OECD [1] research reveals the global annual cost of cyberattacks ranges from approximately EUR 930 million to EUR 5.5 trillion, and that the amount is rising every year, reflecting the true scale of cyber threats and the severity of attacks, which target businesses, governments and individuals. And as dependence on digital platforms increases with every passing day, implementing robust cybersecurity measures has to be the number one priority for all sectors
With these escalating threats, cybersecurity needs to evolve—and quickly. Some of the latest developments; AI and machine learning (ML), are both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, cybercriminals are using AI to sharpen their attacks with things like deepfakes and hyper-personalized phishing, making it harder to tell real from fake. But on the other, security teams are leveraging AI for real-time threat detection and prediction.
Another game-changer this year has been Zero Trust architecture. Unlike traditional security, which assumes trusted users within a network, Zero Trust assumes no one can be trusted. Every user or device must be continuously verified before gaining access to any resources. Zero Trust architecture is becoming essential for minimising security gaps and protecting sensitive data, especially with the growth in remote work and cloud-based operations.
The shift to cloud-based systems, accelerated by remote and hybrid work models, is also a big challenge for cybersecurity. Moving critical data to the cloud increases risks, such as misconfigurations, reduced visibility, and potential issues with third-party providers. To combat this, companies are investing heavily in encryption, multi-factor authentication, and AI-powered monitoring tools to keep cloud infrastructure secure.
IoT and smart device security present a final layer of risk. With everything from smart home gadgets to industrial sensors connected online, there are now countless entry points for hackers. Many of these devices have minimal security, making them prime targets. As 5G and edge computing expand, safeguarding these devices is critical, with encryption and AI-based monitoring proving essential to keep hackers out.
For those interested in diving deeper into cybersecurity education and training, our upcoming Deep Tech Skills Days 2024 event in Warsaw on November 12-13 offers a unique opportunity to engage with top experts, learn about the latest trends, and participate in hands-on workshops
Cybersecurity at the Deep Tech Skills Days 2024
On day 1 of the conference, Victoria Strokan, Chief Marketing Officer, Science, Entrepreneurship, Technology (SET) University, will be giving a talk on cybersecurity with a particular focus on how to stay safe in the cyberwar era, and strengthening cybersecurity through the building of cross-border collaboration.
While cybersecurity breakout sessions include:
- Navigating the Digital Maze: Cybersecurity Awareness for the Modern User by Istanbul Gelisim University which is designed to enhance cybersecurity awareness, and will cover threats, social engineering attacks, and cyberbullying with practical advice from academia, industry, and law enforcement.
- International Industry Engagement Workshop on Cybersecurity, organised by DIGITAL INNOVATION ZONE (DIZ EDIH), Riga Technical University, FORT, Expertware, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and will focus on trends in cybersecurity and innovative solutions with open discussions to address the challenges and demand for advanced skills.
- CYRUS project: enhance your cybersecurity skills, by EIT Manufacturing, shows how through tailor-made cybersecurity trainings, the CYRUS project supports SMEs as well as companies from manufacturing and transport to enhance their staff’s cybersecurity skills. This helps to better recognise threats and mitigate risks.
References
[1] OECD (2022), OECD Policy Framework on Digital Security, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/a69df866-en
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