In 2023, organizations must prepare for a growing attack surface, the war for cyber skills, and the rise of unknown threats
In the world of cybersecurity, year after year we encounter new threats and challenges, and 2023 is going to be no different. Currently, organizations are dealing with a growing number of unknown cyber threats targeting on-premises systems, cloud infrastructure, and SaaS applications. Added to this, the skills shortage is worsening too, causing analysts to becoming overloaded and burnt-out. Combined, this is creating a perfect storm, leaving organizations more vulnerable to a breach in 2023.
So, what specifically do organizations need to be aware of? Here are four trends that will shake up the cyber landscape next year.
Microsoft's Surface Laptop 5 is faster, but that's about it
Earlier today, Microsoft unveiled the latest model in its Surface Pro range, the Surface Pro 9.
The company also debuted a new model of its Surface Laptop. The upgraded device comes with the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor and Thunderbolt 4 and is now verified as an Intel Evo device, which Microsoft says means it’s over 50 percent more powerful than its predecessor. There's no AMD option this time around, unfortunately.
Microsoft's new Surface Pro 9 lets you choose between an Intel or Arm 5G processor
It’s been ten years since Microsoft debuted the original Surface Pro and while that launch was far from a huge success, the tech giant has continued to stick with the line, producing ever better devices.
Today sees the launch of the Surface Pro 9 and buyers of the updated 2-1 device have a choice of processors -- 12th Gen Intel Core processor built on the Intel Evo platform with Thunderbolt 4, or the Microsoft SQ 3 powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon with 5G connectivity.
Microsoft beefs up Defender security with new Threat Intelligence and External Attack Surface Management tools
Microsoft has launched two new security products, bolstering the capabilities of Microsoft Defender. The company says that the aim of the two tools is to help organizations lock down their infrastructure and reduce their overall attack surface.
The tools, Microsoft says, also provide "deeper context into threat actor activity" making it easier to predict malicious activity and secure resources. Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence works by mapping the internet every day, so that security teams have the data needed to understand current attack techniques, while with Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management lets security teams see their system as attackers do.
Enterprises lack confidence in managing attack surface risk
According to a new report, 60 percent of enterprises have low confidence in their ability to manage attack surface risk.
The study from technology management firm Oomnitza finds businesses increasingly dealing with a hybrid workplace, hybrid cloud, and digital business growth, which makes the ability to manage cyber risk more challenging.
Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Go 2 is available to pre-order today from $599
Just yesterday, we reported that Microsoft was readying a new Surface Laptop Go, with many of the specs revealed early on a Korean website.
We said that Microsoft was planning to announce the new device "in the coming weeks", but it turns out we don't have to wait anywhere near that long as the software giant today introduces the new Surface Laptop Go 2, with a starting price of $599.
Leak suggests Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Go 2 holds few surprises
In the coming weeks, Microsoft is expected to share details of a new Surface Laptop Go. However, it seems we may already know much of what to expect, after a listing for the yet-to-be-announced Surface Laptop Go 2 popped up on a Korean website.
While news of the upcoming device will interest those in the market for an updated model, the listing shows that there may not be a great deal to get excited about besides an upgraded processor.
Microsoft launches matte black Surface Go 3 with optional LTE
Is Microsoft's Surface Go line of tablets designed for hardcore computer users? Absolutely not. That is OK though. Not everybody is a gamer or enthusiast. Look, some of us just need to get basic work done. And so, an affordable computer with meager specifications, such as the Surface Go, can be a wise purchase. After all, you can turn it into a laptop by purchasing the optional keyboard cover or a desktop by connecting it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
If you have been on the fence about purchasing a Surface Go 3 -- the latest model -- I have some great news. Beginning today, Microsoft is selling a beautiful new version. No, the specifications are not different, but the body is... sort of. You see, the little tablet is now being offered in a beautiful matte black color.
