In 2023, we’ve made an immense contribution to cybersecurity. Artificial Intelligence is an excellent tool for managing security and protecting systems, but it can do considerable damage in the wrong hands. However, it was one of the many trends this year, among improved threat exposure management and the emergence of cloud environments. All these elements strengthen cybersecurity across the world and provide better services for the future.
However, these developments haven’t solved all the issues the online environment poses. Ransomware and phishing are still frequent and hard to predict, while global attacks on businesses are getting more sophisticated by the day. In the UK, a third of companies went through a cyber attack in the past year, which accounts for around 462,000 organisations. What’s worrying is their focus shifted from cybersecurity investments due to inflation and worldwide uncertainty.
Although fearfully looking towards 2024, we must face challenges and prepare for a better future with the help of technology. So, let’s see what we’ll have to confront regarding cyber security in the next year.
AI-based phishing attacks
Unfortunately, AI became one of the biggest challenges in media this year since it was used illicitly to showcase false events in order to trigger specific sentiments from users, especially in light of current events. This led to a series of legal guidelines requiring every user to flag their AI-based content to avoid spreading confusion among the masses.
While this issue can be tackled, at least at the minimum, things get complicated when it comes to phishing attacks built with artificial intelligence. AI is an exceptional tool for generating high-quality content, so it might be used to create false content, such as spot-on personalised messages that can be misleading.
Similarly, malware can also be driven by AI, so users should be extra cautious next year. Regardless, watch out for breaches in institutions like banks, medical institutions and social services. These cases can be handled legally if you’ve had information stolen through a Data Breach Claim if you can prove you’ve been misguided.
Hacktivism on the rise
2024 is an important year, and numerous crucial events will occur, from the Summer Olympics in Paris to the US presidential election. Therefore, we should expect hackers to take the activists’ position and leverage their knowledge to trigger a political move, but it doesn’t necessarily cause significant losses. However, it’s used to influence the masses and achieve specific goals, even though it’s done peacefully.
Some recent forms of activism were used in the war between Russia and Ukraine, so we can understand the scale at which hackers operate―they launch DDoS attacks and breach databases to leak information, so expect 2024 to be the year of constant hacktivism since many people want to spread awareness on certain subjects that cover political and economic interests. It would be best to avoid online movements and not expose too much about yourself while continuing to mitigate your beliefs.
Vulnerable IoT devices
IoT, or the Internet of Things, is one of the most important technological developments because it makes our lives easier. It’s included in vehicles and daily gadgets that communicate with other devices to automatically change something, such as the garage door to open when the car arrives and such.
As essential as it is, IoT is expected to get exposed to more vulnerabilities in 2024. That’s because, at the moment, numerous devices lack proper cybersecurity risk management, which needs to be addressed adequately in order to protect consumers’ integrity. Almost any device we use on a daily basis will be affected if IoT gets hacked or altered due to weak security, disrupting the regular lifestyle and business. Hence, manufacturers and experts need to place security as a first priority regarding building these devices and include better authentication mechanisms.
Some of the most known IoT threats include malware, ransomware and invisibility. In exceptional cases, users might deal with rogue devices and unencrypted data protection of devices.
Vehicle cyberattacks
Smart cars are now everywhere, and they’re beneficial to the environment, especially if we talk about green vehicles. They provide a significant tax credit, reduce fuel costs and reduce emissions. However, they start to show vulnerabilities in regard to cybersecurity, as we’ve seen a few times happening with Tesla.
It seems like the car’s locks can be remotely unlocked through a Bluetooth vulnerability that hackers found. With a little bit of tech knowledge, anyone can open and drive a stranger’s Tesla. At the same time, hackers may be able to deactivate the vehicle’s security system with no fuss. It seems like third-party software flaws provide the possibility of manipulating Tesla remotely. One of the said hackers who stated he could get access to Tesla cars pointed out that the company must introduce better API access token scopes, and the business later contacted him for a closer look at the problem.
Supply chain risks
The global supply chain already suffered considerable losses and disruptions due to the pandemic and economic challenges. However, 2024 won’t be easier for the massive industry that backs up millions of businesses. Cyberattacks will also multiply, with software and hardware providers being the target triggered by geopolitical conflicts.
Hence, there is a need for stricter security measures and a better legal framework to optimise vendor assessments. At the same time, detecting threats is essential since hackers consistently improve their attacks and can be dangerous to bigger companies. There’s also the problem of open-source code used in software applications, leading to at least one related breach yearly.
Wrapping up
2024 will be a great year from many perspectives but also one of the most difficult of this decade due to increasing global tensions and financial challenges. Moreover, as technology evolves, so do risks and cybersecurity threats that will corrupt software and hardware systems. Hence, for the upcoming year, we must strengthen our security sources because phishing will be done through AI, IoT will become more vulnerable than ever and smart vehicles will be hacked for access and control.
Working as a cyber security solutions architect, Alisa focuses on application and network security. Before joining us she held a cyber security researcher positions within a variety of cyber security start-ups. She also experience in different industry domains like finance, healthcare and consumer products.
