You need to be aware of the cybersecurity trends for 2024 whether you're a professional working to protect your company or a student looking for a job opportunity in the sector.

Cybersecurity Trends to Watch in 2024

Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that by the end of this year, the cost of cybersecurity attacks on the world economy would be approximately $10.5 trillion. This enormous number demonstrates the growing significance of cybersecurity across all global enterprises. It is also impossible to ignore the growing need for cybersecurity expertise.

Among the many cybersecurity trends to watch in 2024 is the rise in the hiring of trained cybersecurity specialists. In addition, the introduction of artificial intelligence technology has affected a number of other areas, such as cybersecurity protection systems and attack vectors. So let's examine some of the top stories in the cybersecurity space for 2024.

Leading Trends in Cybersecurity by 2024

These are some of the most important cybersecurity trends to be aware of.

1. A rise in the need for workers with cybersecurity expertise

This will be the most popular cybersecurity trend in the upcoming years, as was previously said. Professionals in cybersecurity with the necessary training and experience to defend a business against various cyberattacks are in severe shortage. As the year goes on, we can observe that the cybersecurity department is hiring many more people than in prior years and that there are an increasing number of jobs available.

2. Impact of Generative AI in cyber-attack as well as defense

Every day, artificial intelligence technology advances more and more. Additionally, criminals are making the most of the newest technology. Cybersecurity experts are utilizing artificial intelligence technology to strengthen their defenses, while attackers are using it to launch increasingly intelligent cyberattacks. A new type of AI-powered cyberattack that everyone needs to be aware of is deep fake.

3. Innovative Form of Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are a sort of cyberattack in which users of digital devices are taken in into disclosing personal information like passwords and pins out of a desire to make money. Phishing attacks are growing increasingly creative and complex due to the usage of AI, and by 2024, the number of this kind of attack will only be increasing.

4. Cyberattacks against Internet of Things devices

Everything, including voice-activated smart home appliances and smart watches, is internet-connected. These devices may be vulnerable to cyberattacks if they are not patched correctly. The market is seeing the introduction of new types of IoT devices as technology advances. These gadgets may contribute to an increase in cyberattacks if they are not produced by reputable and trustworthy firms. If they choose to pursue a career in cybersecurity, students have an idea of the sheer number of job prospects that are out there.

5. A rise in the quantity of courses offering cybersecurity training

As previously mentioned, there is a severe lack of qualified cybersecurity specialists who can handle safeguarding their company against a variety of cyberthreats. Thus, in order to prepare for the needed workforce, we might expect an increase in the variety of cybersecurity training programs in the upcoming years, such as cybersecurity certifications, boot camps, state-sponsored educational initiatives, etc.

6. Cybersecurity laws

Organizations and governments are becoming aware of the threats to economic growth and national security. Therefore, new cybersecurity laws are on the way that may aid in reducing and mitigating the risks associated with cyberattacks. For instance, by April 2024, companies in the UK must abide by the Product Security and Telecommunications Act, which establishes minimal security requirements for networked items.

7. International cyberwarfare

The protracted conflict in Ukraine, which is approaching its third year, has brought attention to the scope of state-sponsored cyberattacks. Future military actions around the world are more likely to entail simultaneous cyberwarfare operations. Common strategies include distributed denial-of-service assaults directed at transportation, public utilities, communication, and security infrastructure, as well as phishing attempts aimed at infiltrating, interrupting, and destroying systems. In addition, we should anticipate a spike in cyberattacks targeted at weakening democratic processes because major elections are planned for 2024 (in the US, UK, and India, for example).

Become more proficient in cybersecurity

As we have consistently said, there will be a greater need for cybersecurity specialists in the upcoming years. As such, young professionals and students need to take the initiative to better themselves by learning the newest cybersecurity techniques.

They can benefit from some of the top cybersecurity certification programs provided by EC-Council, USCSI®, CompTIA, Harvard University, and others.

These are a few of the most reputable schools and organizations that provide cybersecurity programs that equip professionals and students with cutting-edge cybersecurity knowledge and skills that are in demand by global enterprises.

In Summary

Although cybersecurity threats are not new, they are constantly changing and incurring enormous costs for individuals, governments, and companies alike. It is imperative for professionals, businesses, and students to be abreast of the newest developments in cybersecurity. This will help them stay informed about global trends and better equip themselves for future job prospects or to maintain organizational security. In order to prepare themselves for any cybersecurity challenges that may arise in the future, students should also research the best cybersecurity certification programs.