As we enter 2024, Raluca Saceanu, CEO of Smarttech247, a London-listed company specialising in AI-enhanced cybersecurity services with a focus on automated managed detection and response, offers insights into the evolving threat landscape and the four key global cybersecurity themes for the year ahead.
AI’s Evolution and Dominance
In 2023, significant advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) transformed the world as we know it and the term “Generative AI” was introduced. Last year also saw increased scrutiny and regulation of AI, and we expect to see this trend continue in 2024, with a focus on data privacy and ethical use. The regulatory landscape will require transparent AI algorithms and the establishment of AI ethics committees, particularly in sensitive sectors like healthcare, finance, and governments, worldwide.
Looking forward to 2024, three key AI trends are predicted:
Enhanced AI Regulation
Governments and regulatory bodies are expected to introduce stricter measures to ensure responsible AI deployment, emphasising transparency and ethical considerations. Already, we have seen the introduction of the EU AI Act, which was agreed upon at the end of 2023, to ensure the safety of AI systems on the EU market.
Growth in AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS)
The AIaaS model is poised for growth, offering businesses accessible and scalable AI solutions. However, concerns about the rise of Malicious AI as a Service are expected, leading to a heightened need for robust Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions.
AI-Related Data Leaks
The increasing reliance on AI and data sharing raises new concerns about major data leaks in 2024. Unauthorised data sharing with AI systems could pose security vulnerabilities, requiring proactive measures such as robust authentication mechanisms and comprehensive data access controls.
Despite these challenges, there is a positive outlook. Companies are expected to adapt to protect against data leakage from next-generation AI tools. The cybersecurity industry, including organisations like Smarttech247, are actively implementing AI technologies to enhance threat detection, response, and mitigation. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to leveraging AI not only for potential risks but also as a powerful tool to strengthen global cybersecurity measures.
Phishing, Deepfake Deceptions, and the User Defence Evolution
This year, we expect to see a surge in AI-powered phishing attacks, making phishing emails more convincing and challenging for users to recognise. Deepfake technology will be exploited, incorporating realistic audio or video messages to deceive individuals. Cloud services will likely be prime targets, with a focus on compromising credentials for applications, storage, or collaboration tools due to their widespread adoption. Supply chain attacks are predicted to grow, targeting vendors or service providers for broader access.
Addressing these challenges requires a new user training strategy; traditional methods lack a human-centric approach, making a shift towards necessary modern and personalised training modules. Strategies for 2024 include:
Customised Training Paths: Tailored content based on user roles, using interactive learning platforms and gamification to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Managed Phishing Response Tools: The simplification of incident reporting for quick analysis and remediation.
Simplified Reporting Mechanisms: Implement user-friendly reporting, encouraging prompt recording without disrupting workflows.
Geopolitical Dynamics Will Continue To Impact The Cybersecurity Landscape
Ongoing geopolitical tensions will inevitably heighten cyber threats, with the increased use of AI in cyberattacks, political hacktivism, and misinformation amplifying cybersecurity risks. Critical infrastructure sectors may face intensified targeting, requiring nations to enhance cybersecurity measures to protect essential services.
Cyber warfare is anticipated to become a key part of hybrid warfare strategies, with sophisticated disinformation campaigns orchestrated by nation-states through social media and online channels. This in turn is expected to influence perceptions and create unrest.
Governments will need to introduce and/or strengthen cybersecurity regulations, imposing stricter requirements on critical industries. Globally, election security has become a vital concern, driven by past incidents such as the 2021 cyberattack of the UK electoral register.
Next-Level Ransomware
Ransomware threats, a type of malware which prevents you from accessing your device and data stored on it, are expected to evolve significantly. Despite enhanced defences, the risk of data loss remains high, particularly with the reliance on SaaS platforms storing sensitive information.
Ransomware operators are likely to diversify their extortion methods, reaching out to clients, suppliers, or regulatory bodies to increase impact and force compliance under the threat of damaging relationships and supply chains. We are also likely to see new tactics involving critical data manipulation, exposure of sensitive information, or threats of reputational damage increasing.
The landscape of ransomware attacks is foreseen to become more targeted and sophisticated, with a focus on critical infrastructure and high-value targets, demanding substantial ransoms. This evolution may lead to scenarios such as attacks on power grid control systems, disruptions in transportation infrastructure and compromises in healthcare systems.
To conclude, in a world where both global connectivity and technological advancements are expanding our attack surface, it is essential to educate businesses on organisational resilience to re-evaluate and enhance their digital security.
By being aware of these key cybersecurity trends in 2024, I hope organisations can start to empower themselves and help take steps to protect themselves from ever-evolving cyber threats.
