Cybercriminals are turning to new techniques, tools and software to launch attacks and create greater damage.
On the other hand, Google's Cloud Cybersecurity Forecast 2024 report highlights the increased use of AI to scale malicious operations, nation-state-supported cybercriminal gangs, zero-day vulnerabilities and modern phishing as main attack vectors for the coming year.
To stay ahead of the curve, IT and security leaders should focus on layered security solutions and zero trust to keep their companies' data safe from top cybersecurity threats like ransomware and phishing.
New and established cybercriminal groups will leverage ransomware as a service, making it easier than ever to launch sophisticated attacks.
As proven by the November 2023 ransomware attack on MeridianLink by ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware group, ransomware gangs are also willing to manipulate regulations.
The convergence of operational technology and information technology in critical infrastructures, industrial facilities, public service providers and manufacturing plants is creating new vulnerabilities and attack opportunities for cybercriminals.
Attacks on OT infrastructures via IT-compromised systems can disrupt operations, cause physical damage and risk public safety.
Notable 2023 OT-IT attacks include the late November ransomware attack on Ardent Health Services, which diverted ambulances and affected health emergency services across multiple U.S. states, and the attack on a water system in western Pennsylvania - claimed by an anti-Israeli Iranian cybercriminal group.
Organizations operating OT-IT systems must modernize legacy technology, deploy layered security, segment IT and OT networks, and implement robust access controls to prevent attacks.
Fileless attacks, where attackers use stolen credentials purchased on the Dark Web to gain access to systems without leaving behind traditional malware traces, are one of the biggest trends to look out for.
The MaaS landscape has seen a dramatic increase in the availability of platforms and tools that broaden the range of accessible malware and attack functionalities.
This democratization of cybercrime is predicted to fuel a surge in both the number and sophistication of attacks in 2024.
Traditional methods like mass-mailed generic messages are giving way to personalized and highly realistic attacks.
In 2023, attacks on IIoT devices saw a significant rise, with attackers leveraging vulnerabilities to launch distributed denial-of-service attacks, steal data and disrupt operations.
These attacks evolved to include new techniques like exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities and compromising firmware updates, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures.
Organizations need to consider adopting zero-trust security models and implementing segmentation strategies to isolate compromised devices and minimize attack impact.
These attacks can target critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information and disrupt essential services.
2024 demands a proactive approach to thwarting state-sponsored attacks.
DOWNLOAD: These may be the top threats for 2024, but here are 50 cybersecurity threats to watch out for.
To mitigate modern cybersecurity and compliance threats, organizations must combine state-of-the-art technologies operating under holistic cybersecurity programs.
This Cyber News was published on www.techrepublic.com. Publication date: Wed, 20 Dec 2023 19:43:04 +0000