As software becomes the cornerstone of every digital activity, safeguarding individual privacy through
Cyber Security Predictions For 2024
As software becomes the cornerstone of every digital activity, safeguarding individual privacy through a steadfast cyber security strategy has never been more crucial.
Implementing a results-driven cyber security strategy and a tailored cyber security policy should be a top priority for every business, especially those managing large teams or complex structures.
In recent years, cyber-attacks have increasingly targeted critical infrastructure, government sectors, and healthcare organisations. Attackers have exploited the rapid transition to remote work and the adoption of new technologies.
In this article, we will explore the most anticipated trends, emerging threats, and advanced solutions poised to shape the cyber security landscape in the coming months.
Prediction 01: More AI Fueled Cybercrime
AI tools are becoming vastly common, therefore, cybercriminals are benefitting from these capabilities to orchestrate more convincing and personalised attacks. Thus, this means 2024 will witness even more challenges to cyber security with the assistance of AI.
One interesting aspect of this surge is how cyber threats are becoming more personalised. AI-driven algorithms, for example, allows attackers to analyse vast customisation will make social engineering attempts, phishing emails, along with other cyber scams appear more authentic and impossible to detect in the coming years. In addition, cyber attackers can use AI to craft messages that imitate the communication styles of legitimate organisations, increasing the likelihood of successful deception.
LLMs (Large Language Models) and generative AI will be swiftly utilised in SMS, phishing, and other social engineering operations to make the content and material showcase more legitimate.
We can expect the use of AI to extend to automating different stages cyber-attacks, too, enabling cybercriminals to scale their operations and enhance efficiency.
To concise, 2024 will require us to be more proactive and have a steadfast cyber security strategy or persistent cyber security policy that can assist mitigate risks and protect crucial information from increasingly personalised and sophisticated cyber threats.
Prediction 02: A Surge In Session Hijacking
We are most likely to experience an instant surge in session stealing (also known as session hijacking). Session hijacking is a type of security attack where an unauthorised user intercepts and takes over the session of an active user. Often, this includes someone taking charge of a user’s session on a web application or website after the user has logged in.
Therefore, if you are wondering how this type of scenario unfolds, it can often happen like this: Initially, a session token is intercepted when a user logs into a website. This can take place through various techniques such as cross-site scripting (XSS), sniffing unencrypted network traffic, or even through malware attacks. With the compromised session token, the attacker can then swiftly impersonate the legitimate user and gain access to his/her account and can easily perform unauthorised actions on their behalf.
This can also occur in any organisation, once someone has gotten an unauthorised entry in your system, he/she can exist without being detected. This is why, as a cyber security strategy, consultation, and solution providers, we emphasize on implementing tailored cyber security policy that supports the organisation’s security goals.
Prediction 03: Multi-Could And Hybrid Attacks
The number of attacks directed at multi-cloud and hybrid environment is advancing, leading to increased impact levels. Cyber attackers are actively focusing on cloud environment to establish persistence and facilitate lateral movement.
These strategies are predicted to progress further, extending beyond the confines of every individual’s cloud environments. Attackers are expected to exploit identity-related and misconfigurations issues to traverse across various cloud environments.
Prediction 04: A Rise In Automated Spear Phishing Tools
The emergence of automated spear phishing tools is predicted to lead to a boom in a growing market for these tools, or a combination of tools, on the dark website by the end of 2024.
Spear phishing – one of the most efficient tools attackers have to breach networks is predicted to be furthermore automated via the use of ML and AI. Well-formatted procedural tasks, those included in spear phishing are nearly as perfect for automation thru AI/ML.
One of the biggest benefits that ML and AI bring to spear phishing is the ability to automate the generation of convincing and contextually relevant messages. The reason behind this benefit is that these technologies can swiftly analyse vast datasets, along with social media profiles, past communication patterns, and organisational hierarchies to personalise phishing emails that precisely mimic legitimate correspondence. The result is a more personalised attack, boosting the likelihood of success.
Final Thoughts
As the cyber security landscape continues to evolve, it’s fundamental to stay adaptable by refining practices, making informed, risk-based investments, and proactively preparing for future challenges. With AI playing an increasingly significant role in cyber security, organisations must balance innovation with effective risk management, tailored cyber security policy, and result-driven cyber security strategy.
Given the interconnected nature of our digital world and the growing attack surface, a forward-thinking cyber security approach is essential—one that emphasises visibility, protection, and control in the face of ever-changing cyber threats.