Cybersecurity Trends to Be On The Lookout For in 2020

Cyberattacks frequency and complexities have not abated. In fact, it is getting more sophisticated as attackers think and develop novel ways to take over businesses and steal data. This has put cybersecurity experts on the edge as they are left to play catch-up with cyber attackers.

The cybersecurity landscape evolves as more high-profile data breaches were reported in 2019.

As a business owner, what cybersecurity trends should you expect in 2020?

We discuss some of them below.

1. Increasing Cloud Deployment

As more businesses move to the cloud, attackers are also tailoring their tools to exploiting cloud security. The cloud migration trend is expected to increase in 2020.

What this means is that your business must look beyond protecting only physical assets and implement solid security policy around your cloud infrastructures too.

Standalone on-site data often suffers security breach due to poor resources or lack of in-house IT experts. The cloud presents an opportunity for businesses even those with little resources to benefit from an enterprise-level security system. But this has some drawbacks.

Lax security implementation in the cloud will even prevent more as attackers only need to compromise one endpoint to disrupt the entire business or steal large amounts of data.

No matter how sophisticated a cloud provider’s security configuration is, it still boils down to how your business implements them.

2. Social Media as Attack Tools

Hackers have scoured social media in the past for the rich and free data that it provides about potential victims. Gathering intelligence via social media platforms makes the attackers’ job easier as it allows them to craft custom schemes for gaining employees trust and gaining unauthorized access to business.

Thorough social media research may expose an employees role in an organization, their itinerary and upcoming business events. This information provides an opportunity for spear phishing.

In 2020, attackers will focus more on delivering malware via social media to compromise victims computers or phones and by extension, their business network. More sophisticated phishing schemes will also be created to steal business access codes.

3. Increased Connectivity and Threats Endpoints

Previously, organizations only had to worry about the security of basic devices such as laptops and desktops that are used to run business operations.

But with the adoption of more IoT due to reducing costs and technology advancement, more vulnerability points will be open for cybercriminals to exploit. With more devices connected to business networks, there is a higher risk that some of them may be running unsecured code or left unprotected effectively serving as an entry point for attackers to gain access to businesses.

4. AI and Machine Learning Influence

Artificial intelligence and machine learning will see more adoption for cybersecurity purposes. They will help in curbing cyber-attacks through the power of large data.

Attackers often release new malware to evade anti-virus systems, AI-based systems will make detecting such easier.

AI will make automating manual security tasks at a large scale such as analysis of threats and anomalies identification easier and faster by reducing the need for human analysts.

As AI further develops, its cybersecurity application will broaden and the cost will reduce to further make it accessible to most businesses.

However, AI usage is not limited to defense only. Cybercriminals can also deploy the power of AI to create smarter malware to compromise security systems. Such malware will be able to hide better in compromised systems and evade detection by traditional anti-malware programs.

5. More Focus on Zero Trust Security

It has been clear for some years now that single login or password provides easy access to hackers. This is because of the deliberate use of weak passwords for convenience sake and the risks of server misconfiguration that can give total control of a business data to an attacker.

2020 will see more development and wider adoption of Zero Trust security systems. With this system in place, even if an attacker manages to steal or evade the first entry point into an organization’s network, they still cannot access the systems without further identity verification.

Such multi-factor authentication systems can make use of extra security measures such as identity-based certificates and biometrics.
It will help reduce the risk of attacks from cybercriminals because they now need to compromise several security protocols at once to gain system access.

 

Cybersecurity is expanding as more factors and players enter the scene. Only with a proactive response and the development of a strong security system and policy can you protect your business. Contact us today to learn more on how to keep your company secure in 2020.

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.