Computing and Encryption

Like AI and ML, quantum computing can also be a double-edged sword. Many of our current cryptographic algorithms are both limited by current computing capabilities and dependent on assumptions of limitations in the same. Quantum computing is on track to change that.

Passwords are one the most common forms of cybersecurity, but even rudimentary quantum computing technology can potentially crack 128-bit and 256-bit encryption. Researchers are racing to develop quantum-resistant encryption techniques to safeguard sensitive data, with the NIST announcing its first four quantum-resistant algorithms as recently as 2022.

Will encryption technologies keep up with the development in quantum computing technology? Given the potential ramifications across every level of infrastructure and in every form of usage – from military to government to corporate to personal – we are confident this field will see even greater investment and scientific interest in the years to come.

Blockchain Security

The buzz may have died down from its peak, but blockchain remains of interest to the field of cybersecurity. Blockchain technology leverages its inherent immutable and decentralized paradigm to provide organizations robust approach to data security, data integrity, and transparency.

Blockchain-based security technology can make it exceedingly difficult for unauthorized access or tampering, strengthening key aspects of cybersecurity and data governance. Blockchain-based identity management mitigates several issues with conventional identity management by utilizing distributed nodes for data storage & communication, allowing users to take back control of their identities and reducing risks such as user identity abuse by malicious actors.

Blockchain implementations are reliant on the resilience and success of other cybersecurity technologies, however – particularly encryption. While we foresee a world where the technology sees greater adoption, its widespread use will coexist with the effectiveness of other cybersecurity measures.

Takeaways

These are interesting times in the world of cybersecurity – and that can be as exciting as it can be challenging. The four emerging technologies we have evaluated here will play a key role in shaping our understanding of both the potential and the dangers of an increasingly digital world in the next few years. Is your organization ready?

Take the guesswork out of cybersecurity. Kualitatem has been involved in several Compromise Assessment assignments with BFSI. Reach out to Kualitatem today to discuss our Security And Risk Assessment | Testing Services | Kualitatem services and discover why 500+ clients trust us to ensure the safety of their most valuable technological assets.