What CISOs Should Know About Hacking in 2023


The art of cyber crime is in a constant state of flux and evolution. Simply staying on pace with these trends is a significant part of the CISO’s job.


Today’s modern CISO must ensure they are always prepared for the next big trend and remain ahead of adversaries.


As we begin to navigate 2023, the security landscape has transformed from a year ago, let alone a decade ago. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, emerging technologies like Web3 and AI, and new, post-pandemic ways of organizing the workforce have all led to significant shifts in the world of hacking.


In this article, we’ll look at how hacking is different in 2023, some of the key threats CISOs must contend with and some of the best defenses available.


What Does Modern Hacking Look Like? 


Before we start, it’s worth noting that even the term “hacker” has undergone some evolution over the years. Once largely associated with hostile actors, many security professionals now refer to themselves as hackers. The term “white hat hacker” also exists; this refers to hackers using the same methods as cyber criminals to carry out ethical tasks like pressure-testing security systems.


So what are the concrete ways hacking has changed today compared to five, ten and even twenty years ago? There are several significant trends to highlight that look set to dominate the cybersecurity conversation in 2023.


A Lower Barrier to Entry


In the past, threat actors needed highly developed skill sets honed over many years. Hacking, especially targeting high-level organizations with valuable assets, wasn’t something just anyone could do — the bar was set high.


Today, with the emergence and growth of DIY hacking kits and services —  cisos should about hacking