Trends in Cybersecurity

How Has Cybersecurity Changed Over the Years?

In 2024, the cyber threat landscape will continue to expand and evolve. Malicious actors are expected to grow more sophisticated in their attacks, taking advantage of new technologies and vulnerabilities to carry out cybercrimes like ransomware, data breaches, and more.

Some of the major cyber threats expected in 2024 include:

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt an organization’s data and demand payment for its release, are expected to become even more prevalent and disruptive by 2024. Attackers are likely to increasingly target critical infrastructure like healthcare facilities, causing major disruptions. Strategies to mitigate ransomware threats include:

Training employees on spotting suspicious emails or links, the primary vector for attacks
Keeping all systems and software up-to-date with the latest security patches
Utilizing antivirus/anti-malware software and firewalls
Frequently backing up critical data, with backups stored offline
Implementing access controls and the principle of least privilege

Following cybersecurity best practices and having an incident response plan in place can help organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks.

Phishing and Deep Fakes

Social engineering attacks, including phishing attacks and deep fake videos/recordings, are expected to become more commonplace and harder to detect by 2024. These types of attacks aim to manipulate employees into handing over sensitive data or credentials.

Advances in AI could allow attackers to generate extremely realistic deep fakes of executives asking employees to wire funds or disclose data. Defense measures against phishing attacks and social engineering include:

Security awareness training for the workforce on recognizing suspicious emails or unusual requests
Technical solutions like DMARC authentication to prevent spoofing
Verifying unusual requests through secondary channels before acting

Proactive efforts to train staff and implement technical controls can reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks.

Side view of a computer with lines of code with more lines of code in the background

Future Cyber Threats and Trends

To address the expanding 2024 cyber threat landscape, cybersecurity defenses are also evolving via new innovative technologies. Some upcoming cybersecurity technology trends include:

Machine Learning and AI in Cybersecurity

While cyber attackers use AI for data theft and hacking, it can still be a useful tool in preventing cybersecurity threats. Machine learning and artificial intelligence tools, which can automatically detect anomalies and run complex analyses at scale, are expected to become integral components of cyber defenses by 2024.

ML and AI have applications in areas like:

Malware and intrusion detection
Fraud detection
Insider threat monitoring
User behavior analytics

As these technologies grow more advanced, they will provide enhanced threat visibility and help security teams better manage risk.

The Zero Trust Model

Zero trust, a security approach that assumes no users or systems should be inherently trusted, is likely to see broad adoption by 2024. This least-privilege model requires all users and devices to continuously authenticate and authorize access.

Benefits of zero trust include:

Prevents lateral movement across networks if credentials are compromised
Adapts to trends like cloud computing and remote work, which dissolve the network perimeter
Provides precise access control across all environments

Transitioning to a zero-trust security architecture can significantly strengthen an organization’s cyber defenses.

5G and IoT: Increasing the Surface Area for Cyber Attacks

The expansion of 5G networks and internet-connected IoT devices will massively increase the potential surface area for cyber attacks by 2024. This provides more insecure endpoints for hackers to exploit.

Securing the influx of 5G/IoT includes measures like:

Building security into IoT devices from the initial design stages
Leveraging cloud platforms that offer scalable, automated IoT security
Utilizing network monitoring to quickly detect anomalous 5G traffic
Authenticating and authorizing all IoT device access via centralized controls

A proactive and multilayered approach across users, devices, and networks is key for securing 5G and IoT deployments. As cyber threats become more prevalent and sophisticated in 2024, staying vigilant and responsive by understanding the evolving landscape.

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Strategic Preparedness and Response to Threats to Cybersecurity in 2024

As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and scale, organizations must prioritize strategic preparedness and response. By 2024, experts predict cyber attacks utilizing advanced tactics like AI and automation will become more prevalent. To get ahead of these threats, businesses should focus on improving cyber hygiene, securing remote work, and leveraging managed detection and response.

The Importance of Cyber Hygiene in Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape

Many data breaches result from poor cyber hygiene. This is a lack of basic security measures that leaves organizations vulnerable. As threats increase, improving cyber hygiene will be critical for defense.

Key areas to strengthen include endpoint security, data encryption, password policies, multi-factor authentication, timely patching, and user awareness training. Organizations should conduct regular audits to identify and resolve security gaps.

Advanced tactics like AI-driven hacking may exploit even tiny weaknesses, so continuous vigilance around cyber hygiene will be essential. Poor habits like password reuse or failing to vet third parties must be addressed proactively.

The Future of Remote Work’s Impact on Cybersecurity

By 2024, remote and hybrid work will be the norm for many. While flexible work has benefits, distributed workforces can introduce cyber risks through the use of personal devices, unsecured networks, or cloud collaboration tools.

As home networks handle more sensitive data, consumers globally will need to prioritize cyber safety with tools like VPNs, endpoint security software, and stronger Wi-Fi encryption.

For companies, key steps include updating cloud access policies, expanding secure connectivity options, increasing endpoint monitoring/protection, and adding user training on safe remote work practices.

Managed Solutions to Evolving Threats in 2024

For resource-constrained IT teams, outsourcing critical functions like threat detection and response to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) will become essential. MSSPs stay on top of the latest threats, freeing up client focus. Most third-party solutions are well caught up with how cybersecurity has changed over time. This allows them to properly anticipate and respond to whatever your network faces.

MDR

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) will likely be the top offering from MSSPs by 2024. MDR combines advanced threat monitoring technology with expert human analysis for 24/7 defense.

MDR tools applying techniques like machine learning and behavior analytics will help clients detect sophisticated, automated attacks that traditional methods may miss. Live security experts supplement automated systems by investigating threats and guiding response.

As skilled cybersecurity talent becomes harder to hire directly, organizations can leverage MSSPs cost-effectively. MDR services from experts represent the future of threat detection/response outsourcing.

Don’t Fall Behind—Get Ahead on Trends in Cybersecurity With LISS Technologies

In the fast-paced online world, it is important to have tight security with the latest updates. Whether your business is remotely operated, or still utilizing in-person networks, trust LISS Technologies with your managed security for business continuity. Contact us today for a consultation to get started.