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By: Janina Criador
- Cyber Security
- January 3, 2024
- Comments 0
2024 Business Security: Guide to Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity
As we approach 2024, the cyber security landscape is undergoing changes, presenting new challenges and threats. Cyber attackers are developing more sophisticated strategies, using advanced technologies and exploiting weaknesses in digital systems.
Rising technologies today will shape the cybersecurity trends of the future. As we bid farewell to 2023 and conduct business planning, understanding these trends can prepare us for upcoming challenges. In this blog, we’ll serve as your cyber security guide and list down the trends to help you with your IT infrastructure management. Additionally, we’ll offer insights to protect your business from potential threats to help you stay on top of your business.
The Latest Trends in Cyber Security: What You Need to Know
Simply speaking, cyber security trends in 2024 involve securing data centers from malicious activities. The surge in technology has provided us with unprecedented access to data. Yet, this convenience also amplifies the risk of cyberattacks and security threats. Knowing the latest cyber security trends can help you gain a competitive advantage by managing this growing threat landscape.
Attacks using AI
With its rise, AI proves how vital it is for cybersecurity. But cyber attackers are using it for advanced threats. Expected are more AI-driven attacks that can outsmart traditional security. Trends suggest that cyber criminals will leverage AI to:
- Quickly generate novel malware and ransomware strains.
- Use deep fake technologies in phishing and impersonation plans.
- Develop automated malware capable of intelligent adaptation to bypass detection.
- Evade traditional security measures.
- Tailor social engineering attacks.
Synthetic Media and Misinformation
Deepfakes or AI-generated media spread misinformation. In 2024, experts predict cyber criminals will be using deepfakes to manipulate content for negative purposes.
Deepfake technology poses risks by using AI to create real-looking videos and images of individuals. They have the potential to:
- Execute social engineering attacks
- Spread false information
- Influence elections
- Engage in identity theft
- Facilitate financial fraud
- Persuade others to disclose confidential information
- Cause individuals to participate in financial theft
- Give criminals with access to corporate networks
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
Ransomware attacks, where cyber criminals encrypt data and demand payment for its release, are on the rise. In 2024, you can expect RaaS’s growth. Protect your business against RaaS threats with good cyber hygiene and a robust security strategy.
5G Security Issues
5G networks’ introduction transform how we connect. Enhanced encryption and fast communication are vital for securing data transmission in dynamic and demanding landscapes. Key issues in 5G networks include:
- Network-based attacks: The extensive use of 5G needs improved encryption and defenses against network-based attacks.
- Encryption: 5G uses encryption to secure data during transmission. But, wrong implementation can leave it prone to attacks.
- Authentication: A lot of IoT devices use weak legacy authentication, providing an easy entry point for attackers.
To protect against these, it’s crucial to adopt strong measures for encryption, authentication, and network segmentation.
Cloud Security
Businesses are now widely using cloud computing. It offers various benefits. But it also poses unique cyber security risks. The value of cloud security services is growing because of increased mobility, remote work, and outsourcing.
As businesses migrate data to the cloud, having a robust cyber security strategy is vital to secure against breaches.
Internet of Things (IoT)
One of the major cyber security trends seen in 2024 is the IoT. It connects everyday devices like wearables, medical gadgets, fridges, and thermostats to the digital world.
Cyber attackers will use IoT weaknesses to amplify impersonations. It extends to measures like deepfakes, mimicking voices, or altering videos. AI’s progress of enhancing the quality of deepfakes makes it more challenging to detect.
IoT issues include:
- Attacks on facilities and building management software, allowing ransomware that can impact an entire city's electricity, water, and power
- IoT apps are at risk of harmful ransomware attacks
- Outdated, unencrypted, or poorly configured network protocols
- Unsecured communications
- Unsecure network protocols
Insider Threats
Insider threats remain a major worry for businesses, especially remote work’s rise. Detecting and preventing these threats is harder as employees access sensitive data from home. In 2024, companies must focus on monitoring internal network security. This includes training employees to spot and report suspicious activities and beefing up security measures.
How can you protect your business in 2024?
To secure themselves, businesses need to stay updated on the latest cyber threats. This risk management guide presents suggestions for ensuring the security of your business in 2024:
Update your software
Using outdated software poses a significant security threat. Hackers may exploit risks in older versions to gain access. Ensure that all your systems are running the most recent versions of their respective software.
Apply robust cyber security solutions
Create a clear incident response plan for cyber security issues, outlining the steps to take promptly. Regularly test and update the plan to ensure it works effectively. Document the plan in writing and make sure that relevant individuals know and follow it. We all know that it is hard to rely on memory during an incident.
Secure your cloud with these essential tools: Secure Your Cloud: Essential Tools for Protecting Your Data
Educate and train your team about cyber security
Your employees are valuable, but they can also pose risks. Conduct regular cyber security training to teach them about strong passwords, identifying phishing, and safe online practices. A well-informed team is less likely to be vulnerable to cyber threats. Just five minutes of training per month can make a significant impact!
Implement MFA
Enhance your login security with multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer by requiring users to provide two forms of identification before accessing accounts. This makes it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access. Free software-based authenticators like Microsoft Authenticator are available.
Stay Compliant
Get to know industry regulations and compliance standards that apply to your business. Following these not only shields your business from legal issues. It also ensures you’re following established cyber security best practices.
Even if these seem confusing or rank low on your priority list, it’s vital to pay attention. Striving for governance and compliance in your organization is essential.
Curious about Government Sector Compliance? Our blog guides you with everything you need to know: Navigating Government Sector Compliance: CMMC and GCC High
Work Together with a Cybersecurity Expert
In 2024, prioritize cyber security and IT support and make it a part of your business strategy. By being proactive, you’re not only securing your data but also making sure of the future success of your business. Keep in mind, a strong defense is the best offense.
We trust that the cyber security planning information, including managed network services, provided has been beneficial! For a tailored business guide on emphasizing your cyber security efforts, reach out to ECF Data.
Our team will state key threats and inquire about your current tech setup. We’ll then provide tailored recommendations based on your business’s context and preferences. This is a no-pressure, no-obligation opportunity for both existing customers and members of our ECF family. Feel free to contact us for assistance with your cyber security business planning – we’re here to help!
