These are some of the specific cyber threats that will put your business at risk in 2024
The ransomware renaissance
Ransomware is everywhere, and it’s about to get a makeover.
It’s a very specific kind of attack where criminals get into your network, lock you out to prevent you from accessing your own data, and then charge a huge fee to let you back in. There’s no guarantee they will, of course. And a full ransomware attack implemented well can be very, very hard to undo.
Cyber criminals are gearing up to unleash more sophisticated attacks, armed with the dark arts of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Expect them to fine-tune their extortion game, making it more efficient and more destructive.
They’re also setting their sights on bigger prizes. Brace yourselves for potential disruptions and big financial losses as they ransack their way through the digital realm.
The Internet of Targets
Have you heard of the IoT? It means Internet of Things – devices other than our computers and phones that go online. Think your TV, your doorbell and even your fridge.
Unfortunately, these gadgets often come with security that’s as good as a cardboard fort. Cyber criminals
see this as a golden opportunity, and they’re ready to pounce.
Prepare for an onslaught of attacks on IoT devices. They might use them to get into your network, link devices together to form a botnet (where lots of computers are used to attack others) or, in the worst-case scenario, wreak havoc in critical sectors.
Invisible attacks that never end
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are the sneakiest of attacks, where criminals aim for long-term unauthorised access to your systems. They do it to monitor what you’re doing, and see what opportunities arise.
In 2024, they’re not just going to be lurking in the shadows; they’ll practically be invisible.
APTs will use advanced evasion techniques, such as Living off the Land (LotL) attacks. That means they’ll use your own legitimate software and tools to waltz past your security controls.
Mobile menace
Your mobile devices – those loyal sidekicks you take everywhere – are no longer safe either. In 2024, cyber criminals will take the battle to your phones and tablets. Expect to see a rise in phone-specific threats like malware, banking trojans that try to get your login details, and phishing attacks where they get you to use your real login data on a fake site.
Why? Because your mobile gadgets are treasure troves of personal and financial information. A breach could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorised access to your most sensitive data.
Cyber attacks through the tools you rely on
Supply chain attacks are expected to increase too. This is where criminals compromise trusted vendors or thirdparty service providers. They insert malicious code into legitimate software updates or gain privileged access to multiple organisations through these trusted entities.
Successful supply chain attacks can lead to unauthorised access, data theft, and long-term security risks.
AI: The game changer
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ace up the sleeves of both attackers and defenders. Cyber criminals are using AI to automate attacks, improve evasion techniques, and craft clever social engineering tactics (where they gain access to systems by influencing people to take certain actions).
On the flip side, businesses are adopting AI-powered security solutions to spot threats in real-time.
AI is the new sheriff in town, playing a key role in threat intelligence, anomaly detection, and incident response. It’s the future of cyber security operations, and it’s here to stay.