{"id":42380,"date":"2024-08-02T10:30:32","date_gmt":"2024-08-02T10:30:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.realvnc.com\/en\/?post_type=blog&p=42380"},"modified":"2026-04-13T10:44:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T09:44:36","slug":"cyber-security-trends","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.realvnc.com\/en\/blog\/cyber-security-trends\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Cyber Security Trends to Protect Your Business in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The sheer pace at which successful attacks are being carried out, and the complexity of data theft, phishing, and extortion campaigns have become almost systemic. Cybercrime in 2024 has become almost like a well-oiled machine that can more or less be considered a business model in and of itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

These threats are transforming rapidly and, fortunately, our means of defense, mitigation, and prevention are transforming alongside them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Today, having good cybersecurity policies and procedures is not just about keeping your business out of the crosshairs, but also ensuring its ongoing success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

With this in mind, this article will explore the most effective and top cybersecurity trends for 2024 that can fortify your business and keep you well ahead of emerging cyber threats.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Compared to previous years, 2024 has seemingly taken on a life of its own when it comes to current and evolving threats, threat intelligence, and security challenges.<\/span><\/p>

But what has made 2024 so different from previous years? In this section, we\u2019ll take a look at the main drivers behind these significant increases in cybercrime.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Cyber threats and data breaches: A persistent concern<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As with 2023, cyber threats and data breaches continue to top the list of major concerns for businesses in 2024.<\/span><\/p>

The year-to-year occurrence of ransomware attacks continues to increase. In 2024, we see an<\/span> alarming 55.5% rise<\/span><\/a>, with cybercriminals<\/span> predominately targeting sectors<\/span><\/a> such as business services, retail, manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.<\/span><\/p>

Globally, the<\/span> average cost to business<\/span><\/a> of a cyber attack currently sits at $4.4 million, but for sensitive industries such as healthcare, the figure now exceeds $5 million. The USA remains the top target for these attacks, followed by the UK, European countries like France and Germany, Canada, and Australia.<\/span><\/p>

Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) \u2014 the business model that provides a corporate-like structure to cybercrime \u2014 is also on the rise. Notorious<\/span> cybercrime families<\/span><\/a> such as LockBit3.0, Blackbasta, Play, Akira, and 8Base are expected to lead the charge.<\/span><\/p>

These groups operate similarly to legitimate businesses but use black hat principles. They develop and sell ransomware (Ransomware-as-a-Service) and hacking software and orchestrate large-scale phishing attacks.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The rise of nation-state actors and supply chain attacks<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Nation-state actors are those who have unofficial permission from a government to conduct cybercrime-related activities. Motives for these threat actors generally range from espionage to complete political disruption, all of which pose a significant threat to government and industry alike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

These sophisticated and well-resourced cyber attackers<\/span> typically target critical sectors<\/span><\/a> of a country’s critical infrastructure, such as education, energy, government, NGOs, think tanks, IT, and communications.<\/span><\/p>

Their tactics generally involve penetration of supply chains, exploitation of vulnerabilities in third-party software, data breaches, infiltration of IT and software companies, and, in many cases,<\/span> social engineering attacks<\/span><\/a> and subjugation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Industries that are typically targeted by nation-state actors must adhere to mandatory reporting and hardening standards set in legislation such as the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act and the<\/span> NIST Cybersecurity Framework<\/span><\/a> (NIST CSF).<\/span><\/p>

Supply chain networks are considered one of the most at-risk sectors for nation-state threat-actor attacks. In 2023, a<\/span> report by IDTheftCenter<\/span><\/a> showed that attacks on over 1700 supply chain entities impacted over 10 million people.<\/span><\/p>

An increase in security posture for supply chain risk management is increasingly important in 2024, as these security incidents are<\/span> expected to rise significantly<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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IoT vulnerabilities and automotive cyber security threats<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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There are nearly<\/span> 18 billion<\/span><\/a> Internet of Things (IoT) devices around the world. Each of these devices introduces a new endpoint and another vulnerability surface to be exploited.<\/span><\/p>

Commonly implemented cyber attacks on IoT devices generally include command and control (C2\/C&C) for espionage, access to sensitive data from sensors, backdoor network access to automated security systems, and inclusion in extensive botnets for coordinated DDoS attacks.<\/span><\/p>

