It should come as no surprise that cybersecurity threats intensified in 2023. Research shows that 62% of organizations believe their cybersecurity teams are understaffed. As 2024 looms near, digital threats are expected to increase in sophistication. Consequently, the tools and strategies cyberprofessionals use to counter them must also adapt. By staying informed about emerging threats, enterprises and individuals can bolster their defenses, ensuring a safer digital environment. There are 7 trends IT practitioners can expect to see dominate in the new year.
Trend #1: The Rise of AI in Cybersecurity
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping cybersecurity by analyzing vast amounts of data to detect threats often missed by humans. AI automates repetitive tasks and offers predictive insights, moving the needle from a reactive security approach to a proactive one. However, its integration has challenges. While AI enhances detection and offers predictive insights, it also introduces risk, namely, the potential for systems to be exploited by malicious actors. Embracing AI in cybersecurity demands a balanced approach that considers both its advantages and inherent risk. Organizations can achieve this balance by equipping employees with the skills necessary to utilize AI technology safely.
Trend #2: The Persistent Risk of the Remote Workforce
This was a widely recognized risk in 2023—and it is not going away in 2024. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (and resulting shift to remote work) created a unique set of cybersecurity challenges. Upwork estimates that 36.2 million people in the United States will work remotely by 2025, an increase of 16.8 million people compared to pre-pandemic numbers.1 More than 60% of all enterprise data is stored in the cloud.2 As increasing numbers of employees retrieve this data from home, the boundaries defining secure enterprise networks have blurred.
As increasing numbers of employees retrieve [enterprise] data from home, the boundaries defining secure enterprise networks have blurred.Similarly, the use of personal devices for work activities continues to pose a challenge. These devices, often lacking the robust security measures of enterprise-owned hardware, become potential threat entry points. The absence of physical security controls (such as surveillance systems, access controls and perimeter security) that exist in office environments also increases risk.
In addition, the perceived safety of one's home often leads to complacency. Individuals believe their home networks are secure, causing them to overlook potential vulnerabilities. This mindset is a factor attackers can exploit, especially as the number of remote workers increases. Organizations can mitigate this risk through enhanced training and awareness tactics, comprehensive cybersecurity policies, and regular software updates, among other options.
Trend #3: The Growing Concern of Mobile Security
It is hard to ignore the burgeoning number of mobile applications (apps) available to consumers. With the convenience and accessibility they offer, mobile app usage has surged. This rise comes with specific cybersecurity challenges:
- Each mobile application presents a potential vulnerability. Users who download and interact with apps can unwittingly expose sensitive data or grant access hackers can exploit. The sheer volume of apps makes it difficult to ensure that each one adheres to stringent security standards.
- Personal mobile devices are not secure. The growing market share of mobile devices, expected to reach 3.6 billion units by the end of 2024,3 means that they are becoming primary targets for cyberthreats. As more people rely on smartphones and tablets, the stakes for securing the devices also rise.
It is essential to recognize the risk associated with mobile usage and take steps to mitigate it. Robust mobile security is not only about protecting individual devices but also the data they access and store. Enterprises can address risk by developing secure mobile apps, implementing mobile device management solutions and enforcing strong authentication measures.4
Robust mobile security is not only about protecting individual devices, but also the data they access and store.Trend #4: IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is steadily gaining traction, transforming everyday objects into smart, interconnected devices. From home appliances to industrial equipment, IoT’s reach is expansive, signaling a new era of connectivity. This increase in connectivity raises risk, because each IoT device in an ecosystem potentially offers an entry point for malicious actors. A vulnerability in one interconnected device can have cascading effects and compromise an entire network's security.
As IoT adoption rises,5 it is crucial to address vulnerabilities and ensure that every device is secure, updated routinely and monitored for potential threats.
Trend #5: Cloud Security and Compliance Automation
Over the past several years, the transition from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based solutions has been swift. Organizations increasingly recognize the benefits of the cloud, ranging from scalability to cost efficiency. However, this migration also introduces new cybersecurity challenges. As data moves to the cloud, protecting it becomes a priority. Enterprises must ensure that their cloud environments are as secure, if not more so, than traditional infrastructures.
