Anticipating the key themes likely to dominate the cybersecurity space in 2024
The year 2023 witnessed a surge in cybersecurity activity, with organizations and cybercriminals engaged in a constant battle. As the digital attack surface expands, organizations are refining their security architectures to combat the evolving threats. However, cybercriminals are expected to leverage successful tactics from this year to orchestrate more sophisticated campaigns in 2024. To stay ahead, IT and security professionals must anticipate the key themes likely to dominate the cybersecurity landscape in the coming year.
A Never-Ending Story: Compromised Credentials
Compromised credentials have become a recurring vulnerability, with usernames and passwords being the primary targets for cybercriminals. Post-mortem analysis of data breaches consistently reveals compromised credentials as the point of attack. Organizations must implement essential identity-related security controls, focusing on both human and non-human identities arising from digital transformation initiatives. As a result, compromised identities are expected to fuel cyberattacks in 2024, urging organizations to intensify efforts in implementing Zero Trust principles.
Ransomware Attacks Continue to Wreak Havoc
Ransomware attacks have evolved into multifaceted extortion schemes, with cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities in organizations. The Ransomware-as-a-Service model has made launching attacks easier, leading to high-profile incidents such as the attacks on the Kansas Court System, Yamaha Motors, and Western Digital. With the new SEC disclosure ruling, where companies must report “material” cybersecurity incidents within four days, ransomware attacks are expected to include threats of publicly releasing exfiltrated data. Enterprises need to focus on ransomware preparedness, particularly in recovering endpoints and critical infrastructure.
Global Conflicts and Elections Lead to a Rise in Hacktivism
The intersection of global conflicts and the 2024 Presidential elections in the US provides fertile ground for hacktivism. Hacktivists, viewing themselves as champions of free expression, may expose information or launch attacks to counteract tightened control over information flow. Governments may covertly support hacktivist groups, blurring the lines between state-sponsored hacking and hacktivism. Hacktivists can play a role in shaping public opinion through cyber operations, including the use of deepfake voice and video content.
White House Cybersecurity Strategy Triggers Revival of Vulnerability Management
The White House’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, released in 2023, shifts liability to organizations that fail to secure their software. This strategy emphasizes the need for robust vulnerability management, leading to advancements in vulnerability management tools. Independent software vendors may face increased liability, driving the revival of this otherwise dormant security category.
The Emergence of Next-Gen Security Awareness Programs
In 2024, security awareness training is set for a transformation. The widespread adoption of generative artificial intelligence will render traditional training obsolete. Next-gen programs will embrace continuous breach and attack simulation (BAS) to validate user-focused controls’ efficacy and provide real-time guidance. Specialized tools will also focus on helping software developers learn secure coding practices to prevent vulnerabilities.
Conclusion: As IT and security professionals prepare for 2024, striking a balance between cybersecurity and cyber resilience is crucial. Prioritizing the ability to see, protect, and manage the entire attack surface continually is paramount. Safeguarding mission-critical assets and developing the capacity to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to cyberattacks remain central to organizational cybersecurity strategies. With these predictions and priorities in mind, organizations can stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape in the coming year.
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