It comes as no surprise then that<\/span> 75% of attacks on IoT devices<\/span><\/a> target network routers.<\/span><\/p>

Cars that are internet-connected are also considered IoT devices. The software integrated into vehicles thus also presents significant cybersecurity risks as modern vehicles have hundreds of ECU connections that are ripe for exploitation.<\/span><\/p>

Cyber security threats for vehicles include keyless entry and engine start, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, GPS spoofing, USB ports used for firmware updates, and even remote control.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Remote Work and Cybersecurity<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Remote work has changed the game not just for the traditional work model, but for cybersecurity too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The move away from traditional office settings means that companies have to take a fresh look at how they maintain data protection when employees are spread out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It’s essential for businesses these days to be vigilant and proactive in creating secure strategies that fit with the home-office model.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Keeping sensitive intelligence protected is more important than ever, as is ensuring all security practices are up-to-date and effective in this evolving work environment.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Addressing cybersecurity challenges in remote work environments<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Work from home (WFH) is here to stay, and in the world of remote work, ensuring safety against cyber threats holds even more importance than personal and professional life balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

With unique security challenges to consider, robust security protocols are crucial. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) acts as an essential safeguard by adding an additional verification step, confirming that only those who should have access to sensitive data actually do.<\/span><\/p>

Equally important is implementing<\/span> secure remote access systems<\/span><\/a>. Tools provided by developers like RealVNC play a pivotal role here, as they maintain a fortified link between home-based workforces and company networks without compromising integrity or inviting vulnerabilities.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Endpoint security and access control for remote workers<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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For remote workers and their company network, ensuring that your team’s devices are shielded from digital threats is more important than ever. Securing remote physical devices that connect remotely to a corporate network is just as important as safeguarding those sitting in office cubicles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Known as ‘<\/span>endpoint security<\/span><\/a>‘ \u2014 it’s essentially a guard against malicious software and cyber dangers for every laptop or mobile device on your network.<\/span><\/p>

But there\u2019s another layer to this protection strategy: zero-trust networks. These aren’t about not trusting your staff, but rather a method of continuous verification within IT environments. Every request for access must be authenticated. Think of it as constantly checking IDs before letting anyone through the door, and never allowing in tailgaters.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Training and awareness for distributed workforces<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Training employees who work remotely on cybersecurity practices is crucial for safeguarding against security threats and maintaining a strong defense for your organization.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The<\/span> 2024 Remote Access Predictions Report<\/span><\/a> by RealVNC emphasizes the importance of educating employees and increasing cybersecurity awareness.<\/span><\/p>

The report predicts that by 2024, one-third of organizations will enhance their use of remote access technologies, underlining the need for comprehensive training programs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Cybersecurity employee training generally consists of awareness sessions with hands-on approaches that help identify phishing and vishing scams, as well as the consequences of not adhering to cybersecurity standards. Additionally, staff members should participate in random phishing exercises to identify individuals and teams in need of further training.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Evolving cyber threats aren\u2019t the only things making headlines in 2024. AI and machine learning have also taken the spotlight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Most of us of course know AI in the sense of generative AI (Like ChatGPT), and machine learning as the technology that powers it, but both AI and ML are also transforming the cybersecurity landscape through more proactive security measures and powerful cyber defense mechanisms.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Harnessing the power of AI in threat detection and response<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is essential in stepping up our game for real-time threat detection and response. It sifts through data mountains to spot irregularities that could signal a cyber threat, streamlining the process of spotting potential attacks early on, which trims down the time we need to respond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Take<\/span> social engineering attacks<\/span><\/a>. AI assesses communication patterns and waves a red flag at anything suspicious.<\/span><\/p>

But the technology presents a double-edged sword \u2014 cybercriminals are also turning AI to their advantage, using it to develop more complex attacks that slip under the radar with ease. This dual-edged reality signals why staying ahead with innovative strategies in threat detection is critical.<\/span><\/p>

Despite this tug-of-war, AI\u2019s contribution remains pivotal in giving us an upper hand by quickly pinpointing and defusing threats before they wreak havoc.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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AI-driven security testing and incident response<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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AI technology is revolutionizing security testing and incident response, transforming the way individuals protect their assets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

