Forecasts on key cybersecurity trends in 2024

1. Enhanced development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies in cybersecurity

Amidst the escalating complexity of cybersecurity threats, the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is projected to emerge as a pivotal trend in 2024. According to Gartner, it is estimated that by 2024, 70% of cybersecurity initiatives will incorporate AI, marking a substantial increase from the 15% reported in 2020.

AI technology offers substantial benefits for both organizations and individuals:

• Swift detection and response: AI systems possess the capability to analyze vast datasets from diverse sources, facilitating early identification of network breaches and timely responses.
• Augmented security and data protection: AI can autonomously adapt to evolving threats, thereby enhancing defensive capabilities and safeguarding sensitive information.
• Streamlined security operations: AI enables the automation of repetitive tasks, alleviating the burden on cybersecurity teams and enabling them to focus on strategic priorities.

According to cybersecurity experts at VNETWORK, key advantages of AI technology include:

• Agility and rapid adaptation: AI systems learn autonomously from data, enabling them to detect anomalous behavior, effectively identify sophisticated cyber threats, fraud, or emerging risks.
• Enhanced proactive defense measures: AI assists in forecasting and preemptively thwarting attacks before they occur, rather than solely relying on post-incident detection and response measures.

The integration of AI and machine learning represents a transformative step forward in cybersecurity, offering comprehensive and efficient protection. Embracing AI technologies will empower organizations and individuals to strengthen their defense posture, fortify data security, and mitigate the evolving landscape of threats.

2. Elevating the significance of IoT security

The year 2024 promises a surge in the robust development of the Internet of Things (IoT). According to Statista, the number of IoT devices is expected to reach 38.6 billion by 2024, up from 13.8 billion in 2021. However, along with this explosion comes significant cybersecurity challenges, including:

• Attack targets: The diversity and ubiquity of IoT devices make them ideal targets for cyberattacks.
• Security vulnerabilities: Most IoT devices have low security measures, making them susceptible to exploitation by hackers.
• Centralized systems: Centralized IoT systems are prone to network attacks, leading to substantial damages.

According to cybersecurity experts at VNETWORK, solutions to address these challenges include:

• Enhancing organizational security: To ensure the safety of IoT systems, standard security measures are being developed and widely implemented. This includes establishing and enforcing robust security protocols, standardizing IoT data encryption, and imposing security certification requirements for all new IoT devices.

• Integration of AI and Machine Learning: To enhance defense capabilities against cybersecurity threats, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is being applied to monitor and analyze abnormal patterns, thereby detecting potential threats early. Additionally, automating responses becomes essential, facilitating swift reactions to cybersecurity threats.

• Blockchain technology: To bolster security for IoT networks, the adoption of blockchain technology has become a significant trend. Blockchain enhances the decentralization and security of IoT networks by securely storing immutable information. Additionally, minimizing losses from attacks on centralized systems is a priority, helping mitigate adverse consequences from security incidents.

Cybersecurity for IoT is a critical issue that warrants attention in 2024. By applying appropriate solutions and raising awareness within the community, we can build a secure and efficient IoT environment.

3. The increasing importance of digital identity authentication in cybersecurity

Digital identity authentication plays a pivotal role in today's cybersecurity strategies worldwide, ensuring accurate and secure verification and authorization of identities. In an increasingly complex digital landscape, with rising cyberattacks, safeguarding critical information and personal identities of users and organizations becomes more crucial than ever.

According to Gartner's report on global information security trends in 2023, it is forecasted that by 2025, around 90% of cyberattacks will involve identity theft. Additionally, it is estimated that by 2022, approximately 80% of organizations will deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions.

Digital identity authentication brings significant benefits. Firstly, it enhances security effectiveness by minimizing the risk of unauthorized access to systems and data. Secondly, digital identity authentication strengthens data protection, safeguarding sensitive information and intellectual property assets of organizations. Lastly, it improves user experience by providing quick and convenient login processes.

However, traditional authentication methods such as password usage are becoming outdated for several reasons. Firstly, they are susceptible to attacks and can be stolen, cracked, or guessed. Secondly, they lack security resilience against sophisticated attacks.

Therefore, according to cybersecurity experts at VNETWORK, implementing advanced authentication methods is essential for businesses today, including:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Requires users to provide multiple authentication factors to enhance security.
• Biometric authentication: Utilizes biometric characteristics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice to verify identity.
• Blockchain-based authentication: Utilizes blockchain technology to create a decentralized and secure authentication system.

Digital identity authentication undoubtedly plays an undeniable role in safeguarding cybersecurity today. Hence, employing advanced authentication methods is necessary to ensure the safety of both user information and organizational identities. Applying digital identity authentication solutions is crucial in building a secure and trustworthy digital environment for everyone.

4. The surge of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) in hacker activities

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), is bringing about significant changes in the field of cybersecurity. However, it is also a double-edged sword as cyber attackers are maximizing the potential of these technologies to carry out sophisticated and more dangerous attacks.

