The start of a new year holds many exciting possibilities for businesses, especially when it comes to technology. However, with every advancement in technology comes a slew of new cyberthreats exploiting vulnerabilities. Here are four of the top threats we must look out for as we enter 2024:
1. The rise of AI threats
While artificial intelligence (AI) has significant potential in empowering businesses, it’s also the technology behind several of the top cyberthreats in 2024. AI-driven attacks, in particular, automate and intensify malicious activities. Cybercriminals use AI to analyze and identify vulnerabilities in both human and machine targets, bypassing conventional cybersecurity solutions. Picture them as cyberattacks with an extra layer of intelligence and adaptability, making them more formidable and sophisticated compared to your standard cyberattack.
AI-powered attacks encompass many forms, including crafting emails based on insights gleaned from social media profiles, automating the extraction of valuable data from compromised systems, and developing malware that adapts to security protocols.
Another subset of AI-powered attacks even leverage the unique capabilities of generative AI models. Generative AI attacks specialize in crafting fresh and malicious content, such as text, code, images, and audio. Their proficiency lies in generating deceptive, manipulative, or exploitative materials that surpass traditional methods in sophistication and realism.
2. Deepfakes
Deepfakes, which are synthetic media created using AI, have become increasingly sophisticated, making them harder to detect with the naked eye or ear. This poses a significant risk, particularly in the context of political elections and social engineering attacks. What’s worse is that deepfakes have become more accessible and affordable. This means an increase in the use of deepfakes in various criminal activities, such as scams and phishing, disinformation campaigns and propaganda, and identity thefts.
3. Phishing and social engineering
Cybercriminals will continue to use phishing and social engineering attacks due to their effectiveness in exploiting human vulnerabilities. Even with the latest cybersecurity technology, it only takes one simple human error to give cybercriminals entry into your system.
Cybersecurity experts also expect the democratization of Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) to pose an increasing business challenge. With PhaaS, even unskilled malicious actors can hire capable cybercriminals who will carry out a phishing attack for a price or a percentage of the stolen information.
4. Ransomware-as-a-Service
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a thriving cybercrime business model wherein unscrupulous developers create and rent ransomware tools to other hackers, known as affiliates. It’s a twisted Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model for malicious software. RaaS operators enlist affiliates and provide them with ransomware plus technical assistance. The affiliates then execute the attacks and share the proceeds with the operators.
This approach has played a significant role in the global spread of ransomware, leading to increased attacks. It enables less skilled threat actors to engage in ransomware attacks, leading to an escalation in both the frequency of attacks and the financial consequences. Not only should we expect ransomware attacks to increase, but we should also expect them to target everyone from corporations to critical infrastructure.
Given how advanced cyberthreats are becoming, it’s more crucial than ever for businesses to be hypervigilant and invest in the latest cybersecurity measures. If cybersecurity is of primary concern for your business, why not leave it with our IT experts at Kortek Solutions? We provide world-class IT services, solutions, and support to small and medium-sized businesses in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Clark County. Together, we’ll protect your business against imminent cyberthreats and help you work toward a more resilient and secure digital future. Interested? Contact us today.