Cybersecurity Trends for 2019 - Preparing for the Evolving Threat Landscape

As 2018 draws to a close, cybersecurity continues to be a critical concern for organizations of all sizes across every industry. The past year has seen unprecedented data breaches, sophisticated attack methods, and increasing regulatory scrutiny. Looking ahead to 2019, the cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve with new threats, technologies, and approaches to security. This comprehensive guide explores the most significant cybersecurity trends that will shape the coming year and provides practical guidance for strengthening your security posture.

The Cybersecurity Landscape: 2018 in Review

Before looking ahead, it's worth reflecting on the significant developments of the past year:

• Mega-Breaches Continue: Major organizations including Marriott (500 million records), Facebook (87 million users), and Under Armour (150 million users) suffered significant breaches
• Ransomware Evolution: Attacks became more targeted, focusing on high-value organizations rather than widespread campaigns
• Nation-State Activity: State-sponsored attacks increased in sophistication and frequency
• Regulatory Impact: GDPR enforcement began, changing how organizations approach data protection
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Attackers increasingly targeted third-party suppliers to gain access to primary targets

These developments have set the stage for the cybersecurity trends we expect to see in 2019.

Top Cybersecurity Trends for 2019

Several key trends will shape the cybersecurity landscape in the coming year:

1. AI-Powered Attacks and Defenses

Artificial intelligence becoming a dual-edged sword:

Offensive AI Applications

How attackers will leverage AI:

• Intelligent Malware: Self-learning malware that adapts to evade detection
• Automated Social Engineering: AI-generated phishing campaigns tailored to individual targets
• Vulnerability Discovery: Using AI to identify exploitable weaknesses in systems
• Attack Optimization: Machine learning algorithms that improve attack effectiveness
• Deepfake Technology: Creating convincing fake audio and video for social engineering

Threat Outlook: By the end of 2019, we expect to see the first major breach attributed to AI-enhanced attack methods.

Defensive AI Applications

How defenders will respond:

• Behavioral Analytics: Identifying anomalous user and system behavior
• Predictive Defense: Anticipating attacks before they occur
• Automated Response: Intelligent systems that respond to threats without human intervention
• Threat Hunting: AI-assisted discovery of hidden threats
• Security Optimization: Using machine learning to tune security controls

Best Practice: Invest in security solutions with proven AI capabilities while maintaining human oversight of critical security decisions.

2. Expanding Attack Surface

New technologies creating additional security challenges:

IoT Security Challenges

The growing Internet of Things threat:

• Device Proliferation: Billions of new connected devices with varying security standards
• Industrial IoT Risks: Critical infrastructure becoming increasingly connected
• Consumer IoT Vulnerabilities: Smart home devices creating new entry points
• Medical Device Security: Life-critical systems facing unprecedented threats
• IoT Botnets: Compromised devices being weaponized for DDoS attacks

Threat Outlook: We anticipate a major IoT-based attack affecting critical infrastructure in 2019.

Cloud Security Evolution

Securing increasingly complex cloud environments:

• Multi-Cloud Complexity: Organizations using multiple providers with different security models
• Serverless Security: New approaches needed for functions-as-a-service
• Container Security: Protecting containerized applications and orchestration platforms
• Cloud-Native Threats: Attacks specifically targeting cloud infrastructure
• Shared Responsibility Challenges: Confusion over security boundaries between providers and customers

Best Practice: Implement a comprehensive cloud security posture management program that provides visibility across all cloud environments.

3. Privacy and Regulatory Impact

Compliance becoming a driver of security strategy:

Global Regulatory Expansion

The spreading influence of privacy regulations:

• GDPR Enforcement: Increasing fines and enforcement actions in Europe
• California Consumer Privacy Act: Preparing for implementation in 2020
• Global Privacy Regulations: Similar laws emerging in countries worldwide
• Sector-Specific Requirements: Industry regulations becoming more stringent
• Cross-Border Compliance: Managing conflicting requirements across jurisdictions

Trend Outlook: We expect to see the first €100+ million GDPR fine issued in 2019, setting a precedent for serious enforcement.