These sophisticated systems expand the range of security evaluations, identifying vulnerabilities that traditional methods might overlook. By simulating attack scenarios, AI-driven tools uncover weaknesses before they can be exploited.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In handling incidents, AI simplifies tasks by automating operations and providing insights for teams to act swiftly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This allows automated security setups to assess situations rapidly, prioritize threats, and recommend steps. The accelerated pace of these processes empowers professionals in the field to focus on addressing challenges and maintaining a strong defense strategy at all times.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Cybersecurity Threats<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Cybersecurity professionals are acutely aware of threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and diverse and posing huge risks to organizations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

As these methods evolve, businesses need to adapt and evolve with them.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Increasing sophistication and diverse attack vectors<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Advanced persistent threats (APTs) and supply chain attacks are among the most complex and harmful cyber dangers we face today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

APTs consist of extended, deliberate campaigns with goals to either filter sensitive data or destabilize systems. These aggressions frequently take advantage of weak spots found within open-source and third-party programs, underscoring the need for strong security measures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Supply chain attacks specifically target softer points in third-party suppliers to infiltrate broader networks, posing a significant risk for businesses that depend on these external entities.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Targeted ransomware attacks and social engineering<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ransomware attacks have become far more targeted and sophisticated, an impact that has been felt across every sector.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In the first quarter of 2024, there was a notable<\/span> increase of 68.1%<\/span><\/a> in the use of instances of the Remcos malware, a powerful tool that is commonly used in campaigns by ransomware-as-a-service threat actors.<\/span><\/p>

These organizations are also employing advanced social engineering attacks to trick employees, gain unauthorized access to systems, and bypass external network security.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The tactics often involve indirect phishing campaigns in the hope of snagging an unsuspecting victim or, more frequently, involve directly engaging with individuals in order to earn their trust.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Mobile devices: A growing target for cyber attacks<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Mobile device usage, such as smartphones, tablets, and handheld IoT devices, has increased within businesses, especially those who perform field work. As their use continues to rise, so does the need to secure these vital endpoints.<\/span><\/p>

Mobile devices are subject to extra risks, such as theft, unintentional access, and insider threats. Security teams should have robust security measures in place, such as secure remote access solutions, to help ensure these devices are just as secure as their wired counterparts back at HQ.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Identity and Access Management<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Having identity and access management (IAM) policies in place is an important addition to your existing security policies.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Strengthening identity and access management<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Strengthening identity and access control is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Think of authentication like a bouncer checking IDs at the door \u2014 only letting in those on the guest list (authorized users). Authorization then decides what party areas each guest can enter (access rights).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

A good mix of these security measures avoids unwelcome guests (data breaches). But remember, threats change their costumes often, hence regularly updating your IAM policies keeps your security sharp and ready to face new tricks.<\/span><\/p>

When you set comprehensive IAM policies, you control who gets to peek into your critical resources, but a word of warning: overcomplicating access control lists (ACLs) can cause more issues than it solves \u2014 especially when it comes to auditing them.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Multi-factor authentication and passwordless technologies<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As companies aim to fortify their defenses,<\/span> multi-factor authentication<\/span><\/a> (MFA) is gaining traction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It steps up security by asking users for extra proof of identity \u2014 think beyond passwords to things like fingerprints or facial recognition. But while MFA does a great job at tightening security, it’s not without its shortfalls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

People may find it a bit cumbersome, and there\u2019s always the risk that even these beefed-up methods could be<\/span> outsmarted by determined attackers<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>

For these reasons, passwordless technologies are beginning to show more promise as an authentication method. Passkeys eliminate the need for passwords and instead use biometrics like your thumbprint or a special device only you have access to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Not only do you get peace of mind with stronger safeguarding against threats, but you also enjoy a smoother experience without the hassle of recalling complex passwords.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Cybersecurity Strategies and Guidance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In cybersecurity, sometimes it feels like vulnerabilities are discovered faster than they can be patched, and it can be hard to get ahead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

With cybersecurity trends leaning more and more toward a proactive approach and the availability of cutting-edge technology, staying ahead of emerging threats is now possible.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Adopting a proactive stance with predictive cybersecurity measures<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Understanding the importance of staying ahead in security, predictive analytics, and threat intelligence becomes essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

They sift through patterns and trends to foresee possible attacks, prompting action before they happen. By weaving together cybersecurity tools with data protection strategies, an all-encompassing shield is formed.<\/span><\/p>