Cyber security: businesses at 'critical tipping point' say experts

The cyber threat landscape has evolved and businesses are lagging behind in efforts to face the challenge head on, according to research released by IT security specialists and strategists including Fortinet, Intel Security and CheckPoint South Africa. Threat reports detail how innovations (including IoT and the cloud computing), a global shortage of cybersecurity talent and regulatory pressures, as well as the difficulty in identifying ransomware and malware, have heightened the cyber security threat to businesses. Derek Manky, global security strategist at Fortinet, says "the expanding attack surface enabled by technology innovations such as cloud computing and IoT devices, a global shortage of cybersecurity talent, and regulatory pressures continue to be significant drivers of cyber threats." He adds, "The pace of these changes is unprecedented, resulting in a critical tipping point as the impact of cyber attacks are felt well beyond their intended victims in personal, political, and business consequences. Going forward, the need for accountability at multiple levels is urgent and real affecting vendors, governments, and consumers alike. Without swift action, there is a real risk of disrupting the progress of the global digital economy."