Top Web Challenges for 2016 Include Mobile Device and Cloud Security

📅 May 11, 2016 - Ever since the first virus or hacker attack, security has been priority number one for many website owners and online companies. This hasn't changed, but it has evolved.

Instead of simply worrying about securing a website, companies and individuals now have to worry about mobile device and cloud security. With cloud-based apps in high demand, it's no surprise they may be the largest target of hackers in 2016.

A recent survey report stated that both mobile devices and cloud technology are likely to experience a tidal wave of attacks in 2016. The survey results also showed a lack of general preparedness for the potential threats, especially for the cloud industry.

It will Get Worse Before it Gets Better

With the current growth of the cloud industry and mobile devices, threats on these two forms of technology will only get worse before it gets better. About 500 IT security experts were surveyed. All have more than 1,000 workers and the pool of experts covered seven different industries and six countries.

The results show the cyber security preparedness rate averaged about 76%. Many of the companies showed crucial risk factors. Participants were fairly confident their corporate board would understand the security issues and they have the right tools to measure their security system.

However, last September, research scrutinized the disconnect between the corporate boards and their cyber security experts in both the US and the UK. This actually caused suggestions for new cyber security rules in New York for financial firms. Many have complied and added a chief information security officer to help enhance the board's cyber security literacy.

Lack of Evaluating Cyber Threats

The company conducting the survey found there's a huge lack of evaluating cyber threats within cloud apps and mobile devices. The CEO of the company stated that security experts experience difficulty when it comes to mobilizing their board to prioritize security.

There's a disconnect between the board and the security experts, which could cause major issues. Grades were handed out by the survey for every industry and nation within the survey. The US organizations received a higher grade than most.

Australia was given a D+, while both the Telecom and Technology industries and financial services were given a B-. The education industry and government industry were given a D. Most industries and countries didn't receive high grades and very few received what would be consider passing grades.

A passing grade may not be good enough when the hackers attack mobile devices and cloud infrastructures. Many experts believe 2016 will be a struggle for those unprepared for these attacks. They also feel security policies should provide more adaptive solutions for situations instead of providing complicated regulations for risk mitigation.

Overall, the grades were unimpressive across the board. Mobile device and cloud security will remain an issue and may get worse throughout 2016. It could continue to be an issue into many years to come, as well.