Technology is evolving at a fast pace; cybersecurity is not to be taken lightly and has become a major concern for businesses of all sizes. In the next years, with the emergence of new threats and more sophisticated technologies, it is crucial to stay up to date with emerging cybersecurity trends.
The rise of AI brings benefits and challenges
Many organizations have adopted AI to enhance their services, searches and code, and this trend is set to continue. However, AI adoption comes with its own risks and cybercriminals are utilizing AI capabilities to aid them in their attacks. What will AI mean for organizations in the future? Is it an asset or a risk to your organization?
Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning will improve existing technologies like data classification tools, shifting cybersecurity strategies from reactive to proactive through real-time anomaly detection, and automated incident response. Organizations will be able to leverage AI to summarize large quantities of data and identify and cope with threat overload, helping cyber professionals accelerate their analysis and other time-consuming tasks.
On the other hand, AI-generated code can introduce vulnerabilities and security flaws, potentially leading to breaches. For example, Forrester predicts that at least three data breaches in 2024 will result from insecure AI-generated code. Organizations may also use sensitive data to train AI, which if not properly secured, can expose sensitive information to unauthorized actors, harming businesses, and their customers.
Cybercriminals are also utilizing AI to their advantage. Deepfake social engineering and automated malware for example, will require advanced security measures. Large language models (LLMs) enable attackers to create modified versions of valid content that appear convincing and facilitate large-scale personalized phishing campaigns. To counter these threats, companies should invest in a robust security plan, training, and regular audits.
Do you find it hard to catch up with the latest trends and are not sure your organization assets, data are safe and secure? Reach out Malleum’s experts to discuss this concern.
The zero-trust model aligned with the complex digital threat environment
The zero-trust model, following the “always verify and never trust” approach, has matured and now goes beyond corporate network walls to remote workers, partner organizations, and IoT devices. This model has evolved into a more agile approach that aligns with the complex digital threat environment. Cloudflare’s Zero Trust platform for example, provides practical insights into implementing zero trust principles at scale. With the growth of big data and complex IT systems by 2025, zero-trust protocols will become standardized for risk management. Organizations should review and adjust their security architectures according to zero-trust methodologies to address new threats.
Integrating cybersecurity strategies into business goals is crucial
Organizations must view cybersecurity investments as valuable contributors to growth and sustainability, not just costs. Proper integration of cybersecurity can allow organizations to pursue opportunities knowing that risks are being mitigated. Aligning cybersecurity with business strategies reduces vulnerabilities, simplifies regulatory compliance, and builds stakeholder trust. Cyber resilience strategies also ensure business continuity in the event of a breach, focusing on rapid recovery with minimal data loss and downtime. Recent EU regulations, such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), highlight the importance of resilience measures. In 2024 and beyond, organizations should prioritize both cybersecurity and cyber resilience, aiming for solid defense and effective system recovery to minimize damage.
Cybersecurity priorities shift to cloud security – the importance of being cyber resilient
Cyber resilience is vital for global supply chain stability, as a cyber incident in one part of the supply chain can cause widespread disruption. Robust cyber resilience practices are essential to minimize disruptions, recover effectively, and ensure smooth supply chain operations.
In 2024, cybersecurity priorities shifted to cloud security, with Gartner projecting a 24.7% growth rate in spending. This increase is driven by the growing adoption of public cloud services, underscoring the value businesses place on advanced and effective cloud security measures. Attacks against cloud services will continue as businesses migrate data and processes to cloud computing.
Cybersecurity trend: IoT and MFA
The rise in Internet of Things (IoT) devices, has integrated smart homes, wearable technology, and industrial IoT into our daily lives, creating numerous entry points for cybercriminals. Securing these devices is daunting, and vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches and privacy infringements.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is becoming the standard for securing accounts and data, adding an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification. MFA is now a non-negotiable security measure for businesses and individuals: it reduces the risk of unauthorized access by requiring attackers to enter further identity verifications beyond just a password.
Ransomware remains a persistent threat, with cybercriminals constantly refining tactics
In 2024-2025, ransomware attacks will become more sophisticated, targeting individuals and organizations. A robust backup and recovery strategy, regular data backups, employee education on phishing dangers, and effective security measures are essential. The fight against ransomware will continue to be a top priority.
The need for skilled cybersecurity experts is growing
The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever, but there’s a growing gap between demand and available talent. In 2025, this skills gap will persist, challenging organizations to find qualified experts. Investing in training and development programs to upskill existing staff and attract new talent will be essential to address this pressing issue.