Compliance has also undergone a transformation. With the emergence of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based organizations, there has been a notable uptick in compliance automation platforms. By integrating with these platforms, enterprises can ensure that they meet industry standards without manual overheads.
Trend #6: State-Sponsored Cyberthreats
In 2023, state-sponsored cyberthreats became a pressing concern,6 one that is likely to continue into 2024. As tensions rise between nations, cyberattacks are increasingly used as political and strategic tools. Sophisticated and well-funded attacks often target critical infrastructures, government systems and even private enterprises.
The nature of these threats underscores the importance of considering geopolitical dynamics in cybersecurity strategies. To address these challenges, organizations must stay informed about global political developments and their potential cyberimplications. This allows cybersecurity teams to prepare for and respond to threats posed by state-sponsored cyberactivities.
Trend #7: The Talent Gap in Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity industry faces a widening talent gap in 2024. As cyberthreats become more complex and frequent, the demand for skilled professionals has surged.7 However, meeting this demand has proven to be a significant hurdle.
The need for more expertise across various levels is a primary concern. From entry-level to senior leadership roles, the industry needs more individuals skilled in disciplines such as:8
- Cybersecurity analysis
- Incident response and management
- Knowledge of network, cloud and application security
- Threat intelligence
- Compliance and risk management
- Identity and access management
- Penetration testing and ethical hacking
- Architecture and engineering
- Cryptography
- Forensics and investigation expertise
Skill deficits in these areas hamper the ability to address current threats and slow the development of strategies to anticipate future challenges.
A multi-faceted approach is necessary to address this issue. Enterprises must invest in education and training programs for existing employees to enhance their cybersecurity skills. They must foster cultures of continuous learning through ongoing professional development opportunities. Widening searches for talent by cross-training with other disciplines and implementing inclusive hiring practices will enable organizations to benefit from the skill sets of the 26% of cybersecurity professionals who come from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.9
Conclusion
2024 will bring a new batch of cybersecurity challenges and opportunities. One factor that will remain constant is the need to be proactive and anticipate risk in advance. By monitoring these trends, organizations can position themselves to navigate cybersecurity and achieve a safer digital future.
Endnotes
1 Ozimek, A.; “Economist Report: Future Workforce,” Upwork
2 Lookout, Hybrid Work and BYOD: Enterprise Security Risks on the Rise, 2023
3 Goldstein Market Intelligence, Global Smartphone Market Outlook 2024: Global Opportunity And Demand Analysis, Market Forecast, 2016-2024, 18 June 2019
4 Bineesh, M.; “Mobile App Security Best Practices for Businesses,” ITSecurityWire, 26 October 2023
5 Allinson, M.; “IOT Platform Market Forecast for 2024: Trends Analysis,” Robotics & Automation News, 30 June 2023
6 US Department of Defense, 2023 Cyber Strategy of The Department of Defense, USA, 2023
7 CyberSeek, “Shortfall of Skilled Cybersecurity Workers in the US Reaches an Estimated 466,000, CyberSeek Data Reveals,” 6 June 2023
8 CompTIA, State of Cybersecurity 2024, September 2023
9 ISC2, “Revealing New Opportunities for the Cybersecurity Workforce”
Justin Rende
Has been providing comprehensive and customizable technology solutions around the globe since 2001. With his focus on innovation and efficiency, Rende’s technology-forward methodology has set him apart from other cybersecurity professionals. His understanding of industry trends has allowed him to stay on top of the latest security threats and match them with the most innovative and best-of-breed solutions, products and solutions. In 2015, Rende founded Rhymetec to focus exclusively on cybersecurity and develop the most secure, simplified and innovative cybersecurity solutions. He advises his clients to adopt cutting-edge technology before it becomes mainstream, resulting in the most secure and cost-effective technology that scales with a client’s business.