The ubiquitous connectivity and digitization are increasing rapidly in current internet-connected world, bringing innovation into every area of today's lives. However, these trends also lead to a new attack vector and will create a new surface for cyber threats. There is no doubt that as technology will advance, it will add the rapid pace of market change and the storm of cybersecurity concerns.

Last year, several organizations saw a large number of data breaches and ransomware, costing billions of dollars as well as hurt reputation and customers' trust.

Thus, here's a look at how cybersecurity professionals can adapt and adopt effective cybersecurity strategies to stay competitive in 2020 and beyond.

Emergence of 5G

5G is set to be the most comprehensive communication technology the world has ever experienced before. This high-speed connectivity will result in substantially broader access for both devices and people, enabling the development and deployment of everything from connected devices and omnipresent computing to cutting-edge technologies like AI, AR/VR and more. It will also impact emerging economies as more users will get internet connectivity at higher speeds and lower costs.

However, it will also bring software vulnerabilities and cyber risks that create a large attack surface. Thus, organizations, both public and private, will need to retool their networks, devices and application security.

Cloud-Based Management

The coming years will see considerable breakthroughs in cloud infrastructure. Cybersecurity technology will shift towards centralized, cloud-based management encompassing several different security services under a single system. By leveraging this cloud-based management system, businesses will have the ability to garner insights and shepherd policy management, configuration management, monitoring, among others.

In the cloud, the implementation of security controls can be distributed to cover on-premises at the network edge, wherever it is needed. It will be fundamentally sophisticated technique between the cloud-based security technology and the hardware and software-based security controls that can be enacted as needed.

Effective Business Strategy

When it comes to being cyber-resilient, businesses must consider cybersecurity as a strategy beyond technology that will resonate in years to come. Besides implementing new-age technologies, they need to avail of new knowledge, processes and tools in order to ensure efficient use of data and organizational resilience. It is also significant to have updated cybersecurity knowledge to assist in thwarting and preparing for potential cyber threats.

Considering industry reports, several organizations are now prioritizing cybersecurity training for everyone across every department. Though as risks related to cybersecurity and data governance are now the top concerns of corporate board members and C-suite executives, this will likely reach an inflection point in the coming years.

Automation

Automation of security operations will enable security teams within an organization to focus on high priority items and strategies to best safeguard business assets. Created based on users, network flows, and other vital information, security policy automation will be a part of this, giving more security options to business leaders. However, multi-factor authentication will be a must-have asset besides enforcing privilege relationships, allowing specific users to gain access and reducing the attack surface.

Thus, organizations must invest in the right mix of security technologies as the complexity of cybersecurity will just evolve in 2020. The year will have a significant impact on cyber professionals, but implementing better strategies and effectively integrating security platforms with ease their issues related to cybersecurity.