Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, with new threats and innovations emerging regularly. Not all these threats will apply to everyone, the trick is, and has always been, identifying the threats that apply to you, working out how vulnerable you are too those threats, and applying controls to bring those down to an acceptable level.  That acceptable level will change, not just from company to company, but also asset to asset.  Don’t waste valuable time and energy trying to achieve a zero-threat level.  It doesn’t exist.  You need to understand clearly what your appetite for risk is, ie what is an acceptable level of risk for you, and then go for it. 

But what emerging threats are there that you just might have to combat in your daily business life.  These trends highlight the ongoing innovation in both cyber threats and defences, driven by the growing reliance on digital infrastructure and the rapid evolution of technology.

Here are some suggestions and trends in cybersecurity as of late 2024:

1. AI-Powered Cyber Attacks and Defences

Threats:  Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to launch more sophisticated attacks, such as AI-driven phishing campaigns, automated hacking attempts, and machine learning-based malware that adapts to security measures.  We’re seeing AI powered social engineering, phone calls mimicking voices of managers, and similar.  Like with just about all AI usage, what it does it make things much easier by reducing human effort.  So, attacks can be set up using AI and become almost fire and forget, just letting it get on with it in the background.

Defense: Organisations are countering this with AI-based threat detection systems, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics to identify potential breaches before they occur.  What about your defences?  Are they keeping up with these types of threat.  What about mobile workforces, are your staff covered once they leave the office; do you have a hybrid or even fully remote workforce?  If so, are your defences up to the job? Check out https://hah2.co.uk/

2. Ransomware Evolution

Ransomware continues to be a major threat, but it’s evolving with more advanced encryption techniques, and multi-stage attacks where attackers exfiltrate data before encrypting it. They then threaten to publish the stolen data unless a ransom is paid.  I recently heard of a company that had been infiltrated through its website which was transactional, ie it sold stuff via the website and the website was connected to their database of products and sales order processing system.  The web developer didn’t have sufficiently robust security in place.  A good example of an SME being exploited via their supply chain.

Double extortion and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) have become more common, where hackers sell ransomware kits to other criminals.

3. Zero Trust Architecture

Zero Trust has moved from a buzzword to a mainstream security model. Organisations are adopting a “never trust, always verify” approach, assuming that every user and device, both inside and outside the network, could be compromised.

Implementing least privilege access, micro-segmentation, and continuous authentication are key features of this approach.  And no, this doesn’t have to be cost prohibitive.

4. Supply Chain Attacks

Attacks targeting third-party vendors and software providers have increased. By compromising trusted suppliers, attackers can infiltrate many organisations through a single breach.

Notable Examples: The SolarWinds and Kaseya attacks were significant instances that highlighted the dangers of such supply chain vulnerabilities.  The attack on the NHS via a contracted service provider, is also a good example but it doesn’t just affect the big organisations.  See above for an example of how an SME was attacked via a third-party web designer.

5. Post-Quantum Cryptography

With quantum computing on the horizon, there’s increasing focus on developing encryption algorithms that can resist quantum attacks. Post-quantum cryptography is becoming a hot topic as organisations prepare for the future of computing.

Even without quantum computing, many organisations do not use encryption, even for their critical data.  If you are subject to a data breach, but that data is encrypted, you could save yourself a lot of money and reputational damage.

6. Cloud Security and Misconfiguration

As cloud adoption accelerates, the security of cloud environments remains a top concern. Misconfigured cloud settings continue to expose sensitive data, while cloud-native security solutions (e.g., CSPM, CWPP) are becoming more prevalent.

Securing multi-cloud environments and addressing shared responsibility models are critical challenges.

7. Cybersecurity for IoT and OT

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) are becoming frequent attack targets. Securing connected devices, industrial systems, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats is a growing concern, especially as they are often lacking in adequate security protocols.

This is becoming more critical as home working becomes more and more popular.  Employees connecting to your company cloud and systems using home broadband and WIFI, are also de fact connecting to any IOT devices that they are using in the home, potentially opening up back doors into your system.

8. Data Privacy Regulations and Compliance

Data privacy is a key focus as more countries introduce stricter regulations like the Data Protection Act 2018, now becoming known as UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). There are other compliances such as FSA regulations and other industry bodies, that many need adherence to.  Data breaches can produce fines from regulatory bodies, law suites from those affected, and quite severe reputational damage.

9. Cybersecurity Automation and SOAR

Automation is becoming critical in cybersecurity due to the sheer volume of threats. Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) tools help streamline incident detection and response, freeing up analysts to focus on complex tasks.

Do you have anything in place to automate your defences?  Do you monitor your systems for threats?

10. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Identity theft and credential stuffing attacks are rising, making IAM solutions more important than ever. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), password less authentication, and biometrics are seeing widespread adoption to prevent unauthorised access.