KIOXIA BG5 PCIe 4.0 SSD is compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Windows 11 PC
Solid state drives continue to get faster, with PCIe 4.0 variants leading the pack nowadays. Of course, most PCs don't have PCIe 4.0 support, so these ultra-fast drives are reserved for enthusiasts and those with brand new computers. If you have such a cutting-edge PC, you will probably want to get a PCIe 4.0 SSD to maximize your performance. True, it is largely for bragging rights and benchmarks, but you might as well go for the best if the difference in price isn't totally obscene.
Today, KIOXIA unveils its latest solid state drive. Called "BG5," it uses PCIe 4.0 x4 to achieve up to 3,500 MB/s read and 2,900 MB/s write. Yeah, this DRAM-less SSD is actually a bit slow compared to other PCIe 4.0 drives, but it does have a very cool feature -- it is being offered in the M.2 2230 form factor. This means it will fit inside Microsoft's all-new Surface Pro 8.
All the new Surface devices Microsoft announced today
Today, at a online hardware event, Microsoft unveiled a large number of new Surface devices, including Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro X, Surface Go 3, and Surface Duo 2. There was also a new flagship laptop announced -- Surface Laptop Studio.
If you’re in the market for a new tablet or laptop that can run Windows 11, then Microsoft certainly has you covered.
Watch Microsoft's new Surface launch event today -- live
Microsoft is holding an online launch event today, September 22, when it’s expected to unveil a number of new Surface devices, including tablets and laptops. It’s even rumored to be set to unveil a new Surface Duo 2.
Of course, there will be a heavy focus on Windows 11, as the new devices will come with that OS.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is the Windows 11 device of your dreams
Tom Warren over at The Verge really hates Windows 11, proclaiming he won't be upgrading to Microsoft's upcoming operating system. Why? He has several reasons, such as his inability to easily locate the date and time when using multiple monitors. Oh well. It is his loss, as Windows 11 is really good. In fact, it is definitely the best version of Windows ever.
Despite Warren's apparent hatred of Windows 11, today, he shares some leaked information about the upcoming Surface Pro 8. Sadly, Microsoft's big announcement is due in just a few days, meaning The Verge and other leakers (such as the one it sources) have largely ruined the big reveal. Warren's actions are arguably a huge sign of disrespect towards Microsoft's Chief Product Officer, Panos Panay. Sigh. Thankfully, the leaked information signals a very exciting Surface tablet is on the way.
Microsoft to reveal new Surface devices on September 22
With Windows 11 set to begin rolling out at the Start of October, it was inevitable that Microsoft would take the opportunity to showcase some new hardware for it.
The software giant today announces a new event for the end of this month in which it is expected to take the wraps off a new collection of Surface devices, as well as show off its new operating system in some depth.
ThreatX platform gives businesses a clear view of their API attack surface
APIs make life easier for developers by allowing easy access to various program functions. However, this functionality also makes them an increasingly attractive target for attack.
Web application and API Protection platform ThreatX is launching new API catalog capabilities to provide enterprises with a clear view of their API's attack surface, as well as the operational health of any APIs in production.
Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable Windows 10 PC now available as Surface Pro alternative
The modern detachable PC form factor was made popular by Microsoft's Surface Pro. The iconic kickstand looks cool and allows you to position the screen at many angles. While these computers make for both good tablets and notebooks, they aren't exactly good laptops. Wait. Aren't notebooks and laptops the same thing? Typically yes, but these kickstand-based detachable computers are hard to balance on a lap; it is a bit of a misnomer to call them "laptop."
The Surface Pro is a pretty good computer overall -- as long as you don't need to use it on your lap -- but they can be very buggy. Microsoft's firmware releases often introduce problems -- even as other issues are fixed. Thankfully, if you like that form factor, you aren't limited to Surface. Today, for instance, Dell officially begins selling the Latitude 7320 Windows 10 detachable PC. And yes, it is a real Surface Pro alternative.