Trends in Cybersecurity for 2024

Suzanne Massie, a scholar of Russian history once taught President Reagan the term “Trust but Verify“. After several meeting with the Russians, President Reagan updated the term from “Trust but verify” to ‘Verify and Verify” – Seems like the exact the mindset we need to have in Cyber defense today.

A lot is changing and evolving. We need to keep up with how things are progressing so we can continue to strengthen our posture and defend against attacks that seem to come each and every second of the day. Understanding trends can help you stay ahead of things…or at least know what’s coming so you can plan.

Here are some of the key trends we are seeing and hearing about lately….

1. AI and Machine Learning (Surprised?): The integration of AI and machine learning will soon become Key to all cybersecurity strategies. This evolution is enhancing real-time threat detection and response capabilities, making it possible to identify cyber threats and how they may be realized faster than ever before.

2. Zero Trust Security Model: To respond to an almost unmanageable amount of change, many companies are working towards the adoption of a “Zero Trust architecture” and just like the name implies, it is the principle of “never trust, and always verify that they need assess”. This approach requires continuous verification of all users requesting access to data, outside, as well as inside the organization’s networks and resources to maintain this posture.

3. Quantum Computing: Coupled with AI learning, quantum computing provides both opportunities and threats to the world. The days of setting a strong password that would take years to break may be coming to an end. Also breaking encryption of all types is way faster which prompts the need for new advanced techniques to safeguard data, including on Mobile devices which are a main attack point today.

4. Phishing Attacks are getting smarter: Phishing is always more sophisticated at bypassing traditional security measures. This calls for new authentication systems and continuous education on new phishing tactics. At some point a human may very well be unable to defend without technology support and protection.

5. Cybersecurity Skills Shortage: With the number of companies claiming to be Cyber but actually just sell one tool or two, is creating a significant shortage of competent programs being developed. This obviously increases the risk of realizing known vulnerabilities and typical attacks. When we hear, “we’re good, we have X installed…” its always a tough conversation that is just the start and sometimes not a great one.

7. Ransomware and Multi-Vector Attacks: Ransomware remains one of the most critical threats. Moreover, attackers are deploying new multi-vector attacks that combine various approaches to increase their success rates. Always evolving.

These trends are influenced by technology evolution and organizations should strongly consider adapting comprehensive protective Cyber programs and to consider security architectures like “Zero Trust”…and if they don’t have skilled Cyber resources on staff, employ a Partner to help close the skills gap and build a strong posture-

If you have questions or comments please send them to: info@lionetticonsulting.com

~ Enjoy