American cybersecurity professionals are poised to encounter a mix of opportunities and challenges as they resume work following a, hopefully, peaceful holiday break.
The landscape of cybersecurity in 2024 is marked by the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which will significantly impact supply chain and critical infrastructure security. As the new year unfolds, security teams must be prepared to address these evolving threats.
Key projections for 2024 include:
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The proliferation of AI and ML in attackers’ arsenals is set to surge, enhancing the speed and scope of cyber threats. While cybercriminals leverage these technologies, cybersecurity teams are also harnessing AI and ML for defense, with substantial investments made in AI-driven security solutions.
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The cost of cloud-based AI resources is expected to soar, enticing cybercriminals to exploit GPU farms for malicious activities, akin to the trend of crypto mining in recent years.
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Cyberattacks on supply chains and critical infrastructure will persist, propelling the adoption of Zero Trust security models. Organizations will need to rigorously vet third-party vendors to mitigate risks effectively.
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AI will play a pivotal role in reshaping digital strategies, particularly in healthcare, influencing customer profiling and facilitating the direct provision of cybersecurity services.
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Nation-state cyberattacks and hacktivism will remain prevalent, with geopolitical tensions fueling virtual warfare activities. Hacktivist groups may resort to ransomware attacks to fund their agendas, blurring the lines between cybercrime and activism.
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The weaponization of deepfake technology for disinformation campaigns and social engineering attacks will continue to pose significant challenges.
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Phishing attacks targeting organizations will persist, with fraudsters increasingly relying on social engineering tactics facilitated by AI, making detection more challenging.
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Anticipated rise in ransomware attacks and the use of “living off the land” techniques utilizing legitimate system tools for malicious purposes. Enhanced threat detection strategies like Extended Detection and Response (XDR) will be crucial in combating these evolving threats.
As cybersecurity professionals gear up for the demands of 2024, proactive evaluation of existing security measures and readiness to adapt to the evolving threat landscape will be paramount in safeguarding against potential disruptions and financial losses.
