AI-Powered Cyber Attacks Expected to Surge in 2024, Check Point Report Finds
According to a recent report by cybersecurity solutions provider Check Point Software, cybercriminals are set to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate and expand their attacks in 2024. The predictions report reveals that AI and machine learning (ML) will impact both sides of the cyber crime battle, as threat actors leverage AI to develop new malware and ransomware variants more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, AI will enable them to enhance attacks such as deepfakes, phishing, and impersonation.
To counter these AI-powered attacks, security teams will need to tap into the potential of AI themselves. Many organizations have already made significant investments in AI for cybersecurity, and this trend is expected to continue as more companies strive to protect themselves against advanced threats. As AI evolves, however, security teams will need to innovate faster than the adversaries they face to stay one step ahead.
The report also highlights that supply chain and critical infrastructure attacks will remain prominent targets for threat actors in 2024. To mitigate these attacks, organizations will shift towards zero trust models that require verification from anyone attempting to connect to a system, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network. Stricter evaluations of third-party suppliers will also be crucial to prevent cyber breaches that can have a far-reaching impact.
Furthermore, the Check Point report predicts continued evolution in the cyber insurance space in 2024. With rising cyber insurance costs and talent shortages, businesses will start shifting from reactive security to more effective defensive security measures. Demonstrating preventative action against cyber attacks may lead to reduced insurance premiums.
Geo-political matters will continue to impact cybersecurity on a global scale, with nation-state actors evolving tactics and engaging in hacktivism to promote political agendas or social change. The report emphasizes the need for organizations to stay vigilant and prepared for these cyber threats.
The rise of deepfakes as a tool to target and infiltrate company networks is expected to be a prominent concern in 2024. Deepfakes can be weaponized to create content that manipulates opinions, alters stock prices, or spreads disinformation maliciously. It is crucial for organizations to be aware of this threat and implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data.
Phishing threats and attacks will also remain prevalent next year, with threat actors continually refining their techniques to create more authentic-looking messages. Instead of exploiting software vulnerabilities, phishing attacks increasingly originate from credential theft, making them harder to detect. AI-enhanced phishing tactics may make it even more challenging for users to identify malicious intent, potentially leading to an increase in phishing-related breaches.
Ransomware attacks will continue to be a significant concern for organizations in 2024. Threat actors are expected to leverage living off the land techniques, using legitimate system tools to execute stealthy attacks that are harder to detect and thwart. The adoption of cloud-based services to store sensitive data may present new vulnerabilities for malicious entities to exploit, resulting in an increase in data loss or leakage incidents.
As organizations strive to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, it is crucial to enhance incident response and recovery plans to mitigate the potential impact of AI-powered attacks. The use of artificial intelligence by ransomware attackers will become more advanced, requiring organizations to evolve their security approach to stay ahead of the ever-changing cyber threat landscape.
In conclusion, the Check Point report highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks powered by AI and ML and emphasizes the need for organizations to innovate and adapt their cybersecurity measures to protect against evolving threats. By harnessing the full potential of AI for cybersecurity, organizations can stay one step ahead of threat actors while ensuring responsible and ethical use of these technologies.
