How Has Cybersecurity Changed in 2024?

We’ve evolved beyond the era of break-ins and burglary attempts. In 2024, it’s not the doors to our apartments we’re worried about keeping safe. On the contrary, our online security has become more important.

Hackers and cybercriminals are all over the internet, and almost no one is safe. Recent reports show that more than 100,000 Americans aged 60 and older suffered from digital fraud in 2023.

Statistics like these are the reason cybersecurity remains a top priority for internet users around the world. With the new year looming, we explore the cybersecurity landscape in 2024. This article discusses how cyber attacks have evolved this year and some security innovations that have helped keep up with malicious actors.

1. Blockchain in Cybersecurity

Think of the blockchain, and your mind immediately goes to cryptocurrency. But this technology has benefits beyond the finance world. It’s quickly becoming a solution to protect data on the internet. Altering information on the blockchain is almost impossible because the system is decentralized.

You would need authorization from the entire network to tamper with any data. Blockchain’s enhanced security is making it a preference for many companies for identity management and safeguarding IoT devices.

2. Organizations Implementing Zero-Trust Policies

Companies are taking different steps to secure their systems these days. Some organizations require employees to use a virtual private network (VPN) with a secure VPN port to access the internet within office premises. Others are taking more robust steps, like zero-trust safety measures.

In simple terms, this approach requires staff members to always verify their identity whenever they’re signing into a system or network. Employees are also only granted the amount of access required to execute tasks.

Zero-trust policies are based on the idea that cyber threats can happen at any time. The attacker must also not be an outsider. Even insiders can be potential malicious actors. As a result, everyone within a company must go through verification to access data and systems.

3. AI as a Double-edged Sword

We’ve talked so much about AI within the last year. Somehow, the conversations have also found a way into the cybersecurity space for the right and wrong reasons.

Hackers are using AI technology to create phishing emails and deepfake videos that can easily pass as convincing and legitimate.

It’s also possible to use AI to generate malware that’s more challenging to detect compared to traditional models. On the other hand, artificial intelligence’s ability to analyze large amounts of data in real-time with immense speed has also been beneficial to companies.

Organizations can use AI technology to scan their systems and detect cyber attacks before they become a threat. In addition, cybersecurity teams can automate the process of monitoring for threats rather than relying on periodic scans.

Wrapping Up

There’s hardly anyone without an online presence these days. However, while the internet connects all of us together faster than any other medium, the rise of cyber crime exposes us to multiple threats.

In 2024, we’ve seen malicious actors become more sophisticated with their attacks. On the other hand, emerging technologies like blockchain and AI are equipping organizations to handle growing threats.

To sum up, the cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve. Everyday internet users and organizations must keep up with the times to stay vigilant and protect their data.