The cybersecurity forecast for the coming year includes anticipating and responding to new threats. The growing sophistication of cyber threats is expected to result in increased data breaches.
Phishing, business email compromise, and insider threats will continue to trend throughout 2024. Misconfigurations of code and a lack of skilled cybersecurity workers are expected to contribute to these trends.
Discover what the cybersecurity forecast for 2024 looks like and how you can anticipate and respond to new threats.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Increase Cybersecurity Risks
The increasing connectivity of people and devices continues to blend the physical and digital worlds. As a result of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and other innovative technologies, the need for cybersecurity increases.
The growth of connectivity due to the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G technology, supply chain technology, and remote work significantly increases the cyberattack surface. As a result, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated as they search for vulnerabilities:
- Cybercriminals use AI and ML to find and exploit vulnerabilities in threat detection models. The preferred methods include automated phishing attacks that mimic humans and malware that self-modifies to fool cyber defense systems and programs.
- Hackers use AI and ML tools to attack and explore company networks. Then, they use ransomware to demand payment by cryptocurrencies in exchange for the company’s data.
Polymorphic Malware Becomes Increasingly Difficult to Detect
Polymorphic malware continues to change to evade detection. If a malware strain becomes known for having specific properties, then slight changes can be made to create new properties. As a result, endless malware files can become unique enough not to be recognized as malware.
Polymorphic code can be used to:
- Create ransomware that encrypts files and demands payment for their return.
- Develop keyloggers that record keystrokes to steal passwords.
- Create rootkits that provide remote access to a computer.
- Implement browser manipulation that redirects the browser to malicious websites.
- Develop adware that slows down a computer and advertises questionable products.
Tips to Anticipate and Respond to Cybersecurity Threats
You can implement these methods to anticipate and respond to cybersecurity threats:
- Constantly look for potential threats and proactively resolve the issues.
- Use threat hunting to identify and patch unknown threats.
- Hire skilled professionals to identify and patch holes and security gaps in your network.
- Regularly engage in cybersecurity awareness training.
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