Privacy by Design

Integrating privacy into security architecture:

• Data Minimization: Collecting only necessary information
• Privacy-Enhancing Technologies: Implementing anonymization and pseudonymization
• Consent Management: Building robust systems for managing user permissions
• Data Subject Rights: Implementing processes for access, correction, and deletion requests
• Privacy Impact Assessments: Evaluating privacy implications of new initiatives

Best Practice: Establish a privacy governance framework that integrates with your security program rather than treating them as separate functions.

4. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

Nation-state and sophisticated criminal activity:

Nation-State Activity

Geopolitical tensions manifesting in cyberspace:

• Critical Infrastructure Targeting: Attacks against power grids, transportation, and other essential services
• Economic Espionage: Theft of intellectual property and business intelligence
• Election Interference: Continued attempts to influence democratic processes
• Military/Defense Targeting: Cyber operations against defense contractors and military systems
• Disinformation Campaigns: Coordinated efforts to spread false information

Threat Outlook: Nation-state activity will become more aggressive and less concerned with attribution in 2019.

Criminal APT Activity

Sophisticated criminal groups adopting nation-state techniques:

• Financial System Targeting: Attacks against banking infrastructure and cryptocurrency exchanges
• Ransomware Evolution: More targeted, higher-value attacks against critical systems
• Data Theft Monetization: Sophisticated operations to steal and monetize sensitive data
• Supply Chain Compromises: Targeting software and hardware vendors to reach multiple victims
• Cybercrime-as-a-Service: Advanced tools becoming available to less sophisticated attackers

Best Practice: Adopt an assumed breach mentality, implementing detection and response capabilities that assume preventive controls will be bypassed.

5. Security Talent Crisis

Addressing the growing skills shortage:

Workforce Challenges

The human element of cybersecurity:

• Skills Gap Widening: Demand for security professionals outpacing supply
• Diversity Challenges: Need for more diverse perspectives in security teams
• Burnout Concerns: High stress levels affecting retention and performance
• Training Limitations: Traditional education struggling to keep pace with changing threats
• Specialization Requirements: Need for expertise in emerging areas like cloud security and IoT

Trend Outlook: The global cybersecurity workforce shortage will exceed 3.5 million unfilled positions by the end of 2019.

Automation and Managed Services

Addressing the talent gap through technology and outsourcing:

• Security Orchestration and Automation: Reducing manual workload through automated workflows
• Managed Security Services: Outsourcing specific security functions to specialized providers
• Virtual CISO Services: Fractional leadership for organizations that can't afford full-time executives
• AI-Assisted Security Operations: Using artificial intelligence to augment human capabilities
• Consolidated Security Platforms: Reducing complexity through integrated solutions

Best Practice: Develop a strategic workforce plan that combines hiring, training, automation, and managed services to address your specific security needs.

Industry-Specific Security Trends

How cybersecurity trends will affect different sectors:

1. Financial Services

Banks and financial institutions facing evolving threats:

• Real-Time Payment Fraud: Attacks targeting faster payment systems
• Credential Stuffing: Automated attempts to access accounts using stolen credentials
• Mobile Banking Threats: Sophisticated attacks against mobile financial applications
• Cryptocurrency Exchange Attacks: Continued targeting of digital currency platforms
• Regulatory Technology (RegTech): Automation of compliance functions

Example: JP Morgan Chase announced plans to double its cybersecurity budget to $750 million annually, focusing on cloud security and AI-powered defenses.

2. Healthcare

Medical organizations addressing unique security challenges:

• Medical Device Security: Protecting connected medical equipment
• Ransomware Targeting: Hospitals remaining prime targets for extortion
• Patient Data Protection: Balancing data access with privacy requirements
• Telehealth Security: Securing remote care delivery platforms
• Health Information Exchange: Protecting data as it moves between providers

Example: The Mayo Clinic is implementing a comprehensive medical device security program, including network segmentation and continuous monitoring of connected devices.

3. Manufacturing

Industrial companies facing operational technology threats:

• Industrial Control System (ICS) Security: Protecting critical production systems
• Intellectual Property Protection: Defending against economic espionage
• Supply Chain Security: Ensuring security across partner ecosystems
• IT/OT Convergence: Managing security as previously isolated systems connect
• Industry 4.0 Security: Addressing risks in smart manufacturing environments

Example: Siemens has established a comprehensive OT security program that includes regular penetration testing, network segmentation, and security monitoring for industrial systems.

