In our last blog, we discussed the cyber security threats which experts are warning about in 2021. As a follow-up to that information, this article will discuss some of the additional IT trends we see moving forward into the new year.

The global pandemic forced many to adapt to challenging circumstances across all industries, but many of these adaptations turned into opportunities for new and better ways of doing things. Here are just a few of the expert insights regarding IT and business in 2021 and beyond.

  • Remote work is here to stay: While many employees discovered the benefits and flexibility of working remotely, many organizations simultaneously discovered the cost savings of reduced overhead. These two facts lead experts to believe that the centralized office network is likely a thing of the past, leaving network security largely in the hands of employees working at home. IT professionals must work towards empowering remote workers to be productive, while making sure they (and the company) are protected. Because stringent security protocols often slow people down, they tend to find “workarounds” which can allow breaches. Therefore IT staff should find ways to be secure, fast and flexible in a remote work environment.
  • Users no longer trust big tech platforms: In the past, users on all types of apps and platforms agreed to terms and conditions without so much as a thought. As violations to user privacy were greatly exposed in recent months, users will enter 2021 demanding more control over their personal information and data. Software to oversee how much and what types of data the user is willing to divulge will become mainstream, allowing users to take back some control over how their data is used and shared.
  • College students will join the fight: The education sector was one of the most vulnerable to attack in 2020, seeing weekly attacks increasing leading up to and throughout the fall semester. University security teams are recruiting willing college students interested in cyber security to monitor attacks and breaches and act as admins. It is a win-win, as students get real-world training and overworked security teams get the help they need.
  • Gen Z will step up: Similarly, tech-savvy Generations Z and Alpha grew up with the latest in technology in their homes, and were armed with smart phones and devices at a tender age. The unprecedented shift to online learning came easily to many in this generation, pointing to a promising future where the skills gap will be easily filled by this cyber-conscious group. IT professionals can work with communities and schools to bring cybersecurity to the forefront of education and skills based learning, grooming the next wave of workers for fighting against cybercrime.

It is said that someone always profits off a crisis. While the pandemic caused many issues and challenges that needed to be faced, it also caused us to rethink our methods and strategies. While IT professionals proved that they could implement change a lot more quickly than previously thought possible, they also developed innovative ways to meet the unexpected head-on. As challenges are almost certainly still on the horizon, the industry as a whole should feel confident that we have the skills and knowledge to rise to the occasion.

If your company needs assistance in creating or maintaining a secure remote network – or if you have any questions regarding outsourcing your network to a managed services firm, give Alliance IT a call today.