Cybersecurity companies and investors are anticipating that enterprise browsers with built-in security features will be embraced by workplaces in 2024. These browsers allow IT teams to monitor network traffic and block malicious files while allowing employees to work from any device. The increasing targeting of browsers by hackers has highlighted the need for enhanced security measures. Companies like Palo Alto Networks and Island are leading the way in developing enterprise browsers, and Atakama is in beta with a product for Managed Services Providers, with more security vendors expected to pay attention to this technology in the coming months.
Identity-related threats pose an increasing risk to organizations, with attackers preferring to log in using stolen credentials rather than exploiting vulnerabilities. Reports from IBM X-Force and CrowdStrike highlight a surge in cyber attacks using valid credentials and other techniques spoofing legitimate users. Compromised valid accounts represented 30% of all incidents in 2023, making it the top initial access point for cybercriminals. Phishing attacks were down by 44% compared to 2022, partly due to using valid credentials.
And with all the buzz in the MSP space about ScreenConnect, I didn’t want to miss the AT&T outage. AT&T has stated that the massive cell outage affecting over a million customers was caused by a technical error during network expansion, not a cyberattack. The outage prompted federal agencies, including the FBI, to investigate. AT&T has apologized for the incident and is taking steps to prevent future occurrences.
Why do we care?
AT&T wasn’t a hack. Something to know if you’re asked.
The development and adoption of enterprise browsers offer a new avenue for enhancing cybersecurity offerings. Providers should consider integrating these solutions into their service portfolios, educating clients on their benefits, and assisting with implementation and management to safeguard against browser-based threats. Will that be part of your strategy?
Now, there’s more on cybersecurity later today in the Big Ideas.