Cybersecurity in 2023: Top Stories (So Far)

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has sparked countless questions about its potential impact on various aspects of business operations, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. 

As such, AI dominated security-related headlines during the first half of 2023. ITPro Today readers showed a strong interest in how generative AI has paved the way for new security risks as well as for the development of new tools to mitigate those risks. That’s not to say readers weren’t also engaged with perennial challenges, however. Articles covering topics such as the security skills gap, policies and strategies, and best practices were also popular among readers.

Here’s a midyear roundup of our 10 most popular cybersecurity articles. Additionally, we provide suggestions for further reading.

1. ChatGPT Hallucinations Open Developers to Supply Chain Malware Attacks

In a study by Vulcan Cyber's Voyager18 team, researchers showed how threat actors could exploit large language models to introduce malicious code. This article, originally published by Dark Reading, explains how to prevent the spread of bad code libraries.

A Helping Hand: Microsoft Security Copilot Features To Know

2. AI Takes Center Stage at 2023 RSA Conference: A Roundup of New Products

Related:What Is Ransomware? How It Works and How To Prevent It

This year’s RSA Conference prominently featured AI-powered cybersecurity tools, which showcased advancements in email, data protection, and extended detection and response. Additionally, vendors unveiled new cloud-based security tools.  

But Wait, There’s More: RSA Conference 2023: Innovation Sandbox Finalists Show Promise

3. How Biden’s Cybersecurity 'Dream Team' Was Undone by Internal Strife

America’s first cyber director resigned from his position over disputes with another top official, according to sources. Read about how his departure may endanger President Biden’s ambitious cybersecurity strategy. 

Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire: The Unintended Consequences of Banning Ransomware Payments

4. ChatGPT and Cybersecurity: The Good, the Bad, and the Careful

AI-based chatbots like ChatGPT could greatly strengthen cybersecurity. However, they also introduce new risks. ITPro Today contributor Karen D. Schwartz provides tips on how to protect organizations against new forms of AI-assisted crime. 

Move Over, Shadow IT: ‘Shadow Identity’ Crisis Leaves Security Teams in the Dark

5. Cybersecurity Skills Shortage: How a Focus on DEI Can Help

Diversifying the hiring pool could help solve the global shortage of IT security talent. Marcy Klipfel, chief engagement officer at Businessolver, discusses how organizations can make both short- and long-term investments in creating more diverse work environments.

‘Disengaged and Unavailable’: How To Prevent Quiet Quitting in Cybersecurity

6. 8 Proactive Cybersecurity Technologies to Watch in 2023

With the rise of cyberattacks, there is a growing focus on technologies that aim to prevent breaches rather than merely react to them. This article details eight of the most promising proactive technologies.

Reign It In: How To Fight Security Tool Sprawl

7. Top 15 DevSecOps Worst Practices

We Hack Purple CEO Tanya Janca spoke at RSA Conference 2023 about the many ways DevSecOps can go wrong. From turning on tools without testing them first to missing test results, here are the most common problems. 

New Guardians of Security: GitLab DevSecOps Report Shows Growing Demand for Efficiency, AI/ML

8. Generative AI: A Cybercriminal’s New Best Friend

In this opinion piece, IT expert Brien Posey considers the escalating risks accompanying generative AI. Posey prompts security professionals to question how generative AI aids cybercriminals.

Risks vs. Rewards: ChatGPT Gains Ground But Raises Concerns for Enterprises

9. IT Security Challenges Emerge in Smart Cities

Smart city technologies can potentially bring benefits to residents, but they also introduce certain risks. With cities relying more on technologies and IT vendors, it becomes crucial for their security protocols to embrace a collaborative approach.  

Can I Trust You?: How Third-party Risks Increase Data Breach Vulnerabilities

10. 10 Tips for Developing a Data Governance Strategy

These suggestions for data governance strategies urge organizations to think differently about data. This includes choosing the right metrics and actively promoting cultural change.

Take the Lead: Who Should Own Cyber Resilience in an Organization?