2022 Tech Predictions

As we approach a new year, how can we take what we’ve earned in 2020 and 2021 to help us progress in 2022? If the past two years have taught us anything, it is the significance of swift adaptability in the face of uncertainty. In 2021, leaders had to focus more on operational agility.

To prepare for the unknown and adapt to whatever 2022 brings, businesses and organizations must continue to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives and prioritize tech trends. To keep maneuvering through this significant level of change, business leaders are recognizing that they need to focus on specific areas.

2022 will be here in the blink of an eye. What better way to head into 2022 than to look at the technologies that could have an impact on professional and personal lives in 2022. Here is a shortlist of 2022 tech predictions.

The Future of Tech in 2022 and Beyond

Even before the pandemic, there were already trends dominating the tech industry, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

”Technology will become more and more integrated into our daily lives, from our mobile devices, home appliances (IoT), self-driving cars, healthcare, and much more. Technology will be woven into the fabric of our lives.  However, as we become more dependent upon technology, this technology will become a target for hackers and bad actors. Technology in 2022 and beyond will need to become more secure than it currently is and more resistant to more frequent and increased sophistication of cyber-attacks. I see a future where private blockchain technology will need to be implemented in order to foster the type of security that will be needed. Blockchain technology will allow for decentralizing control in such a way that individual devices and systems will be able to make security decisions on their own and not depend upon a central admin or authority that can be hacked. By decentralizing device authority systems, the blockchain ensures such attacks are harder to execute (if even possible).”

Anthony Buonaspina, BSEE, BSCS, CPACC, CEO and Founder, LI Tech Advisors

Zero Trust Will Become More of a Standard

Zero-trust cybersecurity is on the rise, and there are many reasons why this is happening. Businesses and organizations that adopt a trust, but verify approach will gain greater control over visibility and access across their networks, resulting in a reduction of total risk.

”My prediction for 2022 is dark web monitoring, zero trust policies, and user training and awareness becoming more of a standard added to the security stack of most businesses.  As threats and responses to those threats continue to evolve, layers of prevention will continue to build.”   -Joe Cannata, Owner, Techsperts, LLC

More Businesses Will Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Security concerns were at an all-time high in 2021 as ransomware attacks, phishing attempts, and scamming efforts wreaked havoc on businesses and organizations across all industries. As a result, individuals and organizations are seeking technologies that will protect them from these threats and attacks.

Multi-Factor Authentication and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) are types of authentication technology that require users to present two or more forms of identity verification. Anyone who wants to gain access must have more than one credential or multiple sources that verify their identity.

Access control systems and devices that allow Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to be enabled will enhance security by making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access. Multi-Factor Authentication and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) can be used to protect valuable assets.

”As hybrid work becomes the norm, companies will start investing in the ability to work from anywhere, anytime, and any device.  The biggest issue they will realize is that security must be at the forefront of this discussion. I believe we will finally see nearly 100% adoption of two-factor authentication of any access to company data (Office 365, VPN, etc.)  Companies adopted remote access because they had to. Now they will ensure it’s secure.”

-Michael Nelson, President and Founder, TLC Tech

Expect More Ransomware Threats

Every business and organization should prepare for the threat posed by ransomware. The threat of ransomware will continue to rise, making it a matter of when an attack will occur and not if an attack will occur.

”Although not a surprising trend to those of us in the tech industry, I predict that the latest vectors for ransomware attacks will be coming through remote users. In particular, those attacked will be working from home on a non-secured workstation. From my perspective, there seems to be the most vulnerable point of attack in there for the weakest link in the security chain.”

Ilan Sredni, CEO and President, Palindrome Consulting, Inc. – “Delivering Peace of Mind”

Supply Chain Digital Transformation Predictions

The disruptions of today’s workforce mean supply chain requirements are more challenging than they have ever been. Businesses and organizations can no longer rely on historical data to make demand predictions. We anticipate that there will be an increased reliance on real-time insights and visibility for products.

”Nothing surprising if you are paying attention, but rather an acceleration of trends. Market conditions will continue to be challenging with staffing and supply chain issues, as well as global uncertainty about how government policies will react to the latest world events.  Companies that prosper in this environment will have to be agile with a good culture that fully supports effective remote workers.  This is to say that not only can they hire them, but they do well integrating them into the team, offer a compelling company vision, and compensate them well.  Workers in 2022 will have the ability to work where they want and name their salary to an extent we have not seen in a long time.”

Rob Bruce, CEO, All Mountain Technologies

Greater Focus on New Technologies

The digital shift comes in the middle of a push to upgrade outdated technologies throughout the modern workforce. Experts predict that 2022 will see a major focus on these enhancements.

”From a tech, it would behoove companies to structure their workflow to be productive to accommodate this environment.  Workers will no longer be tolerant of older, outdated systems and methodologies. Having work experience that is the same for remote and office workers will be expected.  This means improved security and data management through cloud technologies.  Though the initial investment for companies will not be insignificant, this foundation will align them for growth and scalability in an environment that must be more agile than in years past.”

Rob Bruce, CEO, All Mountain Technologies

Remote or Hybrid Onboarding Will Continue to Evolve

As businesses and organizations shifted to a remote workforce, virtual employee onboarding became the new norm. Many companies were experiencing this shift for the first time. Remote work has become a reality for all.

”With workers having the ability to work anywhere, companies must have the ability to quickly onboard and spin up good team members while ensuring security and a collaborative work experience.

All this means effective, cloud-based workflow or hybrid infrastructure environments. Companies that are effective in this area will make greater strides in growth, scaling, and profitability and attract better staff, and – even if their product is not greatly differentiated – this workflow around tech will provide a competitive advantage that cannot be overstated.”

Rob Bruce, CEO, All Mountain Technologies