According to Gartner's 2023 report, it is forecasted that by 2025, approximately 90% of cyberattacks will involve Artificial Intelligence (AI). Furthermore, it is estimated that by 2024, around 75% of organizations will use AI to detect and respond to network threats. How are Generative AI and LLMs being utilized in cyber attacks?

Social Engineering attacks:

• Deepfake: Creating fake information such as voice, video, images to deceive users.
• Adaptive capability: Automatically adjusting attack content to fit each target, making detection more challenging.

Phishing attacks:

• Deceptive Content: Crafting fraudulent emails and SMS messages with sophisticated content, directly targeting users.
• Contextual Relevance: Incorporating logos and company names to enhance the credibility of phishing messages.

To mitigate these threats, cybersecurity solution providers are integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their security frameworks to bolster real-time threat detection capabilities. Through data analysis, they can swiftly identify indicators of cyberattacks. Furthermore, these solutions implement intelligent authentication mechanisms to ensure user identity verification and transaction integrity. Ultimately, they proactively respond to incidents by implementing preemptive measures to minimize damage to network systems.

5. Strengthening defense against Zero-Day attacks and Edge devices in 2024

According to Google's forecast, 2024 will witness a surge in zero-day attacks targeting edge devices and exploiting vulnerabilities in virtualization software. These are critical threats that organizations need to address and implement appropriate protective measures.

• Zero-Day vulnerabilities The emergence of new zero-day vulnerabilities poses significant challenges for software vendors, making detection and remediation processes difficult and time-consuming. The consequences of these vulnerabilities can be severe, as attackers can exploit them to infiltrate systems, steal critical information, and carry out other malicious activities, posing significant risks to organizations.

• Edge devices A newly emerging target is internet-connected devices at the network perimeter, including surveillance cameras, routers, and IoT devices. The low security posture and difficulty in updating the software of these devices increase the likelihood of them becoming easy targets for attackers.

• Virtualization software Virtualization software, a widely adopted technology for creating virtual machines on shared physical servers, has become an attractive target for hackers. Vulnerabilities within virtualization software may grant attackers access to all virtual machines hosted on the same server, leading to significant repercussions.

The consequences of these attacks include an increased probability of their success, with attackers potentially maintaining prolonged access to systems, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage for organizations. Furthermore, detection challenges loom large, as conventional methods such as phishing email detection or malware software are ineffective against zero-day attacks and assaults targeting edge devices.

According to cybersecurity experts at VNETWORK, effective strategies for organizations to effectively address this landscape include:

• Elevating awareness: Enhancing user awareness regarding zero-day threats and edge devices.
• Regular software updates: Implementing routine software and operating system updates to address security vulnerabilities.
• Deployment of advanced security solutions: Utilizing advanced security solutions equipped to detect and thwart zero-day attacks and assaults on edge devices.

Zero-day attacks and assaults on edge devices present significant cybersecurity concerns requiring attention in 2024. Hence, organizations must proactively implement measures to fortify their defenses against these threats, safeguarding data integrity and ensuring robust system security.

In response to the growing concerns of businesses regarding increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks, VNETWORK Corporation has introduced VNIS (VNETWORK Internet Security) - a comprehensive Web/App/API security solution. With the capability to effectively respond to attacks on Layer 3/4/7 while ensuring stable system operation, VNIS is committed to providing peace of mind to customers in safeguarding their systems against all cyber threats.

VNIS ensures the safety of enterprise systems by: VNIS comprehensive protection model

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Application of AI and Machine Learning in management systems The VNIS platform, equipped by VNETWORK, features Multi WAF, with multiple Cloud WAF clusters globally, ready to leverage dense cloud infrastructure to quickly isolate threats when website traffic surges. Accompanying this is the WAF network monitoring system (Scrubbing Center), which coordinates the operations of Cloud WAF clusters across multiple countries, enhancing the effectiveness of Layer 7 DDoS protection.

Harnessing the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), VNETWORK has built an Intelligent Load Balancing system (AI Load Balancing) combined with Real User Monitoring (RUM). This system provides detailed analysis of attack sources and user interactions with the website to route traffic optimally. Operating on the principle of combining with CDN, through RUM and Synthetic Monitoring systems, it automatically detects the shortest path between servers and users, routing traffic efficiently. Additionally, the AI Load Balancing system allows load balancing across multiple servers with options such as IP hash, round-robin switching, or failover switching.

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Given the rising complexity of cyber threats and the anticipated cybersecurity trends in 2024, selecting the appropriate security solution is paramount for businesses. It directly influences the safety and stability of their systems, as well as user experience and operational continuity. The VNIS platform stands as a comprehensive and efficient security solution, offering vital support to safeguard businesses' websites, applications, and APIs from potential attacks. For further details and quotations, please reach out to us via our Hotline: +84 (028) 7306 8789 or email: contact@vnetwork.vn.