Top 10 cybersecurity predictions for 2023 you need to know

#1 Possible spike in state-sponsored attacks

With Russia continuing to wage war in Ukraine and China’s president securing an unprecedented third term, we may see a spike in state-sponsored attacks.

In China, another five years in power may give the president the opportunity to launch more large-scale cyberattacks on Taiwan and other countries seen as a threat to the regime.

We can also expect Russia to launch cyber attacks on Ukraine or lash out against the states supporting Ukraine. These malicious activities may also come in response to the economic sanctions imposed on Russia.

#2 5G may present new security challenges

With the growing adoption of the 5G network, we’re likely to see new 5G security challenges in 2023.

Every new technology comes with security concerns — and 5G is no exception.

While 5G technology offers much greater speeds than 4G and potentially unlimited connectivity, it has several system vulnerabilities. The technology needs new cloud-based infrastructure to work, which creates more access points for hackers to exploit.

With the rapid 5G adoption and the significant global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, this technology could bring new cybersecurity challenges that are easy to overlook.

#3 Government surveillance may increase in some regions

Democratization has suffered a lot over the last few years, with global democracy reaching an all-time low.

Countries with strict authoritarian regimes, like China, Russia, and Iran, may increase government surveillance and censorship to maintain control. One example of surveillance could be China’s plans to review social media comments before they’re published.

The leaders of these countries may take even more steps to cut off users from the global internet, potentially resulting in more isolation, restrictions, and prosecution.

#4 This year could be big for data privacy

With corporations and criminals continuing to compete for your information, data privacy is more important than ever.

2023 may be the year data privacy gains much-needed legal protection from governments worldwide.

India, one of the world's fastest-growing online markets, is expected to pass the Personal Data Protection Bill — its version of the GDPR — this year. The legislation will include requirements for companies to get individual consent, correct inaccurate personal data, and protect data rights.

We may also see data privacy laws tightening in the U.S., depending on Congress’ actions.

2023 could be the year that the American Data Privacy and Protection Act gains traction and finally establishes a data privacy framework on the federal level.

#5 We may see more blockchain-based cybersecurity solutions

Blockchain technology is beneficial for secure, decentralized information storage and exchange. Blockchain delivers unrivaled data integrity, transparency, and decentralization.

In 2023, blockchain will likely be applied to cybersecurity in new ways, helping to create advanced and virtually unbreakable digital security solutions.

Until now, using blockchain in cybersecurity has been very expensive because of how new the technology is.

However, blockchain is maturing and attracting substantial investment. Therefore, this year we may see blockchain technology increasingly being used in cybersecurity solutions.

#6 This year could be the end for third-party cookies

Google is working on phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome — another huge win for data privacy.

Third-party cookies are trackers that advertisers and website owners use to collect data and track user behavior. While first-party cookies mainly collect data about your user experience, third-party cookies track you around the web and pose privacy and security risks.

Firefox and Safari browsers already protect users from third-party trackers, and you can even disable cookies yourself. However, removing third-party cookies from Google Chrome is a major win for privacy because two-thirds of all internet browsing happens on Chrome.

#7 Hackers may carry out more supply chain attacks

Hackers are predicted to continue targeting organizations by launching attacks on weaker supply chain links. We’re already seeing this trend in 2022, and it is expected to grow in 2023.

The supply chain consists of a network of organizations, resources, individuals, and activities involved in the creation of one single product.

By targeting a weaker point in the attack chain, cybercriminals can take advantage of the trust organizations place in third-party vendors.

These attacks are likely to increase in 2023 — with businesses continuing to lose large sums due to production disruptions.

#8 Fileless malware may become a more serious threat

Fileless malware is malicious software that uses built-in applications to infect a device, making it extremely difficult to detect and eliminate.

This malware exploits software vulnerabilities in well-known and trusted applications you’ve already downloaded, leaving no trace of the attack on the device’s memory.

Fileless malware has been a cybersecurity threat since its emergence in 2017 — but it is likely to become even more damaging in 2023. Cybersecurity technologies are constantly evolving — but so are cyber threats.

Fileless malware has always been difficult to detect, but the sophisticated methods and tools attackers use make it even harder. While fileless malware isn’t easy to develop and execute, it can cause immense damage if done successfully.

#9 Cloud security may become more important

Most companies use cloud computing for storing files. Cloud technologies provide a centralized location for applications and data and are more secure than storing files on-premises.

However, several cloud security issues still exist. For example, misconfiguration of security settings or hijacking accounts could lead to data breaches or unauthorized access.

With more and more companies moving their data into the cloud instead of storing files locally, we are likely to see a growing number of attacks on cloud vulnerabilities. Therefore, improving cloud security is expected to be a crucial element of organizations’ security strategies.

#10 Consumer data breaches may decline

The following prediction may be good news for customers — but not for businesses: we’re likely to see a decline in consumer data breaches in 2023.

Cybercriminals are finding new and more profitable ways to make money. An increasing number of hackers turn to ransomware — demanding that the breached company pay a large sum of money to retrieve the stolen data.

Bot sales are becoming more common, too. Hackers can purchase bots with customer information without initiating a data breach.

These sophisticated techniques mean that hackers are less likely to leak your personal information and opt for the “big wins” instead.

How to increase your online security in 2023

We can expect many cybersecurity challenges this year, so taking the necessary steps to protect yourself online is paramount. Here are the main ways to stay safe and secure in the digital world:

• Use strong, unique passwords. Weak passwords can cause serious damage. If your passwords are short, common, or something that could be easily guessed by a hacker, it’s like you’re leaving your door unlocked at night. Create strong, long, and unique passwords — or secure your passwords with a reliable password manager.

• Stay in the know. Hackers are more successful with people who don’t know much about the dangers of the digital world. Make sure you know about the most common cybersecurity threats and what new, sophisticated hacking techniques are on the rise. Staying in the loop will help you spot anything suspicious — and protect yourself before anything happens.

• Use a VPN. A VPN secures your internet connection and hides your IP address, protecting you from hackers and keeping your data private. If you choose NordVPN, you’ll also get free Threat Protection — an advanced cybersecurity feature that blocks annoying ads and intrusive trackers and scans downloads for malware. On top of that, a VPN protects you on public Wi-Fi, keeping your data safe and secure.