9 Cybersecurity Trends with Decreasing Effectiveness

Robust cybersecurity is one of the top priorities of enterprises to ensure data protection

Cybersecurity measures that were once effective no longer provide enough protection against increasingly sophisticated attackers. Here are 9 such measures that you should consider revising.

Layered security

Layered security is often touted as the best way to protect your systems. However, the truth is that no single measure can offer perfect protection. Layered security is not a "magic bullet" that will stop all attacks. It is simply a way to increase the overall security of your systems by making it more difficult for attackers to gain access.

The problem with many-layered security systems is that they put blind trust in keys and certificates. These systems are not adept at identifying which keys and certificates should be trusted and which shouldn't. You need to use things like radius security in order to guard against the threat of pre-shared and identical keys. 

2FA

Two-factor authentication is often touted as one of the "best practices" as far as cybersecurity is concerned. The truth is, however, that this measure is no longer as effective as it used to be. Attackers are now able to bypass two-factor authentication by using stolen login credentials or malware. What's more, two-factor authentication can actually make it easier for attackers to gain access to your systems if they are able to intercept the second factor (usually a code sent via text message).

Endpoint security

Endpoint security is another measure that has become less effective in recent years. This is due to the fact that attackers are now able to target endpoints directly, bypassing the need to go through the network. In addition, endpoint security solutions are often not able to keep up with the pace of change in the IT environment.

Data encryption

Data encryption is another common cybersecurity measure that is no longer as effective as it used to be. This is due to the fact that attackers are now able to use sophisticated methods to bypass encryption, such as quantum computers. When it comes to data encryption, it is important to remember that "one size does not fit all". You need to choose a solution that is appropriate for your specific needs and requirements.

firewalls

Firewalls are another common cybersecurity measure that is no longer as effective as it used to be. This is due to the fact that attackers are now able to bypass firewalls by using sophisticated methods, such as tunnelling. In addition, firewalls can often be configured incorrectly, which can actually make it easier for attackers to gain access to your systems.

Application security

Application security is another measure that has become less effective in recent years. This is due to the fact that attackers are now able to target applications directly, bypassing the need to go through the network. In addition, application security solutions are often not able to keep up with the pace of change in the IT environment.

Identity and access management

Identity and access management (IAM) is another common cybersecurity measure that is no longer as effective as it used to be. This is due to the fact that attackers are now able to bypass IAM solutions by using sophisticated methods, such as social engineering. In addition, IAM solutions can often be configured incorrectly, which can actually make it easier for attackers to gain access to your systems.

Randomization

Password randomization is often touted as a "best practice" as far as cybersecurity is concerned. However, the truth is that this measure is no longer as effective as it used to be. Attackers are now able to bypass password randomization by using sophisticated methods, such as dictionary attacks. In addition, password randomization can actually make it harder for users to remember their passwords, which can lead to them using weaker passwords or writing them down.

Employee training

Employee training is always valuable, but the fact of the matter is: the method cybercriminals use are evolving faster than anyone employee can be expected to keep up with. There are simply too many methods and too much information for any one person to be expected to know everything. In addition, employees are often the weakest link in the security chain, as they can easily fall victim to social engineering attacks.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a number of common cybersecurity measures that are no longer as effective as they used to be. The problem with most cybersecurity measures is that there is simply too much money to be made by circumventing them. Attackers are now able to use sophisticated methods to bypass encryption, firewalls, and other common security measures.

As a business owner, it is important to remember that "one size does not fit all". You need to choose a solution that is appropriate for your specific needs and requirements, and you need to make regular monitoring and penetration testing part of your overall cybersecurity.