4. Retail

Merchants protecting customer data and operations:

• Point-of-Sale Security: Defending against evolving payment system attacks
• E-commerce Threats: Protecting online shopping platforms
• Loyalty Program Fraud: Securing customer rewards programs
• Supply Chain Security: Ensuring security across logistics networks
• Customer Data Protection: Safeguarding sensitive consumer information

Example: Target, following its landmark 2013 breach, has rebuilt its security program with a focus on network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, and a dedicated security operations center.

Practical Security Strategies for 2019

Actionable approaches to strengthen your security posture:

1. Zero Trust Architecture

Moving beyond perimeter-based security:

• Identity-Centric Security: Making identity the primary security perimeter
• Micro-Segmentation: Limiting lateral movement within networks
• Least Privilege Access: Providing only the minimum necessary permissions
• Continuous Verification: Never trusting, always verifying
• Data-Centric Protection: Securing data regardless of location

Implementation Approach:

1. Identify your sensitive data and systems
2. Map the flows of sensitive data
3. Architect micro-perimeters and segmentation
4. Implement continuous monitoring
5. Create a policy engine for automated enforcement

2. Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR)

Enhancing efficiency through automation:

• Incident Response Automation: Streamlining response to common threats
• Playbook Development: Creating standardized processes for security events
• Cross-Platform Integration: Connecting disparate security tools
• Metrics and Reporting: Measuring security operations effectiveness
• Continuous Improvement: Refining processes based on outcomes

Implementation Approach:

1. Identify repetitive security tasks suitable for automation
2. Document current manual processes as playbooks
3. Start with simple automations and measure results
4. Gradually increase automation complexity
5. Continuously refine based on effectiveness metrics

3. Threat Intelligence Integration

Making intelligence actionable:

• Strategic Intelligence: Informing security program direction
• Tactical Intelligence: Guiding day-to-day security operations
• Operational Intelligence: Supporting incident response activities
• Technical Intelligence: Updating security controls with current indicators
• Industry-Specific Intelligence: Focusing on relevant threats to your sector

Implementation Approach:

1. Define intelligence requirements based on your threat profile
2. Select intelligence sources aligned with your needs
3. Implement processes to validate and prioritize intelligence
4. Integrate intelligence into security controls and monitoring
5. Establish feedback loops to measure intelligence value

4. Security Awareness Evolution

Moving beyond compliance-focused training:

• Phishing Simulation: Regular testing with increasingly sophisticated scenarios
• Role-Based Training: Tailored education for specific job functions
• Just-in-Time Learning: Providing guidance at the moment of risk
• Security Champions: Embedding security advocates throughout the organization
• Behavioral Science: Applying psychology to change security behaviors

Implementation Approach:

1. Assess current security behaviors and knowledge gaps
2. Develop targeted training based on actual risks and incidents
3. Implement regular simulations of common attack vectors
4. Measure behavior change, not just completion rates
5. Recognize and reward positive security behaviors

5. DevSecOps Maturity

Integrating security into development processes:

• Shift-Left Security: Moving security earlier in the development lifecycle
• Automated Security Testing: Integrating security checks into CI/CD pipelines
• Infrastructure as Code Security: Securing automated infrastructure deployment
• Container Security: Protecting containerized application environments
• API Security: Safeguarding application programming interfaces

Implementation Approach:

1. Integrate security requirements into user stories
2. Implement automated security testing in build pipelines
3. Create security guardrails for developers
4. Establish feedback mechanisms for security findings
5. Measure and improve security throughout the development lifecycle

Emerging Technologies and Their Security Implications

New technologies creating both challenges and opportunities:

1. 5G Security

Preparing for next-generation wireless networks:

• Expanded Attack Surface: More connected devices and services
• Network Slicing Security: Protecting virtualized network segments
• Edge Computing Risks: Securing distributed computing resources
• IoT Proliferation: Managing security for billions of new connected devices
• Critical Infrastructure Dependence: Increased reliance on mobile networks

Strategic Implication: Organizations should begin assessing how 5G will affect their security architecture and develop strategies for securing new use cases enabled by the technology.

