In an era where technology actively shapes our daily lives, the cost of cyber-attacks has skyrocketed to $4.45 billion worldwide this year alone. That number is only getting bigger, which is why cybersecurity should be a top priority heading into 2024. These statistics motivated us to compile a list of trends to remember when securing your systems and your network.
The 7 Biggest Cyber Security Trends in 2024
1. More Cybersecurity Professionals – and Skills – Are Needed
The shortage of cybersecurity professionals has reached critical levels, with organizations scrambling to find skilled experts to protect their digital assets. According to recent statistics, there will be a global shortage of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2025. This shortage has severe consequences, with 68 percent of business leaders feeling their organizations are more at risk due to this shortfall. Many companies offer higher salaries to attract and retain skilled professionals, helping bridge the gap and strengthen the digital frontlines.
But that’s not the only concern when it comes to cybersecurity staffing. Thanks to the increasing complexity of cybersecurity tasks and attacks, the demand for “soft skills” is rising. These skills can include:
- Effective interpersonal communication
- Relationship-building
- Problem-solving
- And more!
Because, like it or not, 74 percent of breaches happen due to human error. Each of these skills is essential for every cybersecurity professional to navigate the human aspects of threat mitigation effectively.
2. Cybersecurity is Showing Up in the Board Room
Cybersecurity is no longer confined to IT departments alone. Thanks to the pervasive nature of cyberattacks, they have become a strategic priority at the board level. Gartner predicts that, by the end of 2024, over 40% of boards will have a cybersecurity expert. This shift will safeguard companies from cyber threats and position them to seize new business opportunities. After all, having a dedicated cybersecurity executive is an excellent selling point for our security-conscious society.
3. Higher Generative AI Adoption, Leading to Next-Level Phishing Attacks
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a double-edged sword in cybersecurity. While it empowers companies with innovative defense mechanisms – like Xtel’s DDoS mitigation platform – it also gives cybercriminals new weapons. Generative AI, in particular, is making waves regarding phishing attacks.
One common type is “deepfake,” which involves an AI creating hyper-realistic imitations of trusted figures to bypass typical security measures.
To respond effectively, organizations must prioritize awareness and education across all levels. Training programs and simulated phishing exercises can empower individuals to recognize and thwart phishing attempts.
DID YOU KNOW?
Xtel offers cybersecurity awareness training programs to educate and test employees on recognizing and mitigating cyber threats.
4. More IoT-Based Cyber Attacks
With the proliferation of IoT devices and the continuation of remote work, the number of “entry points” for cybercriminals has broadened. Instead of hacking into your network from near your office, they can hack into an employee’s laptop or home computer to access sensitive data. Home consumer IoT devices are often particularly vulnerable. In 2024, you’ll see a shift in attitudes towards IoT security standards and a push to mitigate the 87 percent increase in IoT cyberattacks.
DID YOU KNOW?
Xtel offers Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions that can identify and stop breaches in real-time across any Windows, macOS, and Linux device.
5. An Increase in Cyber Resilience Planning
In 2024, cybersecurity will be far more than just building a robust defense. It’ll also be about fostering cyber resilience. This is a step beyond traditional security measures, focusing on the ability to bounce back from a breach and minimize its impact, a strategy known as “agile recovery.” Organizations are gearing up to prevent attacks and keep their business up and running in the aftermath.
DID YOU KNOW?
You could have 24/7 monitoring, real-time threat detection, and a team of specialized security experts in position with Xtel’s Security Operation Center as a Service (SOCaaS).
6. More Holistic Zero Trust Framework
The concept of zero trust has evolved significantly, mirroring the increasing complexity of digital systems. It’s no longer just about distrusting everything – it’s about integrating security seamlessly into the overall business strategy. In 2024, the zero-trust model will be more adaptive and comprehensive than ever, and over 82 percent of cybersecurity professionals are actively working on implementing it.
DID YOU KNOW?
Xtel has a Managed Extended Detection and Response (XDR) offering that consolidates multiple security products into a single platform, providing increased visibility, incident prioritization, and real-time threat detection.
7. An Increasing Number of Cyber Security Regulation
Increased awareness of cyber risks has led to a surge in cybersecurity regulations. Governments and industry bodies are enacting stringent standards to ensure businesses comply with evolving cybersecurity norms.
DID YOU KNOW?
Xtel remains at the forefront of compliance by consistently aligning its practices with the latest cybersecurity regulations.
Xtel’s Proactive Approach to DDoS Mitigation
Now, let’s delve into Xtel’s proactive stance on mitigating one of the most prevalent cyber threats – Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. We crafted a robust solution called Cleanpipe DDoS monitoring. This proactive system, seamlessly integrated into existing services, effectively safeguards against various DDoS threats. Here’s how:
- Proactive Scanning: Cleanpipe constantly scans for potential DDoS attacks before they escalate.
- Mitigation Techniques: It employs various strategies to counteract attacks, preventing network congestion, data loss, and service outages.
- Blocklisting: Malicious hosts are promptly identified and blocked from causing harm.
- IP Location-Based Mitigation: The solution uses geographical data to pinpoint and neutralize attacks at their source.
- Protocol Anomaly-Based Filtering: Unusual patterns are flagged and filtered out to ensure a swift response.
- Rate Limiting: Controls are placed on the volume of incoming traffic, isolating and eliminating malicious activity without impacting other users.
In a nutshell, Xtel’s Cleanpipe DDoS monitoring is a comprehensive and proactive shield. This ensures the stability and security of your digital infrastructure.
Secure Yourself in 2024 with Xtel
As we wrap up this exploration of 2024 cybersecurity trends, it’s clear that cyber threats are evolving alongside each new tech trend. Over 42 percent of businesses are developing cybersecurity fatigue because of it. After all, how can you keep up with them all and successfully manage your company?
The answer’s simple: find a partner who can do it for you. You can find that partner in Xtel. We have a full suite of cybersecurity services (like DDoS mitigation and more) that can proactively protect you from the latest threats. So don’t wait – schedule your first cybersecurity consultation today to stay current and protected in the ever-changing digital landscape.
