According to reports, enterprises saw more than a 20 percent increase in cyber attacks in 2021, and this percentage is expected to rise in the coming years. With the consistent evolution and innovation in technology, attackers will devise new ways and strategies to breach cyber security and steal sensitive information from enterprises. Cyber security experts, Oladele Eluwole and Titilayo Oyedele shared some valuable insight about the cyber threat landscape in an interview and also talked about how businesses can protect their digital infrastructure from such attacks.
Q: What is the current landscape of cybersecurity, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
Oladele: The growth of cyber threats will continue into the future because the driver behind the trend is unavoidable, for example, emerging technology such as IoT, AI which we are all going to rely upon in the future, and the geopolitical landscape.
Titilayo: I agree with Oladele, and in addition to emerging technology and geopolitical issues, the pandemic has also had a significant impact on cybersecurity. Remote work has made it more challenging for businesses to secure their systems and networks.
Q: That’s an interesting insight on remote work. Now that people are opting to work more remotely, what are the biggest challenges facing businesses in terms of cybersecurity?
Oladele: One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are always finding new ways to infiltrate networks and steal data. You can’t always be sure networks are secure when your workforce is remote. Businesses need to be prepared for these attacks and have the right security measures in place to defend against them.
Titilayo: Another challenge is the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Businesses need to have the right talent in place to help them develop and implement effective cybersecurity strategies, but there are more job openings than there are qualified candidates.
Q: What are the best strategies for enterprises to achieve optimal cybersecurity?
Oladele: Businesses need to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy around creating a risk-free digital initiative that could include securing major cloud transformation projects, protecting various enterprise operational technologies, and establishing appropriate cyber capabilities. Additionally, organizations should regularly conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in their systems and networks.
Titilayo: Social engineering tactics, such as phishing to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, are an emerging strategy among cyber attackers. To counter such attacks, it is important for organizations to implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes a mix of technical controls, policies, and procedures.
Q: Do you believe organizations can counter cyber attacks independently?
Oladele: I think it’s essential for businesses to collaborate with government agencies and the cybersecurity industry. By working together, we can share information and best practices and stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.
Titilayo: I would also encourage young people to consider a career in cybersecurity. As I mentioned earlier, there is a shortage of skilled professionals in this field, and it is a growing industry with many opportunities for those who are passionate about protecting our digital infrastructure.
Conclusion
Cyber attacks cannot be avoided, but with proper digital infrastructure, enterprises can defend themselves from these attacks. With the right talents, best practices, profound knowledge, and fool-proof technology, any business can safeguard its information from the latest cyber threats, which is where Oladele Eluwole and Titilayo Oyedele are helping businesses win with their insights into the industry.
