A.I. Threats, Talent Gap Among Key Cybersecurity Issues for 2024

Growing numbers of artificial intelligence-based threats are expected to create unprecedented challenges for most organizations in the coming year. The FBI recently warned that businesses, governments and individuals should anticipate “alarming” increases in AI-powered threats over the coming months.

Here are four of the most likely types of AI-powered threats organizations should expect to  encounter in the near term:

• Phishing: Natural language processing and machine learning allow hackers to create more convincing phishing emails and messages by eliminating many of the traditional telltale signs of phishing attacks, such as spelling mistakes, grammar errors and broken English.
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): AI automates many elements of APT attacks, including target selection and reconnaissance. Additionally, hackers use AI to analyze the patterns of intrusion detection systems (IDSs) and find ways to evade detection.
• AI-powered malware: In addition to evading traditional signature-based detection methods, AI-based malware can dynamically change its characteristics during an attack to avoid detection.
• Deepfakes: AI-generated images, videos or audio recordings can be used to impersonate people in authority, such as the CEO or a network administrator. Experts are also concerned that foreign actors will use deepfakes to spread disinformation leading up to the 2024 elections.

Ongoing Cybersecurity Talent Shortage and Emerging Trends in 2024

The ongoing cybersecurity talent shortage compounds the risk. The cybersecurity workforce shortage has grown to a record high of just under 4 million according to ISC2, the nonprofit organization for cybersecurity professionals. The scarcity of qualified security personnel makes it incredibly difficult to defend against evolving threats.

There’s no relief in sight, either. According to the Enterprise Strategy Group, 54 percent of security professionals believe that the impact of the skills shortage has worsened over the past two years. Most organizations say they plan to address the issue through a combination of increased salaries and greater investment in training, development and upskilling programs. However, it will take time for organizations to build up the necessary resources.

In addition to AI threats and the talent shortage, here are several other cybersecurity issues and trends that are likely to remain prominent in 2024:

Multi-Extortion Ransomware

These attacks go beyond traditional ransomware tactics. Cybercriminals not only encrypt your production data but also employ additional extortion techniques to increase their leverage. For example, they might encrypt your backup environment, exfiltrate and threaten to expose sensitive information, or launch a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. They may also use threatening emails, texts and phone calls to intimidate executives or other employees. In some cases, criminals will impersonate law enforcement or regulatory officials to create an air of authority and sense of urgency.

A.I. is a relatively new and evoling cyber threat that is hitting businesses hard.

Cyber Espionage

A growing number of threat actors are pivoting away from destructive types of attacks such as ransomware and DDoS attacks in favor of more stealthy espionage campaigns. Such campaigns are designed to gather sensitive information, intelligence or proprietary data from targeted individuals, organizations or governments. Espionage campaigns often employ Living off the Land (LOTL) attacks that leverage software and functions already available in the target system to evade detection.

IoT Hacks

As the Internet of Things continues to expand, so does its risk of being compromised. Connected devices capture immense amounts of sensitive data but have few built-in safeguards. According to one recent report, only one in five manufacturers embed basic security requirements in IoT devices. A breached device creates an open gateway into the corporate network.

Stay Ahead in 2024: Contact GDS & Enchance Your Cybersecurity Posture

This is nowhere near a comprehensive list of the major threats that organizations will need to address in 2024. Cloud attacks, mobile malware, insider threats and much more will also present extreme challenges. To learn more about enhancing your security posture in the coming months, contact the security pros at GDS for a confidential consultation.

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