The Future of Cyber Security: 2020 Trends and 2021 Predictions
Summary
Mandiant Threat Intelligence predicts a continued increase in ransomware threats and disruptions in 2021. Cyber risks for the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors are expected to remain elevated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine distribution. The article also notes a rise in actors specializing in specific attack stages, making sophisticated tactics more accessible, and an increase in information operations.
IFF Assessment
The article predicts an escalation of ransomware threats, increased cyber risks in critical sectors, and the wider accessibility of sophisticated attack tactics, all of which represent growing challenges for defenders.
Defender Context
Defenders should anticipate a growing volume and sophistication of ransomware attacks, with a particular focus on healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations. The trend of specialized threat actors increasing accessibility to advanced attack methods means defenders must be prepared for a more diverse and challenging threat landscape.