Woburn, MA — November 9, 2022 — Today Kaspersky released a report, “Cybersecurity threats: what awaits us in 2023,” including predictions that we will observe increased politically motivated cyberattacks next year, as well as ransomware groups hunting for medical and personal data. Experts also expect major shifts in cybersecurity, due to the global semiconductor shortage, as well as data leaks from public service providers. The report was produced by Kaspersky cybersecurity experts alongside internationally renowned cybersecurity organizations.

Knowing what the future holds can help to better prepare for upcoming events, whether they are positive developments or emerging threats. Every year, Kaspersky experts compile thir forecasts for the Kaspersky Security Bulletin (KSB), which has helped global companies build a strong defense against possible future cybersecurity threats since 2006.

This year, Kaspersky invited globally recognized cybersecurity experts to share their thoughts and unbiased opinions on what industry, business, and end-users could expect from cybersecurity in the coming year. Contributors include representatives from government, international, public, and private sector organizations, and NGOs, as well as members of the academic and technical communities: the UAE Cyber Security Council, FIRST, The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, ICRC, among others.* Their insights help form a diverse outlook on future trends that will have the greatest impact on our common and secure future.

Many experts would agree that the current geopolitical situation, especially armed conflicts, will have a major effect on cybersecurity. Civilian data, devices, and networks – such as government services, critical infrastructure, or companies – risk being deliberately disrupted or damaged, often in violation of the laws of war. Companies and end users must consider the current state of affairs while protecting their data, personal information, or finances.

In their predictions, the experts express concerns linked to the global semiconductor shortage and its potential to affect corporate cybersecurity. While many companies need increasingly more computing power – for servers, workstations, network hardware and so on – the price of equipment continues to rise. Additionally, attacks on the education and healthcare sectors are likely to increase, as are targeted campaigns against industry leaders, especially those holding critical information, such as expertise and advanced technology.

According to the contributors, ransomware will remain among the biggest threats to businesses, and one of the main concerns is not only to protect against these attacks but also make security solutions affordable.

The experts’ views highlight the complexity of modern cybersecurity and a strong need for cooperation among different organizations to combat cyberthreats facing industries, individuals and countries.

“Ken Blanchard, an American author and business guru, once said: ‘None of us is as smart as all of us,’” said Vladimir Dashchenko, security evangelist, ICS CERT, Kaspersky. “Teamwork is what brings us to our anticipated outcome – especially when it’s possible to involve colleagues from partnering organizations who contribute to the common result. We greatly appreciate the contribution made by our partners as their predictions demonstrate open-mindedness, solid experience, and holistic approach to cybersecurity. All this will help us combat cybertheat challenges in the most effective way in 2023.”

“Cyberthreats predictions: what awaits us in 2023” is part of the Kaspersky Security Bulletin (KSB) – an annual series of predictions and analytical reports on key shifts in the cybersecurity world. Follow this link to see other KSB pieces.

*The contributors are:

H.E. Dr.Mohamed Al Kuwaiti (UAE Cyber Security Council), Kubo Mačák, Tilman Rodenhäuser, Mauro Vignati (ICRC), Serge Droz (FIRST), Sven Hervig (the think tank Stiftung Neue Verantwortung think tank), Prof. Dr. Dennis-Kenji Kipker (the University of Bremen; European Academy for Freedom of Information and Data Protection (EAID)), Arthur Laudrain (The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies), Stefan Soesanto (The Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich), James Range (White Rock Security Group) and Irena Yordanova (Polycomp Ltd.).