2024 Cybersecurity Trends: 5 Bold Predictions & Insights Revealed!

It's undeniable that 2023 was turbulent for most cybersecurity professionals, witnessing the rise of GenAI. And a rapid onslaught of zero-day and ransomware attacks targeting SMEs, corporates, local governments, and critical infrastructure alike.?

But what does the future hold for cybersecurity in 2024??

What are the emerging threats and opportunities that we need to be aware of? And how can we stay ahead of the curve and safeguard our data, systems, and reputation??

In this blog post, I will answer these questions by highlighting some of the most pertinent cybersecurity trends for 2024. So, assume the brace position – this will be a bumpy ride!

Deception As a Defense Strategy

One of the most intriguing cybersecurity trends for 2024 is an ancient military tactic, the deception as a defence strategy which entails creating false or misleading information or environments to confuse, mislead, or deter attackers.?

This deception strategy is versatile and used at various levels like networks, endpoints, applications, and data.?

A prime example of deception in action is creating fake networks or devices that lure attackers into traps or false data that waste their time or expose a hacker’s identity.

The deception strategy is expected to become widespread in 2024 as cybercriminals become more sophisticated and use GenAI to create more convincing deception tactics. Thus, deploying deception as a defence strategy is akin to “beating attackers at their own game”.

And there’s no doubt that 2024 will be a busy year for cybercriminals amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and significant elections in the U.S., European Union, and South Africa. Culminating in a perfect storm of events and disinformation crusades on a whole new level!

Therefore, cybersecurity professionals must adopt deception as a proactive and dynamic defence strategy to counteract their attackers. And gain an advantage by detecting attacks earlier, reducing dwell time, collecting intelligence, disrupting operations, and protecting valuable assets.

Cyber Inequity and The Digital Divide

Another cybersecurity trend is the growing cyber inequity and digital divide between different regions, countries, and groups, defined as follows:?

• Cyber inequity refers to the unequal access to cybersecurity resources, capabilities, and opportunities among different actors.?

• The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those without.

Cyber inequity and the digital divide will worsen in 2024 as some organisations can invest more in cybersecurity. While various factors like a lack of awareness, skills, funding, or infrastructure hamper others.?

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2024 , "The widening cyber inequity gap will have profound implications for global security, stability and prosperity in 2024."

The report identifies four main drivers of cyber inequity: geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, technological innovation, and regulatory fragmentation. Creating diverse levels of cyber resilience and increased vulnerabilities, exploitation, conflicts, and instability.

Thus, organisations must increase their cyber resilience, support their partners and customers in improving their cybersecurity posture, and contribute to global initiatives that promote cyber equity and inclusion.

Sovereign Cloud and Data Localisation

A third cybersecurity trend is the rise of sovereign cloud ?and data localisation? policies, defined as follows:?

• Sovereign cloud refers to cloud computing services that are operated by or under the control of a specific country or region.?

• Data localisation refers to laws or regulations that require data to be stored or processed within a specific jurisdiction.

Sovereign cloud and data localisation are expected to become more prevalent this year as countries endeavour to protect their data sovereignty, privacy, and security from foreign interference or surveillance.?

Sovereign cloud’s increased popularity can be attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions and cyber threats. Therefore, countries want to retain more visibility and control over their data and ensure it is not subject to foreign laws or access.

So, businesses must be prepared for the challenges and opportunities sovereign cloud and data localisation present e.g. laws and regulations in different jurisdictions, which may increase costs. While benefiting from enhanced security, performance, and reliability.

Quantum Computing and Post-Quantum Cryptography

A fourth significant trend is the advancement of quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography , defined as follows:

• Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to perform operations - inconceivable or impractical for classical computers.?
• Post-quantum cryptography is a branch of cryptography that aims to develop secure algorithms capable of combatting quantum attacks.

Advancements in quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography are expected to make great strides in 2024 as both fields receive more investment, research, and development. Moreover, it may revolutionise artificial intelligence, medicine, finance, and cybersecurity.?

However, like any technology quantum computing also poses a serious threat to data security and communications. Thus, it's crucial to deploy cryptographic systems fortified with post-quantum algorithms compatible with an organisation's existing infrastructure and standards.

Zero Trust and Passwordless Authentication

Our fifth and final cybersecurity trend is the expanded adoption of the zero-trust security model and passwordless authentication models, defined as follows:

• Zero trust is a security model that assumes no one can be trusted by default. It requires continuous verification of identities, devices, networks, and data before granting access or privileges.?

• Password-less authentication is a method of verifying identities via biometrics, tokens, or codes.?

Up to 81% of network breaches globally involve weak or stolen passwords. Therefore, it makes sense that zero trust and passwordless authentication security measures are the "wave of the future".

Moreover, a passwordless network fortified by a zero-trust methodology dramatically reduces the risk of identity theft, phishing, credential stuffing, and brute-force attacks.?

Offering simplified login processes, increased user satisfaction and productivity, and compliance with rigorous privacy regulations.

Conclusion

In this blog post, I have shared some of the most significant cybersecurity trends expected to shape the landscape in 2024. These trends present challenges and opportunities to partner with a reputable cybersecurity provider to navigate your rapidly changing environment.

That's where the SecureKey Group comes in. Whether you need to implement deception techniques, address cyber inequity issues, comply with sovereign cloud policies, prepare for quantum threats, or adopt zero trust models in 2024 - the SecureKey Group will make it happen.

Frans Marx is the CEO of SecureKey Group and an experienced adviser to banks and large corporations on Cryptographic Data Protection.

Resources

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/cyber-resilience-cybersecurity-threats-outlook-2024/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404821001127

https://www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/tcs-tim-kelley-cybersecurity-trends-2024

https://www.govinfosecurity.com/cybersecurity-trends-to-watch-in-2024-a-24005

https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/cybersecurity-in-2024-towards-ever-greater-sophistication-of-tactics/ar-AA1mcsXR