Top Cybersecurity Trends 2024

2024 will be a year of change and new trends in cybersecurity. Cyber threats are increasing in number and sophistication, so understanding and being prepared for future trends is crucial for all businesses.

In response to the spate of ransomware attacks in 2023, most senior business leaders see cyber security as an operational priority to secure their business. So what does 2024 hold for cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity trends 2024

The continuous improvement and development of technology and recent cyber threats have triggered a change in the cybersecurity trends of 2024. These are the most important ones.

Zero Trust

Let’s imagine a castle and a moat. If we are inside the castle, the threats are outside because the perimeter outside the moat remains protected. If we translate this metaphor to a digital environment, the problem comes when a user assumes that, with the right access credentials, he can move freely around the system and trust that nothing will happen.

This is the most common situation: no matter how many security defenses organizations erect, as soon as an unsuspecting user clicks on a malicious link or attachment, it allows cybercriminals to compromise systems. In fact, it’s why phishing and ransomware are so damaging.

The zero trust model restricts network access to only those who need it. Access is granted to authorized users using patterns based on identity, time, and device based on contextual awareness, and default access is eliminated. Everything must now pass security protocols such as access control steps and user identity verification.

AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence and ML will play a key role in the battle for cybersecurity. Their advanced data analytics capabilities are already being used to identify and predict threats, improving early detection systems and enabling better responses to new dangers.

This will be the year we will see AI algorithms provide real-time threat analysis, enabling faster and more accurate responses. In addition, ML will adapt and update cybersecurity protocols autonomously, reducing reliance on manual updates.

IoT device security

The IoT is one of the booming technologies of recent years, and its growth will continue to increase thanks to the increased use of interconnected devices. However, their diversity and ubiquity make them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

This year will therefore see a focus on improving device security by creating standardized and more robust security protocols. These include universal encryption standards and mandatory security certifications, as well as monitoring for unusual patterns.

In addition, there will be more focus on training users in the use of these devices so that they are more aware of the potential risks involved and can apply best practices.

Quantum computing

In the coming years, its ability to process data at unprecedented speeds to solve complex problems in less time will change the way we think about things.

Its capabilities will improve encryption methods, develop more sophisticated algorithms to detect cyber threats, and efficiently manage large-scale data operations. However, it will also pose major challenges due to its ability to break traditional encryption methods, which could leave many current security systems vulnerable.

Therefore, the 2024 trend in cybersecurity will focus on upgrading current encryption methods and preparing systems to be resilient to the advanced capabilities of quantum computing.

Securing remote working

Many companies have adopted remote or hybrid working models in recent years, which brings many advantages for employees and companies but also poses new cybersecurity challenges.

Remote workers can be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, as they tend to have less protected networks and devices. As a result, companies need to invest in team training.

In addition to implementing more sophisticated firewalls and IT protocols, companies now advocate increasing the skills of their staff with training. Awareness campaigns have become obsolete; a new security culture (SBCP) is now being promoted, teaching new ways of thinking and incorporating new behaviors that create safer working methods. Many companies are creating policies focusing on how employees handle and share sensitive corporate data.

Multi-factor authentication

Closely related to the previous point, MFA is a security measure that requires users to provide more than one form of authentication in order to access an account.

This provides an additional layer of security and helps protect against cyber attacks, as hackers would have to have access to multiple pieces of data to gain access.

Therefore, automation is becoming increasingly important in this field. These cyber security processes help reduce the time it takes to detect and respond to threats, as well as improve threat accuracy. In fact, it also helps reduce reliance on manual processes that take too much time and are more prone to human error.

Cloud security with pentesting

Penetration tests are simulated cyber-attacks that attack a company’s computer system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. This helps to augment the application firewall (WAF), as well as to adjust security policies and patch vulnerabilities.

Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in companies’ systems through automated tools that find these weaknesses. Therefore, if companies perform regular penetration tests as well as hacking simulations to find security gaps, they improve the security of their systems and prevent data breaches.

No one knows exactly what the future holds for cybersecurity, and many industries are still trying to figure out how to strengthen their networks in the midst of the current chaos.

These 2024 trends may alarm many organisations, but they also provide insight into what to expect in the coming years. In fact, more than $100 million is predicted to be spent on protecting organisations alone, an amount never seen before. This makes it clear that security software developers and administrators are going to have their hands full over the next few years.

At Plain Concepts we are well aware of the consequences of an enterprise data breach, that’s why we have the best team of experts to help our clients face the new challenges of the digital age. If you want to protect one of the fundamental pillars of your organisation and your employees, make an appointment with our experts and we will find the strategy that best suits your case.