Technology continues to play an ever-increasing role in people’s lives, whether that be in their businesses, homes, education, or health, and while there are many positives to be taken from this, there is always another side to the coin, which is where cybersecurity becomes infinitely important.
As mentioned, there are many net benefits to an increased presence of technology and connected devices in your life, with many aspects of your day to day lives becoming more efficient, accurate, and easier to complete – however, as users of the end product, you often forget that the systems behind your technology and online devices are endlessly complex, and require constant management, analysis and refinement.
Just as with physical security, it’s a game of cat and mouse – as the defender (or in this case, user or developer) improves their capabilities, it motivates the aggressor to counter and usurp these improved defenses, whether that be through the use of insider knowledge, or just plain old ingenuity.
In a world where there are increasing numbers of online assets all the time, and important data is nearly always stored online, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Read on to find out more about 2024’s cybersecurity trends.
Government Action
Due to the increasing organization, size, and scale of cyberattacks, as well as the fact that malicious governments have been utilizing cyberattacks to deal blows to their opposition, governments are increasingly having to cooperate to counteract these threats.
A very topical example is the sharp increase in cyberattacks against Ukraine and its infrastructure, as malicious actors from Russia, Belarus, and vigilante sympathizers hoped to weaken the Ukrainian defense.
While NATO is yet to have taken any action on the ground, the cyber defense unit called the Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence continues to unite European governments against cyberwarfare and ransomware gangs, with South Korea becoming the first Asian nation to join.
Securing Cloud-Based Systems
In recent years, cloud-based systems have become an ever-increasing presence when you use your online devices.
With so many people having multiple devices such as phones, a Workstation Laptop and desktop computers, cloud systems enable the easy transfer of files, data and work across a network of personal or business devices without any hassle.
However, the very nature of the fact that the files are stored online means that there are more opportunities for malicious forces to access important documents and make use of them themselves, holding them for ransom or utilizing precious information.
Cloud service providers such as Microsoft and Azure will be enhancing their processes this year, including increased threat assessment, integrated firewalls, and improved containment mechanisms.
5G And The Internet Of Things
With 5G connectivity rolling out with increasing coverage, the ability to access high-speed internet anywhere is becoming more of a reality.
This has happened alongside the increasing presence of connected home devices, such as smart fridges, coffee machines, and speakers, and when the infrastructure is so new, it’s vulnerable to threats from malicious actors.
Increased emphasis has been put on the need for reliable encryption both in the cloud and in stored data, allowing for sovereignty over files and data.
A common framework for establishing new and existing cyber threats is also required.
