Owing to the current global COVID crisis, many companies have shifted operations to a hybrid setup. While a hybrid work system is convenient, it gives cybercriminals multiple opportunities to attack companies’ networks and systems. The threats are only going to get worse in 2022, so organizations are advised to tighten their cybersecurity awareness and introduce more robust defense measures against potential cybersecurity breaches.

Here are some new cybersecurity challenges companies may face in 2022.

1. Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness

Cyber threats are becoming increasingly aggressive. Therefore, organizations must prioritize strengthening their cybersecurity networks. Cybersecurity awareness can prevent data theft and network hacks which may destroy a company’s reputation. The main challenge in this regard is that employees do not realize the threats present online and how they work. Nearly 97% of the population is unable to identify a phishing email, the result of which is many people clicking on such emails and compromising sensitive information to hackers. 

2. Geo-Targeted Phishing Attacks 

Phishing attacks are expected to become more targeted in the new year, i.e., cybercriminals will employ advanced methods to design and launch localized and personalized phishing attacks. Companies are advised to invest in robust and comprehensive cybersecurity awareness programs to prevent this. They can also employ various software programs within their network that can help them recognize any suspicious phishing patterns.

3. Healthcare Sector Attacks 

Data breaches due to online attacks have caused tremendous damage to the healthcare sector in terms of costs. The healthcare industry lost an estimated $7.13 million in 2020 alone. Thus, investing in digital security measures must be prioritized. However, considering the COVID crisis, many healthcare organizations were left with no choice but to adjust their existing cybersecurity measures and bypass security and firewall protocols to allow staff members to access information while working at home. 

4. Poor Cloud Security

Cloud management software solutions are becoming increasingly popular as they make it easier for organization members to access files and data, regardless of their location. However, most cloud management solutions do not offer authentication and encryption protocols, which means cloud security must be improved. If cloud management software solutions continue to be poorly configured, bypassing internal policies and files would be an easy feat for cybercriminals. 

5. Increased Threats to Education

With the shift towards online learning, cybersecurity is more necessary than ever. Cybersecurity challenges primarily revolve around data in the education sector. With the surge in targeted cyberattacks on the education sector, institutions must employ cybersecurity measures, such as post-perimeter security and limiting access to the cloud.

6. IoT Vulnerabilities

IoT devices connect the virtual realm to the physical world. Therefore, data theft through these devices is a scary possibility. Symantec revealed that compromised routers accounted for more than half of all IoT attacks in 2018 alone. Conversely, connected cameras accounted for 15% of attacks. Therefore, cybersecurity issues will persist while these IoT devices are in use.

7. Mobile Devices as Cybersecurity Loopholes

Smartphones are everywhere, and we use them for everything, including banking transactions, hotel and flight bookings, shopping, etc. Unfortunately, smartphones serve as potential cyberattack vectors for cybercriminals. Now, criminals can launch cyberattacks with the help of smartphones.