Businesses are expanding their digital footprint while threats become more automated and difficult to detect.

With cybersecurity reaching a critical tipping point in 2016, 2017 will bring new challenges with the ongoing growth of the digital economy.

As smarter technology and smarter threats continue to alter the landscape, organizations must go into the New Year with a fresh perspective on cybersecurity. Here are 6 predictions of what lies ahead from our partner, Fortinet, and what that means to you.

Trends That Shaped 2016

In addition to the expanded digital footprint, several other trends rose to the top in 2016.

Targets: Attackers are relying more on automated attacks against smaller targets and on customization for larger targets.

Tactics: Anything can be used as a weapon, as we’ve seen in the recent massive attack using the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected consumer devices. That means everything — and anyone — is a target.

Detection: As threats become more intelligent, they are more difficult to detect. At the same time, cyber criminals are patient, often mapping out their attack strategies months in advance.

How to Tell if a Cyber Attack Has Hit Your Network >>

What to Expect in 2017

1. More automated threats: A new generation of malware will be designed to be adaptive and operate autonomously, using machine learning to improve the outcome of attacks. Behaving much like humans, these new threats will be situation-aware. The malware will use complex decision-making and prediction techniques as well as analysis of offensive intelligence and apply countermeasures based on environment.
2. Increased pressure on IoT manufacturers: The Internet of Things is in the middle of a perfect storm. More than 20 billion IoT devices are expected to be connected by 2020, and many of these devices have very little, if any, security built in. These devices can’t be upgraded or retrofitted to add security, creating a huge machine-to-machine attack surface.
3. Cloud adding to the attack surface: Connected IoT devices will also become the weakest link in the expanding cloud infrastructure. While cloud providers are adding more layers of security, attackers will take advantage of client-side exploits, targeting unsecured endpoint devices.
4. Smart cities as new target: In a quest for more sustainable development, better management of natural resources and improved services to citizens, cities are embracing smart technology. From intelligent traffic controls to interconnected building automation, this new technology is creating a new, massive attack surface. Hackers will see a growing interest in these targets, looking for ways to exploit them for ransom.
5. Ransomware just getting started: Ransomware will enter a new age, with more targeted attacks on high-profile targets, from celebrities to political figures to smart cities. Attackers will also use automation to carry out large-scale attacks on small targets, resulting in large payouts. Read more about Ransomware. >>
6. Technology as an answer to skills gap: As the gap in skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, organizations will have to rely more on technology to defend against threats. Savvy organizations will look beyond traditional security tools, turning to consulting services to help navigate the increasingly complex security landscape and to managed security services for turnkey security solutions.

A partner of Fortinet, Resilient has access to the world-class threat intelligence and cybersecurity technology organizations need in the age of digital economy. We offer a strategic approach to security while incorporating multiple layers of defense and best of breed technologies.