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As predicted by most Internet security experts, 2015 was a year that was robust in attacks of the cyber variety and the vast array  of different types of attacks that become more cunning and a new slew of attack methods. With the cybersecurity arena in a constant state of evolution, solutions for protection must be quick to match and predict attackers’ thinking.

It doesn’t appear cyberthievery will be slowing down anytime soon and below I identify 4 trends that brands need to be on the lookout for in their quest to protect their brand.

Attack of the Killer Apps

In the age of big data, data that is collected by apps, is moving front and center in a bid to maximize the  user experience. This also translates to app makers having to make security the centerpiece of their app development that cover a wide variety of mobile devices.  The most simple mobile app, when possessing a vulnerability can lead to an entire corporate network being compromised.

In 2016, I see an increasing number of companies recognizing this threat for what it is and conduct vulnerability assessments that pinpoint potential lapses in security among their apps and networks. This includes monitoring releases and patch update levels, configuration issues of network equipment such as user authentication and verification.

The Expansion of IoT

The number of devices joining the Internet of Things continues to surpass expectations. This only increases the levels and avenues where threats can fester, develop and attack. Industries and markets not considered only a short time ago have become prime targets. I feel the time is now to include security against such attacks as a priority. The problem is that those who design for IoT do it with the customer’s convenience in mind and engineering for securityis not at top of mind.

I feel that throughout 2016, these security issues will come to the forefront and put the much needed pressure on the manufacturers of those devices to look at this as a serious issue. Consumers need to be vigilant and remain so until they are given assurances by device manufacturers that their products conform to the highest security standards. As things such as heart monitors and other wearable devices, cars and other household goods become part of the IoT universe it could potentially cause a chaos of sorts if not given the utmost attention.

The Bigger the Data the Bigger the Problems

The rapid growth of the industry that followed the Big Data trend, analytics has led to organizations embedding that data within their organization at the highest levels of decision making processes as well as operations. Companies need to realize that this data is not just a bunch of letters, characters and other input, but there is a human element to analyzing data. The key challenge in all of this is maintaining data integrity. Otherwise, the resulting analyses will lead to weak and missed businesses opportunities, lousy decisions, damage to the brand and a hurting bottom line.

Cybercrime ain’t Going Anywhere

I predicted that Cybercrime would continue on it’s rapid journey through more industries in 2015. 2016 will be no different. Cybercrime and Hacking along with lack of investment in brand protection can all be the ingredient to create a perfect storm of threats. Those companies that invest time and financial resources to counter these threats will be the best positioned to weather this storm.

Let’s face it. A few short years ago, crime pretty much only existed in the real world. Cyberspace has become a highly attractive breeding ground for scammers of all sorts who are on the prowl to make money, disrupt both political and financial operations, and some. yes some. Do it just for the heck of it. These events can be of high impact and organizations need to prepare for the worst, as it is not something that can be predicated and it can do irreversible damage.