Interscale Content Hub – Emerging cybersecurity threats stem from the constantly evolving landscape of technology and its uses.
As we adopt new innovations like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), attackers find unprecedented ways to exploit potential vulnerabilities.
Alongside these technological shifts, societal changes such as increased remote work broaden potential attack surfaces. Keeping your systems and data safe is an ongoing challenge.
But, before too far. Here a reference why we need cybersecurity risk management: “Why Risk Management in Cybersecurity is No Longer an Option in 2024?”
Now, it is our time to get in-depth into critical risks we should be aware of in 2024. Let’s buckle up.
What are the Emerging Cyber Risks for 2024?
As we move 2024 along, the cyber threat landscape is still changing. This is because of new technology and different ways of attacking.
Based on the detailed analysis in the ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) paper, let’s take a look at the threats and challenges.
Supply Chain Compromise of Software Dependencies
As components and services are integrated into new products, we expect to see unmonitored interactions and interfaces.
This can create new vulnerabilities because people can manipulate software dependencies and development tools.
They can add backdoors to code components or use phishing attacks to exploit software and hardware configurations.
Advanced Disinformation/Influence Operations (IO) Campaigns
With the rise of sophisticated AI tools, there’s a greater chance of executing highly effective disinformation campaigns.
These operations are designed to influence public opinion, disrupt elections, and erode societal trust in established institutions.
Rise of Digital Surveillance and Loss of Privacy
The spread of digital surveillance tech could result in a big loss of privacy.
It’s possible that governments and large corporations will use these technologies to monitor and control populations more extensively, which could raise serious ethical and legal privacy concerns.
Human Error and Exploited Legacy Systems within Cyber-Physical Ecosystems
As IoT becomes de facto in critical infrastructures like transport and power grids, the potential for human error and the exploitation of outdated legacy systems grows.
This can lead to some pretty serious security vulnerabilities that are tough to manage because of the complexity and interconnectedness of modern cyber-physical ecosystems.
Kindly read “Why Outsource Secure Future: Guide to Managed Cybersecurity Services,” for details on managed cybersecurity services.
Targeted Attacks Enhanced by Smart Device Data
With smart devices becoming so popular, there’s a risk that cybercriminals will launch more targeted attacks, like ransomware, that exploit data collected from these devices.
This risk is made worse because these devices often don’t have enough security measures in place, making them easy targets for cybercriminals.
Lack of Analysis and Control of Space-Based Infrastructure and Objects
The rapid development of space technologies has made it easier to access space-based services. Consequently, it is more important than ever to have strong cyber defenses for these critical infrastructures.
Even though we’ve made progress, there’s still a big gap in our knowledge and ability to keep these assets safe.
This vulnerability could put satellite operations and the many services that depend on them at risk, including GPS, telecommunications, and earth observation.
Rise of Advanced Hybrid Threats
It looks like cyber and physical attacks, or hybrid threats, are going to become more common by 2030.
These threats will likely involve some pretty sophisticated combinations of tactics that will disrupt both the digital and physical realms. Dealing with these threats is going to be tough.
It’ll challenge how we protect ourselves, so we’ll need to develop new strategies and technologies.
Hybrid threats could involve state-sponsored actors using cyber tactics to complement military operations or to achieve strategic geopolitical outcomes without direct confrontation.
Skill Shortages
A real shortage of cybersecurity professionals makes it harder to keep IT infrastructures safe across all sectors.
This shortage will likely leave gaps in cybersecurity defenses, making organizations more vulnerable to attacks.
The document clarifies that the lack of skilled professionals could leave critical systems, especially new technologies like AI and quantum computing, at risk.
This issue also highlights the importance of strategically investing in education and workforce development to address this growing concern.
Cross-Border ICT Service Providers as a Single Point of Failure
As digital services become more centralized, the risk of these central points of failure goes up.
ICT (Information & Communication Technology) service providers, especially those operating across national borders, could be a high-value cyber attack target.
If they can’t keep their services up and running, it could have a knock-on effect on everything from individual data breaches to large-scale infrastructural failures.
The fact that critical sectors like healthcare, finance, and government depend on these providers makes this risk even worse.
Abuse of AI
The misuse of AI technologies presents a significant cyber threat. AI systems could be manipulated through data poisoning, model theft, or adversarial attacks, leading to incorrect, biased, or malicious outcomes.
This abuse could affect various applications, from autonomous vehicles to financial systems, potentially causing widespread damage and eroding trust in AI technologies.
The document notes the need for robust AI security measures, ethical guidelines, and regulatory frameworks to mitigate these risks.
Increased Digital Currency-Enabled Cybercrime
With the rising adoption of digital currencies, there is an expected increase in cybercrimes facilitated by these technologies.
Digital currencies can provide anonymity and ease of cross-border transactions, making them attractive for illicit activities such as ransomware payments, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism.
This trend requires enhanced regulatory frameworks, improved tracking and analysis tools, and international cooperation to combat the associated risks.
Impact of Emerging Technologies on Cybersecurity
As we look at the intersection of new technologies and cybersecurity, it’s clear that each new idea brings both good things and bad things.
Take blockchain, for instance. It enhances transparency and security through its decentralized and immutable ledger, but these features also make unintended data entries permanently vulnerable.
Similarly, the rise of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity automates threat detection and response, but also makes it easier for adversaries to execute sophisticated, data-driven phishing attacks.
With more and more Internet of Things (IoT) devices out there, the attack surface is getting bigger, which is a big problem because many of these devices don’t have very good security.
As 5G technology speeds up connectivity and data transmission, it also makes it easier for cyber threats to spread more quickly and widely.
What’s more, as technology becomes more integrated into urban life, cities become smarter but also more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Every connected device, from traffic sensors to public utility networks, could be a potential entry point for breaches.
To stay ahead of the curve, you need a proactive cybersecurity strategy that addresses current vulnerabilities and anticipates future challenges.
It’s important for businesses and individuals alike to stay informed and agile in the face of these technological advances to keep our digital and physical infrastructures safe.
How Interscale Help You Deal With Those Risks & Challenge
At Interscale, we’ve got you covered with solutions that are tailor-made for your business’s needs. We’ll make sure you’ve got the right defenses in place to protect your valuable assets.
This means we focus on giving you straightforward, useful guidance so you can navigate the cybersecurity world with ease.
Our success stories, like our work with Mount Evelyn Christian School and our extensive IT services throughout Melbourne, show just how much we know about the field.
We believe in transparency and open communication. That’s why we want you to check out our services and take a look at our Interscale IT cybersecurity page. You can learn more about what we can do for you and how we can help your business.
When you’re ready for discussion, we’re here for you 24/7 to get the conversation started. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Conclusion
While these risks might sound scary, staying current with the latest trends is the first step to protecting yourself and your business.
Just remember, cybersecurity isn’t something you can fix in one go. That’s why teaming up with a reliable IT service provider like Interscale can be really helpful.
So, why not work together? Let’s ensure you do all you can to stay safe in dealing with emerging cybersecurity threats.
