6 Cybersecurity Trends to Watch for in 2024

Cybersecurity has become one of the topmost business priorities these days.

Thanks to the ever-increasing cyber incidents and sophisticated methods of attack. Consequently, every year cyberattacks break new ground. It also requires advanced cybersecurity measures to outwit those sophisticated attacks.

And 2024 is no exception. In other words, the year is speculated to be marked with new attacks as well as new cybersecurity trends. The good thing is that the field of cybersecurity continuously rising to deal with security concerns.

This way, you can say that cybersecurity is just like the chessboard where defenders and threat actors are looking to checkmate each other.

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Based on this scenario, I have outlined some key trends that will shape the cybersecurity landscape in 2024.

AI and Machines will Empower Cyber Security Efforts

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been redefining the digital world for the past few years, whether it is a chatbot, home automation, or online services. Cybersecurity is no exception.

AI has been gaining momentum in cybersecurity practices. According to one study, it has been used by 87 percent of US cybersecurity professionals. 34 percent are said to completely rely on machine learning.

Machine learning algorithms can be used to detect an incident and active responses. For example, it can automate threat detection and response, thereby eliminating the need for manual checking.

Moreover, AI can identify and communicate a threat to the business such as vulnerabilities and configuration errors, and promote situational awareness to track security status.

The Rise and Rise of Ransomware

Ransomware has become a top cybersecurity threat. In 2023, this threat affected smaller businesses as well as state bodies, school districts, and healthcare.

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In 2023, McAfee claimed that leading hackers might team up to consolidate their hacking ecosystem. The ransomware actors have made their attacks more sophisticated, risking public disclosure or selling stolen data to competitors. The ransomware attack will be more personalized and targeted than before.

Ransomware creators can use new technologies like an advanced persistent threat or APT that will keep them close to their target network. They will deploy APT to systematically ruin protection barriers like a persistent backup to the cloud.

Better Budget for Cybersecurity

Admit it. A cyber incident is a fear that can be justified and understood. After all, one incident not only leads to the loss of valuable data but also hurts you in terms of money and reputation. That’s why businesses are looking to increase their cybersecurity budget.

Besides, privacy regulation acts such as the General Data Protection Regulation and California Consumer Privacy Act have required businesses and government bodies to create a safer cybersecurity ecosystem. 76% of organizations are planning to maximize their cybersecurity budget.

US Elections Can Add to the Cybersecurity Concerns

2021 will be the year of elections across the world and of course, the most highlighted is the US presidential elections. Hostile countries are supposed to manipulate campaigns to get the election results in their favor. Who can forget the 2016 Presidential Elections? The hacking and disinformation campaign led by Russia has heavily interfered in that election, shaking the country’s confidence in democracy.

Dealing with misinformation is not easy. It needs security agencies to go through a plethora of communication strings to figure out whether the information is fake or genuine. One report has already alarmed that nation-supported malicious activities will be launched on a large scale to manipulate the elections.

Phishing Attacks will Go beyond Email to Phones

Emails have been a notorious carrier for phishing attacks. The good thing is that today’s email software is smart enough to detect such threats and can stop malicious emails before they get into the inbox. That’s why threat actors are looking to less secure mediums like smartphones.

Or you can say that mobile can be a key source of phishing attacks in 2024. That’s why our social networking accounts are on the cusp of risk, and we’ll see phishing attacks make their way through messaging apps and text messages.

The Rise of Facial Recognition and Authentication

Hackers are using new tools to outwit existing cybersecurity practices, pushing tech experts to bring in new security tools like facial recognition transactions.

This security method can be groundbreaking as our face can’t be hacked. While the most common use of facial recognition is to unlock the smartphone or other devices, they can be a replacement for typical passwords in 2024.

This could potentially prevent credential theft, identity theft, and insider attacks.

Bottom Line

So these are some cybersecurity trends that will define 2024. However, most of these trends have been listed so that you can make informed cybersecurity decisions. You need to reassess the cybersecurity practices across your business.

Educate your employees, work on your password protection, take backups, make cybersecurity a top business priority, and use the right technology to protect your business from the risks.