Channel Futures 2023 Cybersecurity Outlook: Newer Targets, Tighter Budgets

It’s that time of year to peer into our crystal ball and see what’s ahead for cybersecurity in 2023. Our cybersecurity outlook includes more attacks, new targets, tightening budgets impacting security demands and more data sharing among partners.

We’re capping off another year of rough seas in cybersecurity, as attacks escalated, including those associated with war in Ukraine, and cyber defenders facing more challenges than ever.

So what’s in store for 2023? If there’s one certainty, it’s the new year will bring more, as in more threats and attacks, and more hurdles for those in the cyber trenches.

More of Everything in 2023

Experts with Avertium’s cyber intelligence recently shared their predictions for cybersecurity in the new year. What they anticipate is:

• More attacks laced with a distinctly human element.
• A rise in the weaponization of IoT and operational technology (OT) to drive catastrophic outcomes.
• More stringent requirements and higher rates for cyber insurance.
• Heightened risk from the use of third-party vendors.
• An increase in the number of data privacy laws.
• A more pressing need to implement a zero trust framework.

Gen Z at Forefront of Cyber

HackerOne’s Shlomie Liberow

Shlomie Liberow is head of hacker research and development at HackerOne. He said Generation Z will be at the forefront of shaping cybersecurity and hacking culture.

“I look at the community now and there are people as young as 15 or 16 getting more and more proficient at hacking,” he said. “Last year, more than half of the hacking community was under 25 and I expect that percentage has increased. Some of the top hackers on the platform are just 17 years old. They’re good at it because they’ve grown up with technology. Imagine you’re a gamer and you find out that a gaming company is offering bounties. Since you’re already trying to find cheats in games, the opportunity to hunt for vulnerabilities in exchange for cash is enticing. This demographic influence means the community and culture will be built around what Generation Z cares about.”

Some hackers have joined the community indirectly because of gaming, Liberow said.

“And we’ve seen younger hackers getting involved in more niche programs, including IoT, cloud security and hardware security testing, rather than classic website hacking,” he said.

NCA’s Lisa Plaggemier

CrowdStrike’s Michael Rogers

Lisa Plaggemier, executive director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), provided overall cybersecurity predictions. And Michael Rogers, CrowdStrike’s vice president of global alliances, gave his predictions for cybersecurity partners.

We invite you to mull over Channel Futures’ 2023 cybersecurity outlook. See the slideshow above to get started.