The Future of People Security: A 2024 Vision from Leading CISOs and CIOs

With a projection indicating that by 2027, around 50% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) will formally integrate human-centric design practices into their cybersecurity programs, the emphasis on minimizing operational friction and optimizing control adoption is evident. Gartner's research reveals a striking observation: over 90% of employees, despite being aware that their actions could heighten organizational risks, knowingly engaged in various insecure activities during work.

Leading CISOs and CIOs recognize this vulnerability, shifting their focus towards people security, and placing humans at the center of their cyber defense strategies. In 2024, cybersecurity is not just about technology; it's about understanding, empowering, and safeguarding the people who interact with it. This underscores the importance of human-centric security design, a model that places individuals at the core of control design and implementation, shifting the focus from technology, threats, or location to mitigating operational challenges

In this article, we are going to cover why humans are the prominent nodal point of a cyber attack and how modern organizations can secure their business operations. In the past year, Threatcop has conducted extensive research on the biggest problems most security leaders across the globe are facing. During our conversation with Vinayak Godse (CEO, Data Security Council of India ), he cited the need to put special emphasis on security practices that revolve around the daily activities of people.

As a conclusive analysis, we have drawn four major concerns for CISOs and other security leaders, exploring their intricacies and potential impacts on cybersecurity.

AI-Powered Cyber Attacks

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into cyber threats has given rise to a new breed of attacks that are adaptive, elusive, and capable of learning from the target environment. Malicious actors are leveraging AI to enhance the sophistication of their attacks, making them more difficult to detect and mitigate.

CISOs are particularly worried about the use of AI in crafting highly targeted and personalized phishing attacks. These attacks can mimic the writing style of trusted contacts, making it challenging for traditional security measures to identify them. Moreover, AI-driven malware can evolve in real-time, adapting its behavior to evade detection by security systems.

To counteract this threat, CISOs are focusing on developing AI-driven cybersecurity solutions capable of learning and adapting to the evolving threat landscape. Implementing advanced threat detection systems that leverage AI to analyze patterns and anomalies in network traffic is becoming a priority to stay ahead of the curve.

Companies like Threatcop have developed an indigenous feature in their TSAT that allows organizations to create phishing templates using generative AI. So, where the hackers are developing their social engineering attacks with AI, Threatcop is countering with a defense that is powered by AI, which not only helps in establishing a check and balance but also provides them with preparedness for the latest cyber threats in the market.

Also read: The Future of Business Cybersecurity: Leveraging AI Models to Stay Ahead of Threat Actors

From Awareness to Empathy: Understanding the Human Factor

Gone are the days of dry security awareness training. In 2024, successful cybersecurity leaders will cultivate empathy for the human experience. They recognize that employees face constant phishing attempts, social engineering ploys, and anxieties surrounding data privacy. By acknowledging these emotional challenges, CISOs can tailor security protocols to be user-friendly, accessible, and even engaging. Gamification, interactive simulations, and personalized training based on individual roles and risk profiles are becoming the norm.

In a conversation with Threatcop, Rama Devi Sangu (CISO, Hindustan Zinc ) indicated that the ongoing era is highly affected by social engineering and phishing attacks. She insists that organizations must educate their employees, as they are the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. She also puts special emphasis on conducting regular cybersecurity awareness training for organizations to secure their internal operations and contribute to global cybersecurity efforts. This conversation is featured in Threatcop’s latest periodical: People Security Guide.

Check out: The "People Security" Guide

Bridging the Skill Gap: Cultivating a Cybersecurity Ethos

The cyber talent gap isn't shrinking; it's evolving. Traditional technical skills are still essential, but 2024 demands more. We need critical thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders with strong communication and social skills. Organizations are fostering a cybersecurity ethos that permeates every department, equipping employees at all levels with the basic knowledge and tools to identify and report suspicious activity. Every employee becomes a sensor in the security grid, creating a collective defense network far more resilient than any technological barrier.

Cybersecurity professionals are scarce, making it tough for companies to stay safe. Training existing employees and using automation are key solutions. Automation can also lend a helping hand, alleviating some of the strain. But it all begins with a proactive stance: actively nurturing new talent through educational initiatives, forging partnerships with academic institutions, and investing in programs like boot camps. As NetApp's CISO, Mignona Cote, aptly explains, adapting to the dynamic cyber landscape requires vigilance and a collective effort to bridge the critical skills gap and build a more resilient digital future.

Mr. Navaneethan M (a prominent security leader) commented that cybersecurity is no longer the sole responsibility of a company. It is everyone’s responsibility, be it at home or in the office. So, according to him, every individual must embrace this shared responsibility model, which must be initiated by respective organizations by investing in secure infrastructure and fostering a culture of awareness. Get more insights on how to empower people in organizations by getting your exclusive copy of the People Security Guide.

Check out: The "People Security" Guide

Empowering, not Punishing: Building a Culture of Trust

Fear-based security cultures are relics of the past. In 2024, leading organizations will create environments where reporting security incidents is not met with blame but with support and understanding. Open communication, incident response training, and psychological safety protocols ensure that employees feel empowered to act as the first line of defense without fear of retribution. This fosters a culture of mutual trust and collaboration, where security becomes a shared responsibility, not a burden.

Cybersecurity in 2024 is not just about preventing breaches; it's about resilience. Organizations are building systems that can detect, contain, and recover from attacks quickly and efficiently. This involves simulating cyberattacks, stress-testing critical infrastructure and investing in data backups and disaster recovery plans. The mantra is no longer "breach prevention," but "breach preparedness and business continuity.

As Baidyanath Kumar says, every organization must be aware of the current threat posture. They need to conduct regular cyber attack simulations coupled with tailored education to empower their employees. He insists on building a culture by staying vigilant, practicing best practices, and actively participating in awareness initiatives.

2024 is not just the year of technology, it's the year of the human firewall. Let's embrace the challenge and build a safer, more secure digital world, together.