As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, cybersecurity has become a top priority for organizations of all sizes. With the ever-evolving threat landscape, staying ahead of the curve and implementing effective cybersecurity measures is crucial. As a company that is thrust into providing advanced solutions, Acmetek delves into the future of cybersecurity and made our top 5 cybersecurity predictions for 2024, providing insights into the trends shaping cybersecurity’s future.
1) Growth of Ransomware and Rise of AI-based Phishing
Ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom payment for decryption, is expected to continue its rampant growth in 2024. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, utilizing AI-powered techniques to launch targeted ransomware attacks that can bring entire organizations to a standstill. This rise of AI-based vishing, where attackers use AI to impersonate real people or organizations through voice or video calls, adds another layer of complexity to the cybersecurity landscape.
In 2022, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack crippled fuel supply operations across the United States, highlighting the devastating impact of ransomware. Future tech can potentially assist phishing and ransomware attackers to create highly effective phishing methods, increasing the possibility of more high-value attacks.
2) IoT Cyberattacks: The Expanding Attack Surface
The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly expanding, connecting billions of devices to the Internet. This ever-growing network of interconnected devices presents a vast attack surface for cybercriminals. As more and more widgets are added to the IoT ecosystem, the potential for cyberattacks targeting these devices is expected to surge in 2024.
The expanding attack surface of IoT devices poses significant challenges for cybersecurity. These devices often have weak security controls, limited processing power, and may be difficult to update or patch. Cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to devices, steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or even launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
2) Increased Cybersecurity Regulations: A Heightened Focus on Compliance
Governments worldwide are recognizing the growing importance of cybersecurity and are taking steps to strengthen their cybersecurity regulations. In 2024, organizations can expect to face stricter cybersecurity compliance requirements, mandating robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.
The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are examples of stringent data privacy regulations that have already impacted organizations globally. Currently, these and other regulatory bodies continue to push legislation on digital laws as governments become more aware of the risks to national security and economic growth cyber threats pose.
4) Increased Zero Trust Systems: Embracing a Security-by-Design Approach
Zero trust security, a model that assumes no user or device is trusted until their identity and security posture are verified, is gaining traction as organizations seek to address the growing sophistication of cyberattacks. In 2024, more organizations will adopt zero-trust security to create a layered defense that continuously verifies access to sensitive data and systems.
Google Cloud’s BeyondCorp initiative is a prime example of a zero-trust security framework that numerous organizations have adopted, including Fortune 500 companies. BeyondCorp continuously verifies user and device identities at every access point, ensuring that only authorized and trusted entities can access sensitive data and applications.
5) Next Generation Security Awareness: Soft Skills Become Essential
While technical expertise remains crucial in cybersecurity, soft skills are increasingly essential for effective cybersecurity awareness and training. In 2024, organizations will emphasize developing soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving among their employees to foster a culture of cybersecurity vigilance. Phishing attacks often rely on social engineering techniques, emphasizing the importance of employees with soft skills in identifying and preventing these attacks.
MSPs Double Their Security Services via Automated Platforms
Managed Security Service Providers (MSPs) are expected to play a pivotal role in 2024 as organizations increasingly outsource their cybersecurity needs. To meet this growing demand, MSPs will leverage automated platforms to streamline their operations, double their security services, and provide comprehensive protection for their clients.
The use of automated platforms will enable MSPs to double their security services in 2024, providing organizations with even more comprehensive protection from cyberattacks.
Acmetek, a leading cybersecurity solutions provider, is dedicated to helping organizations stay ahead of the evolving cybersecurity landscape. With a team of experienced professionals and a deep understanding of the latest cybersecurity trends, Acmetek offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions to protect your organization from today’s and tomorrow’s threats.
To learn more about The present and future of cybersecurity, visit www.acmetek.com and read our comprehensive topics. You can request a demo of our cybersecurity solutions customized for a company’s unique needs.
