In 2023, the cybersecurity landscape experienced significant changes due to economic challenges, the emergence of generative AI, high-profile cyberespionage incidents, and major software supply chain breaches. These shifts have set the stage for more developments in 2024.
Here are some key trends to watch out for in the email security landscape in 2024:
Advanced Ransomware Tactics Leveraging AI and Deepfakes:
Cybercriminals will utilize generative AI tools to create highly convincing phishing emails and calls, making it harder to detect social engineering campaigns. AI is expected to empower less-skilled ransomware-as-a-service actors, enhancing their malicious activities.
Human Risk Management for Enhanced Security:
Enterprises will prioritize human risk management to identify high-risk employees and implement targeted security measures, such as employee phishing attack simulations. Detecting anomalous behavior within systems and networks will take precedence over blindly trusting employee actions.
Intensification of Attacks on Third-Party Suppliers:
Cyber threats will focus on organizations through attacks on third-party software and hardware providers, prompting enhanced third-party cybersecurity audits. This will lead to closer relationships with suppliers who can provide quick support, maintain updated systems, and have a clean record of data breaches.
Rising Threats Against Mobile Devices:
Mobile devices, crucial for businesses and government agencies, will face increased cyber threats exploiting OS and app vulnerabilities. Advanced toolkits, like those from the NSO Group, pose risks to mobile security.
Increased adoption of dedicated cybersecurity systems
As threats escalate, expect companies to seek specialized security systems instead of relying solely on general-purpose solutions. This may include using VPNs, Identity and Access Management tools, web and email security gateways, and fraud protection for e-commerce and payment systems.
Combining Stolen Data for Identity Theft:
Cybercriminals will aggregate stolen data from the dark web to execute targeted spear-phishing attacks and create complete identities for fraudulent activities. Generative AI is likely to play a role in personalized attacks, especially against high-profile targets.
A wider gap between high-volume/low success simple attacks and highly sophisticated localized Activities:
While traditional fraudulent, phishing, and spam attacks persist, there will be an increase in attacks on critical infrastructure driven by geopolitical conflicts and financial motives. Smaller organizations and government branches will be particularly vulnerable to sophisticated attacks tailored to their habits and vulnerabilities.
Stay alert!
