As 2018 begins, cybersecurity is set to dominate headlines across the media landscape. With this in mind, here are five key industry predictions that experts anticipate will shape the year:
1. The conversation around post-quantum cryptography and network security is gaining momentum
In recent years, discussions about quantum computing's impact on cybersecurity have grown more intense. This has led to increased interest in encryption agility — the ability to quickly adapt cryptographic methods as threats evolve. Experts are now focusing not just on theoretical concerns, but on practical steps to prepare for a future where current encryption standards may no longer be sufficient.
While no single algorithm can guarantee long-term security, the question is when traditional encryption will become obsolete. As companies look ahead, they must consider how to secure everything from smart devices to critical infrastructure. Developing flexible, agile encryption strategies will be essential for businesses of all sizes, whether they're dealing with consumer applications or industrial systems.
By 2018, we’re likely to see a shift from theoretical debates to real-world implementation. Companies will begin rolling out customized encryption solutions tailored to specific industries or use cases, helping bridge the gap between today’s security needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
2. Will blockchain move beyond cryptocurrency?
Blockchain remained one of the most talked-about technologies in 2017, and its influence is expected to grow even further in 2018. Many companies believe that the decentralized nature of blockchain makes it inherently secure. However, the reality is more complex — transactions can be added without proper authentication, which poses risks, especially in regulated industries like finance and healthcare.
To address these concerns, hardware security modules (HSMs) are becoming increasingly important in securing enterprise-level blockchain systems. These tools help ensure that digital signatures and encryption keys are properly managed, making blockchain more viable for high-stakes applications. As adoption grows, we can expect more HSMs to be integrated into corporate blockchain infrastructures.
3. Innovation is reshaping the traditional payment sector
The payments industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by new technologies that respond to evolving customer expectations. While banks and financial institutions continue to manage their core operations, they are also exploring innovative solutions such as digital wallets, contactless payments, and cryptocurrencies.
This shift requires modernizing legacy systems and implementing more flexible, secure technologies. Compliance with strict data protection laws and industry standards remains a top priority, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of security or regulatory adherence.
4. GDPR compliance dominates, but eIDAS brings new surprises
2018 marks a major milestone for European regulations, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into full effect in May. Alongside this, the eIDAS Regulation is also being updated, bringing significant changes to electronic identity and trust services.
Under the new rules, electronic signatures, seals, and time stamps will have the same legal weight as paper documents across EU borders. While many companies are focused on GDPR compliance, the real challenges may come from adapting to the new requirements for trust service providers. These changes will require careful planning and integration to support cross-border operations effectively.
5. Autonomous driving advances, but safety concerns rise
Self-driving car technology has made remarkable progress, surpassing early expectations. In 2017, it reached the peak of inflated expectations, but the focus is now shifting toward real-world implementation and safety.
As standardization bodies develop safety protocols, more companies are entering the autonomous vehicle market, offering secure, reliable solutions. Mergers and acquisitions are on the rise, signaling growing interest in this space. Meanwhile, technologies from other industries, like secure payment systems, are being adapted to meet the needs of connected vehicles.
With advancements in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, we’re seeing more sophisticated payment and transaction systems integrated into cars. From automatic toll payments to seamless charging at electric stations, these innovations are shaping the future of mobility. However, as regulations like GDPR and eIDAS take effect, the complexity of managing cross-border services is increasing, making the debate around self-driving cars more intense than ever.
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