2024 Cybersecurity Trends
16.07.24
As we have reached the halfway point of 2024, it is a suitable time to reflect on the latest trends to get ahead of what may come in the rest of the year. Here are the main cybersecurity trends reported in 2024 so far, along with tips on how you can protect your business from being affected as the year continues.
1. Weaponisation of AI
75% of security professionals have seen an increase in cybercrime in the past year, and 85% believe this is due to the weaponisation of AI.
AI is increasing the volume and sophistication of attacks, allowing bad actors to evade traditional defenses. Large language models (LLMs)—AI systems that can understand and generate human language—are being used to make phishing emails more believable and urgent. AI is also making endpoints prime targets. Companies are embracing PC-based AI, which can improve speed, privacy, and user experience, but also increase the value of data. This makes endpoints more attractive to bad actors, especially because endpoints are more mobile than ever, increasing their exposure and making them harder to protect.
To address these challenges, organisations must set up detailed governance frameworks to regulate the access and usage of data by AI applications effectively. Creating and enforcing specific AI data usage policies across all data assets is essential for detecting and mitigating policy violations effectively. In case of an incident or policy breach, organisations must have mechanisms in place to trigger automatic remediation actions, controls, and measures to minimise the risk of unwanted exposure, unauthorised access, and misuse of data.
2. Ransomware
Ransomware attacks reached record levels in March 2024, with 421 cases, up from 416 in February. This trend shows a likely increase in such activity throughout the year.
Ransomware involves hackers breaching critical systems, encrypting them, and demanding a ransom. This threat will keep affecting organisations across all sectors in 2024. Cybercriminals will use ransomware as a service, making it easier to launch attacks. They will also use tactics like double and triple extortion, where they pressure victims by threatening to leak data.
Organisations must prioritise ransomware defense by updating systems, creating strong backups, training employees, and considering cyber insurance. More importantly, companies must ensure their security teams have the resources they need and are not overworked.
3. Web Browser Downloads
In Q1, web browser downloads of executables notably increased, diverging from earlier trends. Scripts and executables now dominate files caught by HP Sure Click, making up 37% of threats. Many of these executables are grayware—applications not inherently malicious but potentially breaching an organisation's IT policies. Examples include port scanners, software piracy tools like license key generators, and even video games. Archives like ZIP and RAR files represented 28% of threats. Document formats such as Microsoft Word (e.g., DOC, DOCX) accounted for 13%, malicious spreadsheets (e.g., XLS, XLSX) for 5%, and PDF files for 11%, often holding malware-laden links that evade email scanners.
To safeguard your organisation's security, proactive measures are crucial. This includes implementing strong web filtering policies, educating employees on safe download practices, regularly updating security software, and thoroughly scanning downloaded files for potential threats.
Your Endpoint is Your First Line of Defence
As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, organisations are prioritising the protection of their endpoints. HP devices, equipped with advanced security features like HP Sure Sense and Sure Click, offer proactive defense mechanisms against sophisticated cyber threats. By integrating these technologies, HP ensures that endpoints are safeguarded from malware, phishing attempts, and other malicious activities.
HP, powered by Intel® Core™ processors, keeps your endpoint safe with:
- Comprehensive security: HP devices integrate strong security measures across hardware and software, ensuring full-stack protection against evolving threats.
- Advanced threat detection: HP Sure Sense uses AI-powered technology to detect and block unknown threats instantly, strengthening defenses against zero-day attacks.
- Secure browsing: HP Sure Click isolates web browsing sessions to prevent malicious content from compromising endpoints, improving overall cybersecurity.
Choosing HP for endpoint security offers organisations enhanced resilience, reduced risk exposure, and proactive threat prevention strategies.
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