There is seldom a quiet moment in cybersecurity. In fact, the number of cybercrime incidents reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre increased by 23% from 2021-22 – and this figure is expected to grow. But what’s behind this jump, and what does it mean for tech professionals today?
To help unpack this, we’re breaking down four of the biggest IT security trends for 2024 – from deepfakes and zero-day exploits, to a focus on harnessing organisational culture to decrease cybersecurity incidents.
AI-Driven Attacks
One of the most formidable cybersecurity trends of 2024 is the rise of AI, with 71% of Gitnux survey respondents believing AI will be used to conduct cyberattacks within the next three years. AI-driven attacks can adapt and learn, making them more difficult to detect and counter. These attacks use advanced algorithms to analyse large amounts of data, customise strategies, and automate processes, allowing hackers to launch more targeted and efficient campaigns with record speed.
From deep scams to deepfakes, AI’s role in cyber threats (particularly phishing) is expanding rapidly. Deep scams involve using AI to create highly convincing, wide-reaching fraudulent messages or impersonations, tricking victims into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds. Deepfakes (which were up 3000% in 2023) use AI to create realistic but fake audio and video content, presenting yet another significant threat. These can be used to impersonate executives in business email compromise schemes, discredit individuals and organisations, or even pose as a loved one over the phone.
Given this trend, there is a growing demand for expertise in machine learning, threat intelligence, and automated defence systems. As organisations prioritise these capabilities, tech professionals who specialise in both AI and cybersecurity will be increasingly sought after – so it’s worth considering upskilling in these areas.
Zero-Day Exploits
In 2023, Google reported a staggering 50% increase in zero-day vulnerabilities exploited in the wild as compared to the previous year. Zero-day exploits refer to security vulnerabilities in software that are unknown to developers. Because these vulnerabilities are undiscovered, there are no patches or fixes available, making them prime targets for attackers who can exploit them before they are identified and addressed.
Google also identified that attackers are increasingly focusing their efforts on third-party components and libraries. Because these elements are often integrated into multiple software products, a single exploit can create a much broader impact than if targeted at a standalone application or system. Google suggests that organisations need to respond quickly to this issue and “build defensive strategies [which] prioritise threats that are most likely to cause damage to themselves and others.”
Although researchers identify AI as a powerful tool for combating zero-day exploits, it also presents a double-edged sword. AI can be used to detect and mitigate zero-day vulnerabilities to great efficiency, but it can also be leveraged by cybercriminals to discover and exploit these vulnerabilities faster than ever before. This emphasises the importance of staying ahead in the AI arms race: continually advancing AI-driven defence mechanisms to outpace malicious actors.
Third-Party Risks
Gartner has identified the inevitability of third parties experiencing cybersecurity incidents as a significant threat for 2024. As organisations increasingly rely on third-party components and services, the potential for cyber incidents originating from these external sources escalates.
While security leaders have traditionally relied on front-loaded due diligence activities, which involve conducting thorough assessments and checks on third-party partners or technologies before engaging with them, Gartner notes that shifting focus to resilience-oriented investments will be key in 2024. Instead of solely focusing on preventing attacks, resilience-oriented investments prioritise preparing for their inevitable occurrence. Measures such as robust backup systems, incident response plans and employee training are all key to a quick recovery in the event of a cyber-attack.
Security Behaviour and Culture Programs
Another of 2024’s top cybersecurity trends noted by Gartner is a rise in security behaviour and culture programs (SBCPs), which encapsulate an “enterprise wide approach to minimising cybersecurity incidents associated with employee behaviour.” Instead of telling employees what to do, like “don’t click on suspicious links” or “use strong passwords”, SBCPs focus on creating a culture where everyone in the company understands why cybersecurity matters and feels personally responsible for keeping things safe. Popular components of SBCPs in surveyed organisations include rewards for reporting incidents (48%), internal reporting to demonstrate program impact (47%) and reference materials such as checklists and guidelines (46%).
Ultimately, a strong SBCP is integral to combating AI-driven security risks and other evolving cyber threats. While AI will significantly augment the cybersecurity landscape in 2024 and beyond, it is ultimately the human tech skills that AI can’t replace, which are integral to defence against these threats.
Speak to the Cyber-Savvy Tech Recruitment Specialists
Of course, the above is just a slice of the major IT security trends in play at the moment. We expect threats will continue to evolve faster than ever, driving demand for new combinations of skills and new job opportunities.
Whether you’re a tech professional looking to make your next career move or a leader looking to strengthen your organisation’s SBCP, Exclaim IT is here to support you. As specialists in tech recruitment in Australia, we’re well-versed in the latest trends in the tech job market. Please reach out to us today for a starter conversation.
