What’s the old saying? There are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Today, it’s safe to say we can add a third: every year cyber attacks will continue to grow in frequency and sophistication. Here are some of the six different types of cyber attacks that experts predict will pose significant threats in 2024.
1. Generative AI-Driven Attacks – One of the central predictions for cyber attacks in 2024 involves the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to orchestrate attacks. Generative AI, powered by machine learning algorithms, has the potential to create highly sophisticated and unpredictable attack patterns, making it challenging for traditional security measures to detect and mitigate these threats effectively.
2. Ransomware-as-a-Service Innovation – Ransomware attacks, where cybercriminals encrypt sensitive data and demand ransom for its release, are expected to become more pervasive in 2024. Moreover, the emergence of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) models is anticipated to enable a wider range of threat actors, including those with limited technical expertise, to launch ransomware attacks, amplifying the overall threat landscape.
3. Rise in Man-in-the-Middle Attacks – Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, where adversaries intercept and potentially alter communications between two parties without their knowledge, are projected to increase in frequency and complexity in 2024. With the proliferation of internet-connected devices and the growing reliance on cloud services, the opportunities for MitM attacks to exploit vulnerabilities in communication channels are expected to expand.
4. AI-Powered Phishing and Identity Theft – The integration of AI in phishing attacks is poised to elevate the sophistication of social engineering tactics. AI-driven phishing attacks can mimic human behavior and craft convincing messages, increasing the likelihood of successful identity theft and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
5. Exploitation of IoT Devices – The rise in the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ranging from smart home appliances to industrial sensors, presents an expanded attack surface for cyber adversaries. As IoT devices often have limited security measures in place, they are susceptible to exploitation for various purposes, including launching large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and infiltrating networks.
6. Data Breaches and State-Sponsored Exploitation – In 2024, the expectation is for an uptick in data breaches, potentially driven by state-sponsored actors seeking to exploit political and industrial secrets. The illicit acquisition and exploitation of sensitive data pose serious risks to organizations across sectors, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard valuable information.
As we get further into 2024, it’s obvious that businesses need a robust, proactive and adaptive approach to defense. By understanding what cyber attacks are growing in popularity, organizations can prepare themselves to mitigate the risks and boost their overall cybersecurity posture.
About NATIONAL
Committed to their customers since 1927, NATIONAL offers a range of Managed Services including IT Support and Augmentation, Cybersecurity, UCaaS, Managed Print, Document Management as well as VoIP/Telephony, Cloud Services, Printers, Copiers, MFPs, Product Print Equipment and SmartBoards.
For the latest industry trends and technology insights visit NATIONAL’s Business Technology Theater.
