The Biggest Emerging Technology Threats in 2024

The year 2024 is rife with more advanced and complex cyber threats to organizations and individuals alike within the technology landscape. Below, we outline the most severe threats on this landscape you should watch for.

Data Poisoning Attacks

Yes, it sounds strange to combine the words data and poison, but yes, it exists and it can be soooo serious for your company. Data poisoning opens the door for cyber attackers to corrupt data which they then use to train AI models. They achieve this by injecting malicious data into the algorithms. 

Imagine you have a health or finance company, what would happen to the decisions you have to make based on corrupt data? 

Companies like yours must be very careful when using AI-generated data to avoid these problems. Instead, it is good to continue relying on human intelligence and data from other sources. 

5G Network Vulnerabilities

As technology advances, so do the threats. The adoption of 5G technology opens new doors for attacks. Why? Well, simple maths. The greater the number of connected devices, the greater the likelihood of finding vulnerabilities. 

IoT devices that depend on the 5G network can be an easy target for a cyberattack, but don’t worry, with robust security protocols, this doesn’t have to keep you up at night. 

However, you should improve the management of devices in your company, especially mobile devices, as this is the favorite entry point for attackers to steal your information. Just stay alert, with a good security system and a solid data protection culture for your team and everything will be fine. 

Quantum Computing Vulnerabilities

We maintain the previous point. Technology advances and, well, you know that. Quantum computing power is unprecedented, but it is also a potential threat. With this enormous processing capacity, hackers could use it to collect large amounts of confidential information, highlighting the importance of encryption algorithms resistant to this technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Manipulation

Even AI has passwords and that is its weakness. This means that it could be manipulated by attackers and used, for example, to spread misinformation or automate phishing attacks. 

AI is great when it comes to productivity. Unfortunately, it is also being exploited by cyber attackers to create increasingly sophisticated threats. 

You have to be on your guard! Threat detection systems are no longer a luxury or an option. You need them in your company or it will only be a matter of time before you become the next victim. 

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Exploits

Immersive experiences are not left out. Augmented reality and virtual reality are also windows to new vulnerabilities that could trick people in such a way that there are implications in real life. 

It is important to secure AR and VR applications. Most importantly against some of the common user manipulation and privacy leaks. And that is always true of such sectors as gaming, education and healthcare.

Ransomware Evolves

Simple data encryption is a thing of the past. Now ransomware is much more advanced. Cybercriminals now use a double extortion: they steal confidential data before encrypting the files, then in case the victims refuse to pay, the hackers can leak or sell this data. And well, the consequences are obviously bad. 

Some preventative measures against this evolving ransomware threat include:

• Comprehensive backup strategies
• Frequent cybersecurity training
• Proactive threat hunting

Supply Chain Attacks Persist

Supply chains are not spared either. Hackers are able to create security breaches with third parties to compromise larger targets, such as suppliers.

We must better secure our supply chain from cyber incidents that can cascade. Businesses can achieve this through stringent vendor assessments, multi-factor authentication, and proactive monitoring.

Biometric Data Vulnerability

What happens if your biometric data is compromised? Exactly, you wouldn’t be able to re-issue data with them. These authentication methods are increasingly common, as is facial recognition, but they also have their vulnerable side. 

Secure Biometric Data with Encryption: Providers must comply with rigorous privacy laws. These laws are critical to preventing identity theft and fraud.

Advanced Phishing Attacks

When we talk about phishing attacks we go back to the beginnings of cyber threats, they are one of the oldest forms of cyber attacks that exist and one of the most popular for compromising your network; and now with AI they are becoming more sophisticated. 

Spear phishing attacks are tailored to a specific person or business, for instance, by hackers. They do this based on personal or professional information found online.

For example, the vishing attacks. Such impersonating legitimate entities using a voice call or voice assistant They convincingly instruct victims to do specific things.

Teaching employees how to detect phishing is important. And automated solutions to detect and defend against phishing threats.

Tips for Defending Against These Threats

We have lost count of how many times we have mentioned it, but as technology advances, so do the threats. In the face of these better-formulated threats, we must also evolve to confront them, be alert and act proactively. Here is some advice that can help you: 

• Stay informed about the latest technology threats.
• Ensure strong passwords and multi-factor authentication on all online accounts.
• Regularly update your software and devices to address any security flaws.
• Be wary of clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails or messages.
• Confirm the identity and authenticity of any callers or senders. _[Real life]_ Do this before you actually give away any information or do anything.
• Regularly back up your data to avoid losing information in the event of a cyberattack.
• Keep a good cyber insurance policy. Jing is which covers your particular wants and dangers.
• Notify the appropriate authorities regarding any suspicious or malicious activity.

Best Practices for Mitigating Emerging Cyber Threats

As cyber threats evolve, organizations or individuals need to take proactive measures to bolster their cybersecurity strategy. Here are some best practices for reducing the risks from emerging tech threats.

Stay Informed and Continuously Update Systems

Keep an eye on cybersecurity trends and new threats emerging. Update all software, systems, and devices to have the most recent security patches to guard against known exploits.

Implement Zero Trust Security Models

Utilize a zero-trust method which checks every user and device that accesses your network. This reduces the aversion to insider threats and improper usage of sensitive information.

Invest in AI-Powered Threat Detection

Implement advanced AI and machine learning tools to identify and mitigate advanced threats in real time. These tools also analyze patterns and flag anomalies at speeds that traditional security systems simply cannot match.

Strengthen Data Privacy and Encryption

Implement strong encryption methods to safeguard sensitive information both in transit and at rest. Businesses need to ensure strict data privacy policies and regular compliance audits.

Train Employees and Raise Awareness

Regular cyber awareness education on phishing, social engineering attacks and digital practices. A knowledgeable workforce provides a strong front line of defense against cyber attacks.