Halfway through 2023 and we’re seeing three cybersecurity trends dominate the conversation. How might they influence how you tell your story?
At Highwire, we perform trendscape analysis to enable our clients to stay on top of the hot topics. The results allow us to identify where we can insert your expertise, showcase your unique POV and communicate how you help companies solve their cybersecurity challenges.
Read on for more about this year’s buzz so far: the emergence of generative AI, macroeconomic uncertainties (again) and a continued, troubling cybersecurity talent shortage.
ChatGPT mania leads generative AI trends
The introduction of ChatGPT propelled artificial intelligence back into the spotlight. The technology became the fastest-growing consumer application in history after it amassed 100 million active users two months after launch.
That has cybersecurity pros scrambling to figure out how generative AI can help and hurt. Businesses are trying to create the right usage policies, while the government rushes to find the right parameters for legislation.
Experts — even those who created the technology — have warned about how unchecked AI can wreak havoc. From spitting out inaccurate or false information to evading detection and bypassing existing security defenses, generative AI is only as good as the data and prompts it's fed and what the user's intent is. It's open-source nature means that it has the potential for being a path of infiltration for hackers as well.
On the other hand, it may be able to help tackle some of the security industry's most sophisticated issues. It can break down complexity and aggregate data seamlessly, creating an avenue for success amid a cybersecurity talent shortage. No doubt it will play some role in enhancing global threat intelligence over the next decade.
In any case, there will be no shortage of headlines along the way.
Macroeconomic uncertainty tightens budgets
Long-running macroeconomic uncertainty was expected to continue in 2023, which has seen its share of layoffs and hiring freezes.
Some experts still believe a recession is looming causing organizations to tighten their budgets. Unfortunately, cybersecurity often takes a hit, so practitioners have had to learn how to adapt.
At the same time, economic uncertainty leads to an uptick in cybercrime. We've seen this play out in the past, with online crime complaints jumping 22.3 percent from 2008 to 2009, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Today, the World Economic Forum's 2023 global cybersecurity outlook found that 93% of cyber leaders think it is "moderately likely" to "very likely" that global economic instability will lead to a far-reaching cybersecurity event within the next two years.
Security leaders are trying to find ways to use their existing tech arsenal to get the greatest return on investment, while protecting their enterprises. Many are turning toward automation, preventative technologies, and long-term resiliency to accomplish this.
Vendors in the space can take an opportunity to speak to these needs through thought leadership.
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Skills gaps and talent shortages continue to persist
Add to emerging tech and cost cutting a talent shortage, and we have an unfortunate perfect storm. The supply of cybersecurity experts is not growing at anywhere near the pace required. With a current shortfall of 3.4 million cybersecurity workers, it's one of the most pressing challenges organizations are facing.
Yet, following the COVID-19 pandemic cyberattacks increased by 300%, creating the biggest demand yet for security talent. Combined with ongoing digital transformation, the need for new talent isn't going anywhere.
CISOs and security leaders have shifted focus to try upskilling out of the skills gap. They're recruiting current employees to learn security-adjacent skills, with an ongoing investment in training and looking for new talent. Hiring managers have a growing focus on programming knowledge, big data analysis and a comprehensive understanding of cyber operations.
For ambitious security pros, this means a tremendous opportunity. For providers, it's a chance to tell their stories in a way that shows how their products and services help fill the growing gap.
Connect with Highwire to stay on top of cybersecurity trends
At Highwire PR, we're always closely monitoring and analyzing the trends in the ever-changing security landscape.
Reach out to us today and connect with one of our security experts who can help define your narrative and amplify your cybersecurity story.
