Netwrix's Cybersecurity Predictions for 2021

Next-gen ransomware will be purposed to do damage that is harder to recover from in order to compell organizations into paying the ransom. One example would be "bricking" devices by modifying the BIOS or other firmware.

FREMONT, CA: Netwrix, a cybersecurity vendor that makes data security easy, has revealed predictions about key trends that will affect organizations in 2021 and beyond. Most of them arise from the digital transformation as well as new workflows needed by the rapid transition to remote work in 2020. Ilia Sotnikov, cybersecurity expert, and Netwrix Vice President of Product Management, recommends that IT and security professionals refine their risk management as well as business continuity strategies with these seven predictions in mind.

• Ransomware will do more damage to motivate payments.

Next-gen ransomware will be purposed to do damage that is harder to recover from in order to compell organizations into paying the ransom. One example would be "bricking" devices by modifying the BIOS or other firmware. Cybercriminals will also be extending to new targets, such as IoT devices and operational technology, which may have a huge visible impact on the physical world.

• Cloud misconfigurations will be one of the major causes of data breaches.

A lack of clear understanding of the shared responsibility model because of the rapid transition to the cloud will backfire in 2021. The speed of transition combined with prioritizing productivity over security has made misconfigurations inevitable, leading to overexposed data.

• Hackers will increasingly target service providers.

The shortage of cybersecurity experts will lead more organizations to rely on managed service providers (MSPs). In response, hackers will carry out targeted attacks on MSPs so as to get access to not just one organization but all of the MSP's customers.