2. Quantum Computing

Preparing for post-quantum cryptography:

• Cryptographic Vulnerability: Existing encryption potentially compromised by quantum advances
• Quantum-Resistant Algorithms: Developing new cryptographic approaches
• Transition Challenges: Managing the migration to quantum-safe cryptography
• Data Harvesting Risk: Current encrypted data being stored for future decryption
• Competitive Advantage: Quantum capabilities creating new security disparities

Strategic Implication: Organizations should begin inventorying cryptographic implementations and developing a transition plan for post-quantum cryptography.

3. Blockchain Security

Understanding distributed ledger security implications:

• Smart Contract Vulnerabilities: Securing automated blockchain-based agreements
• Private Blockchain Security: Protecting permissioned distributed ledgers
• Cryptocurrency Security: Safeguarding digital assets
• Identity and Access Challenges: Managing blockchain-based identity systems
• Regulatory Compliance: Addressing legal requirements for blockchain implementations

Strategic Implication: Organizations exploring blockchain should implement security reviews throughout the development process and consider the unique threats to distributed ledger technologies.

Building a Resilient Security Program for 2019

Comprehensive approaches to cybersecurity:

1. Risk-Based Security Strategy

Aligning security investments with business risk:

• Business Impact Analysis: Understanding the consequences of security failures
• Threat Modeling: Identifying likely attack scenarios
• Risk Quantification: Expressing security risks in financial terms
• Risk-Based Prioritization: Focusing resources on highest-risk areas
• Continuous Risk Assessment: Regularly reevaluating the changing risk landscape

Best Practice: Develop a risk register that connects security risks to business impacts and use it to prioritize security investments.

2. Resilience-Focused Approach

Preparing for security incidents:

• Incident Response Planning: Developing and testing response procedures
• Business Continuity: Ensuring critical functions can continue during incidents
• Disaster Recovery: Planning for recovery from catastrophic security events
• Crisis Management: Preparing leadership for security crisis scenarios
• Cyber Insurance: Transferring appropriate risks to insurance carriers

Best Practice: Conduct regular tabletop exercises and simulations to test response capabilities and identify improvement areas.

3. Security Metrics and Reporting

Measuring security effectiveness:

• Executive-Level Metrics: Communicating security posture to leadership
• Operational Metrics: Tracking day-to-day security performance
• Comparative Benchmarks: Assessing security relative to peers and standards
• Predictive Indicators: Identifying emerging security issues
• ROI Measurement: Demonstrating the value of security investments

Best Practice: Develop a security dashboard that provides different views for various stakeholders, from technical teams to the board of directors.

4. Third-Party Risk Management

Securing the extended enterprise:

• Vendor Security Assessment: Evaluating the security posture of partners
• Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing oversight of third-party security
• Contractual Requirements: Establishing security obligations for vendors
• Supply Chain Security: Ensuring security throughout the supply chain
• Fourth-Party Risk: Understanding risks from your vendors' vendors

Best Practice: Implement a tiered approach to vendor security assessment, with the depth of review proportional to the risk each vendor presents.

Conclusion: Preparing for Cybersecurity in 2019

As we look toward 2019, several key themes emerge:

1. The threat landscape will continue to evolve, with AI-powered attacks, nation-state activity, and an expanding attack surface creating new challenges.

2. Privacy and regulatory requirements will drive security investments, with organizations needing to demonstrate compliance with an increasingly complex set of regulations.

3. The security talent shortage will require new approaches, including automation, managed services, and more efficient security operations.

4. Resilience will become as important as prevention, with organizations needing to prepare for security incidents as inevitable events.

5. Security must align with business objectives, moving from a technical function to a strategic business enabler.

By understanding these trends and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, organizations can strengthen their security posture and better prepare for the evolving threat landscape of 2019.

Remember that cybersecurity is not a destination but a journey—one that requires continuous adaptation, learning, and improvement as threats, technologies, and business needs change.

This article was written by Nguyen Tuan Si, a cybersecurity strategist with experience helping organizations develop and implement effective security programs across various industries.