Cyber Threats of Current Age of 2024

With geopolitical tensions rising, cybersecurity experts are bracing for a potential increase in cyberattacks in 2024. The ongoing war and potential future conflicts could trigger a surge in malicious activity, putting businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals at risk. Here's what you need to know about the cyber attack threat landscape in the context of war and some predictions for 2024:

Why War Breeds Cyber Warfare

• Hacktivist Activity: During conflicts, hacktivist groups often target government agencies, critical infrastructure, and businesses in opposing countries. These attacks can range from website disruptions to data breaches, causing significant disruption and financial loss.

• State-Sponsored Attacks: Nation-states may use cyberattacks as a form of warfare, launching campaigns to steal sensitive information, disrupt military operations, or sow discord within the enemy's population.

• Increased Espionage: Wartime often leads to an increase in espionage efforts, with cyberattacks used to steal classified information or gain an advantage in negotiations.

2024 Cyber Attack Predictions:

• Focus on Critical Infrastructure: Attacks targeting power grids, transportation systems, and communication networks could become more prevalent, aiming to cause widespread disruption.

• Rise of Supply Chain Attacks: Hackers may target the interconnected supply chains of critical businesses and organisations, causing cascading effects across different sectors.

• Weaponisation of AI: Artificial intelligence could be used to automate and personalize cyberattacks, making them more sophisticated and difficult to detect.

• Social Engineering on the Rise: Phishing scams and disinformation campaigns may become more prevalent, exploiting heightened emotions and anxieties during wartime.

How to Prepare for a Cyber Attack Surge

• Strengthen Defences: Businesses and organisations should prioritise robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.

• Employee Training: Educate employees on cyber threats and best practices for spotting phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.

• Backup and Recovery: Implement a solid backup and recovery plan to minimise downtime and data loss in the event of a cyberattack.

• Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest cyber threats and vulnerabilities, subscribing to reputable cybersecurity resources and advisories.

By taking proactive steps to prepare for a potential cyber attack surge, businesses and individuals can significantly reduce their risk. Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Working together, we can build a more resilient digital infrastructure and mitigate the impact of cyberattacks in the face of war and beyond.

written by: Matthew Drabek