In the wake of a number of high-profile hacks, cybersecurity is an increasingly important issue. Many of us spend a lot of our lives online, surfing social media, working in the cloud, and browsing random websites. We tend to assume our activities go unmonitored, but the truth is, there is any number of disreputable organizations and hackers watching what we do.

Data attacks cost businesses trillions of dollars. Each time we fill out an online form or hand over personal data such as a telephone number and bank details, there is a risk that data will fall into the wrong hands. 

In this article, we're going to look at the latest cybersecurity and online privacy trends, so you can stay one step ahead at all times. 

Online Privacy is a Headline Topic

The general public is much more aware these days of the issues surrounding online privacy. The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) in the EU are there to enhance the privacy rights of EU citizens. GDPR came into effect in 2018. It's already had a ripple effect, with any company doing business with EU citizens required to notify them of data breaches, regardless of where in the world the company is located.

Allowing personal data to fall into the wrong hands is dangerous. It can be used to hack into bank accounts, perpetrate identify fraud, and more. 

The solution to this issue is to monitor your personal information in the public domain. Check with people search sites like Nuwber how much of your personal data is available online. If your personal info is on Nuwber, it's probably all over the web. You will then need to opt out of numerous sites manually by following these instructions, or take advantage of a privacy protection tool like OneRep to remove your information from people search sites and other search engines. The concept of prevention being better than cure will still be relevant in 2020!

In the US, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) takes the US one step closer to greater consumer privacy. The CCPA gives consumers far more protection about how their data is collected and stored. Consumers can now request their personal information is not shared with third parties. In the wake of the CCPA, it's likely that other states will follow suit in 2020.

Firms are Investing More in Cybersecurity

Data security was ranked as a number one priority in 2020 by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers. Firms all over the US are investing more in their cybersecurity budgets, with the average firm spending $2,300 per employee. This budget is expected to rise in 2020, in line with increasing concerns about the risks of lax cybersecurity. 

MSPs Need to Up Their Game

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. Hackers have wised up to the fact if they target the tools MSPs use to access their client's systems, it's much easier to launch cyberattacks. For this reason, managed service providers need to dramatically increase their security protocols if they want to stay in business in 2020.

Hacks are Evolving - Fast

Phishing is no longer the attack vector of choice, although hackers do still use phishing emails to target vulnerable customers. Hackers are increasingly relying on mobile as an attack vector, with smishing (phishing text messages) and fraudulent mobile apps a whole new channel of opportunity for enterprising cybercriminals. 

AI and Machine Learning

The integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with cybersecurity is likely to escalate in 2020. AI simplifies processes and can respond faster to cyber threats, so expect to see greater integration in the coming months. 

It will take a while for new privacy legislation to have an impact on how companies operate in the online domain, so in the meantime, it is wise to monitor your personal information. And if you do spot anything amiss, have this information removed from the offending site as soon as possible.