Why API Dependancy, IoT Expansion, and GDPR Will Define Cybersecurity in 2017, According to (ISC)2
As the digital economy accelerates, 2017 is poised to be a pivotal year for cybersecurity. Experts from (ISC)2 highlight that increasing API dependancy, the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the enforcement of GDPR will fundamentally reshape how businesses approach data protection. These forces are not just technological shifts—they are catalysts for a new era of accountability and risk management.
The Growing Risk of API Dependancy in a Connected Economy
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) have quietly become the backbone of modern digital interactions. They enable software and systems to communicate seamlessly, powering everything from mobile apps to smart home devices. However, this increasing API dependancy also introduces significant vulnerabilities.
Consider Transport for London’s open API, which supports over 500 travel apps, or the Amazon Echo’s API that connects kettles to cars. While these innovations enhance convenience, they also create potential pathways for cyberattacks. A single weak API in an app store could compromise millions of smartphones. As a result, businesses must embed security into the design phase of every API-driven system.
IoT Expansion: New Threats and Shared Responsibilities
The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding at an unprecedented rate. By 2020, there could be up to 20.8 billion connected devices, from traffic lights to medical implants. This growth, fueled by initiatives like the UK’s £40 million IoT investment and the EU’s €365 million Smart Cities funding, promises efficiency but also introduces complex security challenges.
In a connected world, a cyberattack on one sector—say, energy—can quickly cascade into others, such as transportation or healthcare. This interconnectedness demands cross-sector intelligence sharing. The cybersecurity profession must evolve from siloed competition to collaborative defense. As GDPR compliance looms, companies will be legally obligated to protect data across the entire supply chain, further driving this convergence.
GDPR Compliance: Shifting Accountability to the Boardroom
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) represents a seismic shift in data privacy. With fines of up to 4% of global turnover, it gives regulators real enforcement power. Crucially, GDPR places responsibility squarely on corporate boards, not just IT departments.
Boards must now appoint data privacy officers and oversee privacy strategies. This change is already driving demand for cyber insurance and forcing businesses to integrate cybersecurity into risk management. As a result, 2017 will see cybersecurity earn a permanent seat in the boardroom.
How GDPR Affects Data Integrity
Beyond fines, GDPR aims to restore consumer trust. High-profile data breaches have made users wary of sharing personal information. Some are already falsifying details online, undermining the data-driven economy. GDPR’s transparency requirements will compel companies to disclose breaches, but this could further erode trust if not handled carefully. Businesses must prioritize data integrity to maintain the fuel of the digital economy.
3D Printing and the Industrial Supply Chain
Another emerging threat comes from 3D printing, which is transforming manufacturing. Printable files contain millions of lines of code, effectively creating a “data supply chain.” However, without universal cybersecurity standards, these files are vulnerable to sabotage.
Imagine a drone crashing because a hacker altered its propeller design during printing. Such scenarios are not far-fetched. The digitalization of manufacturing means that cybersecurity can no longer be an afterthought. Industry 4.0 demands built-in protections at the design stage to ensure product safety.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: The Future of Cybersecurity
As API dependancy and IoT blur industry boundaries, cybersecurity professionals must adapt. The threat landscape is no longer confined to one sector—an attack on a smart city’s traffic system could disrupt emergency services. Therefore, intelligence sharing across energy, healthcare, and finance is essential.
GDPR will accelerate this trend by making every link in the data supply chain accountable. Companies are already calling for co-operation, and 2017 may herald a new era where cybersecurity thrives on partnership rather than competition. For more insights, explore our guide on cybersecurity strategies for 2017 and learn about GDPR compliance steps.
In conclusion, the convergence of API dependancy, IoT proliferation, and GDPR enforcement will define 2017. Businesses that embrace proactive security, board-level accountability, and cross-sector collaboration will be best positioned to thrive in this new landscape.
