2018 was also the year that the UK government issued a code of practice, focusing on IoT security.

The Internet of Things has gone unsecured for too long according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). And, as more connected devices are being used to control everything from door locks and children’s toys to medical products, the risk of cyberattack has become very personal.

The code of practice recommends 13 guidelines for manufacturers, service providers, developers and retailers that include password protection, vulnerability disclosure, software integrity, monitoring and data validation.

It seems that the business community and government is recognising that cybersecurity is no longer just activity carried out by an isolated hacker working maliciously out of their bedroom for thrills.

Organised criminals have spotted the potential rewards and, as well as targeting cybercurrency in the modern-day equivalent of a bank heist, they are now hacking for data in order to sell it or threaten to share it, blackmailing an organisation for financial gain.

The organised hackers have their eyes set on big targets, beyond the quick win access to a bank account some are looking to impact the international political landscape.

There is a worldwide demand for skilled professionals who can work within white hat or red hat teams. New job descriptions are being drafted to source individuals with skills that draw from law enforcement and intelligence to technology coding and analytics.

According to the latest global information security workforce study from ISC, there could be up to 1.8 million information security-related roles unfilled worldwide by 2022. In Europe, the shortfall is projected to be about 350,000, with the UK’s share of unfilled cyber security jobs expected to be around 100,000.

It’s not been easy for companies to get the skilled help they need. Global Knowledge’s 11th annual IT Skills and Salary Report revealed that 70% of IT decision-makers around the world are facing a shortage of necessary skills, with cybersecurity and cloud computing jobs in the highest demand and paying a premium.

Skills shortages put pressure on employees, making it difficult to meet quality objectives and causing delays in developing new products and services.

The UK’s apprenticeship programme, which the government promotes as a way to improve employability and fill skills gaps, hasn’t been slow to adapt and reflect the need for this new type of IT professional.

In December, Global Knowledge Apprenticeships and Qufaro will be launching the Level 4 Cybersecurity Apprenticeship at Bletchley Park which will be the base for delivering new qualifications in cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks and data breaches will continue to increase in both frequency and intensity throughout 2019 and most organisations do not feel confident in their ability to prevent them.

As more and more data are being stored across the organisation and in the cloud, it’s getting harder to ensure security.

Many believe that users are the chink in the armour, either through their lack of awareness or through malicious activity.

The need for cybersecurity expertise has grown beyond what could have been predicted. 2019 will be the year that the cybersecurity professionals become the most sort-after employees in the world.