We are the lucky ones who live in the modern digital era. We have gone to the moon, building space stations in outer space, and now we can chat with machines like a human companion. The only thing missing in this era would be flying cars. Once they are invented in the future, all the future dreams of millennials will have come true. It is true that we are evolving with advanced technologies day by day, but so are the criminals. They are adapting to the advanced tech and becoming more sophisticated. As technology gets better, hackers get cleverer in finding ways to break in. So, in 2024, being careful online is more important than ever. Businesses and everyone else need to learn about the latest cyber threats to protect their important information.
The rise of AI and ML attacks
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are advanced computer programs. They can learn from experience and do tasks that usually need a human. These technologies are really powerful, but cybercriminals could use them for harmful things. In 2024, we might see more AI and Machine Learning attacks. They will be more complex, and even our brightest minds will struggle to spot them.
AI-generated phishing campaigns
We could see a rise in AI-generated phishing campaigns in 2024. What is Phishing? It is when cybercriminals trick people into giving away their private information, like passwords or credit card numbers, into cybercriminals’ hands. They do this by pretending to be someone trustworthy. How do they do that? Cybercriminals can use AI to make really convincing emails, websites, and social media posts that look like they are from real sources. These cybercriminals used phishing successfully to scam people before AI. Now that they have their hands on this advanced technology, generally, people won’t easily spot these new AI-generated phishing attacks and will fall for them easily.
Automate and accelerate cyberattacks using AI
Cybercriminals could use AI tools to find weak spots in a computer system quickly, start attacks, and even change their plans. This could speed up cyberattacks and make it harder for cybersecurity professionals to keep up.
How can you defend against these attacks?
These attacks might sound scary but don’t worry. Security companies are using AI to develop defenses against these threats. But it’s still important to stay alert. If something online seems suspicious, do not hesitate to double-check.
The expansion of ransomware threats
Ransomware attacks have been a big problem for a while, and they are expected to get worse in 2024. What is ransomware? This is a type of harmful software. And if it gets to your computer, it can block it until you pay money. Cybercriminals might develop new ways to avoid being detected and make ransomware attacks more effective.
Rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms
RaaS is like online shops for cybercriminals. They give ready-made tools and services for ransomware attacks. Even inexperienced people could start ransomware attacks using these. So, in 2024, more people could start these harmful attacks and target individuals and organizations.
Increase in targeted ransomware attacks against critical infrastructure
We might also see more ransomware attacks against essential services like hospitals, government agencies, and utilities. We all rely on these services in our daily lives. If cyber criminals attack these services, it could disrupt essential services and cause damage and disruption.
How can you defend against these attacks?
You can lessen ransomware attacks and their impact if you regularly back up your important data and update your software. Also, do not open suspicious emails or links; that’s how cybercriminals send ransomware to your devices.
Emergence of deep fakes and synthetic Media
Have you ever seen a video so real it seems impossible it could be fake? Those are deep fakes. They are becoming a growing online threat. Deepfakes use advanced computer programs like AI and Machine Learning to create fake videos or audio recordings of real people. In 2024, we might see more deepfakes being used for harmful things. These fake videos or audio might spread false information, trick people into giving out private information, or even commit fraud.
Using deep fakes to impersonate high-profile individuals
Popular people and company executives are getting significant harm from these deep fakes. For example, hackers could create a fake video of a celebrity saying something they never did. This could cause big trouble for that celebrity if people believe the video is real! Or imagine a fake video of a CEO saying the company is going bankrupt! This could cause panic and damage the real company. Cyber criminals could even use deepfakes to trick you into giving away your password or credit card information.
How can you defend against these attacks?
Be careful what you believe online, especially if it’s a video. Always check information from sources you trust, and only share personal information online if you are 100% sure who you are talking to.
The cyber-physical attacks threat
The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing. The IoT means everyday objects like toasters, cars, and even refrigerators can connect and share data using sensors and software. These devices can make your life easier when you can connect to them. The uncool thing is that cybercriminals could target them, too.
Targeted connected devices attacks
In 2024, cyberattacks are not just about stealing information; cyber criminals could mess with physical things in the real world. IoT devices, like smart home assistants, security cameras, and connected appliances, often do not have strong security. So, cybercriminals can easily hijack and exploit them. For example, cybercriminals could control a smart thermostat and mess with the temperature in your house, or they could mess with a connected car’s brakes! They could even target critical infrastructure, like power grids or traffic lights, and cause blackouts or accidents.
How can you defend against these attacks?
Be careful what kind of connected devices you bring into your home, and take steps to secure them. Use strong passwords, keep your software updated, and, if possible, enable two-factor authentication (like a code sent to your phone) for extra protection.
Rise of mobile malware
Everyone, from little kids to the oldest people on the planet, uses mobile devices these days. So, cybercriminals are also targeting them more and more. In 2024, we might see more mobile malware. What are they? These malware are harmful software. They can hurt, disrupt, or steal information from mobile devices. Cybercriminals can spread these threats in different ways, like through compromised app stores, phishing campaigns, and harmful websites. What can this malware do? Cybercriminals can use malware to steal personal data and lock files until you pay a ransom. Or they can even turn your devices into private computer networks and control them as a group (botnets) for bigger attacks.
How can you defend against these attacks?
Be careful when downloading mobile apps. Only get them from trusted sources. Update your device’s operating system and apps with the latest security patches.
Rise of Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS)
Just like there are services for ransomware, we might see more services for cybercrime in 2024. Imagine buying hacking tools online, just like buying clothes! That is what CaaS is. Experts worry CaaS might become more popular, and even beginners could be able to launch cyberattacks in 2024.
The CaaS offerings
These cybercrime services can include everything from phishing kits and DDoS attacks (these attacks can overload a system to make it stop working) to malware development and tools to exploitation kits (people can use these to create and use harmful software). Soon, we could see a significant increase in attacks targeting individuals, businesses, and organizations.
How can you defend against these attacks?
Be careful about emails or messages asking for personal information; they could be phishing scams. These cybercrime services make it easier for cyber criminals to start these. Also, strong cybersecurity measures, like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security checks, should be used to reduce CaaS-enabled attack risks.
Conclusion
The internet is an amazing place to explore, but just like the real world, there are dangers online, too. Cybercriminals always change their tactics and evolve to pose new cybersecurity threats. So, staying informed about the latest online dangers in 2024 is more important than ever. This way, we can all work together as individuals, businesses, and even governments to fight back to save our online safety.