Top Security Challenges for 2014

Predicting security risks

• APTs: Advanced persistent threats are serious matters, and have traditionally targeted governments and major international corporations. The most common form of these attacks tend to be distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), which essentially knocks out access to corporate systems and databases. Businesses of all sizes need to mitigate these risks, as hackers become less predictable.

• Bring your own device (BYOD): Likely the biggest security concern of most business leaders and public sector officials has been the BYOD trend, which entails enterprises allowing employees to use their personal devices and apps for work functions. When BYOD is launched, organizations must take the proper measures to shore up backend protection, as well as management of the devices themselves, to avoid a breach. 

• Cloud computing: Although security fears related to the cloud have largely subsided, some concerns remain. Cloud computing, much like any IT service, will always have certain susceptibilities which must be patched and protected against. With the right credential, authorization and access controls, though, many of these risks can be completely mitigated. 

• Password: Passwords are likely the most commonly overlooked aspect of security when it comes to consumer, business and public sector use of devices. Failure to use effective passwords – and regularly update them – is a popular cause of breach. However, when employees know how to manage their passwords more effectively, security will be significantly improved. 

• XP: Certain studies have found that nearly 33 percent of companies worldwide are still using Windows XP as their primary operating system. In April, Microsoft will stop supporting XP, which could spell serious issues for those unaware of the switch. Businesses will need to migrate to supported operating systems, as sticking with XP will lead to significant threats due to unpatched vulnerabilities.