Introduction:
After a challenging 2023, which saw notable events both in cybersecurity and globally, we now turn our gaze to what 2024 has to offer in terms of digital security. The ongoing complexity of the threat landscape, driven by technological advances and geopolitical shifts, is bringing cybersecurity back into the spotlight. From the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) to the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the digital world continues to play a central role in our society, making the crucial role of cybersecurity even more prominent.
Impact of the NIS2 Directive in Europe.
A notable development in the European cybersecurity landscape is the introduction of the NIS2 directive in 2024, which will affect businesses in EU member states. While this move has been welcomed, the implementation process over the next 12 months inevitably brings confusion.
Companies, especially those classified as critical infrastructure, face the challenge of complying with the new regulations. The purpose of this EU directive is to promote increased levels of cybersecurity and resilience within organizations. With member states having until Oct. 17, 2024 to implement NIS2, 2024 will be a period of adjustment during which different countries will implement the legislation in different ways.
Individual companies may be hoping for a simple solution to meet the new standards, but understanding the NIS2 objective does not only emphasize technological aspects; it also includes practices and implementation. The impact of this directive depends on the current stage of cybersecurity a company is in.
The Evolution of Cybersecurity
A striking cultural shift toward greater openness and cooperation in intelligence sharing will be at the heart of cybersecurity practices in 2024. The lack of uniformity in information sharing after cyber incidents, caused in part by victim reticence, hinders not only the understanding of new threats but also the development of robust defense mechanisms.
Local governments and regulators are expected to play a crucial role in restructuring the landscape for intelligence sharing in 2024. By implementing policies that encourage cybersecurity information sharing, they strive to create an environment of collaboration with less fear of stigma and victim blaming.
This approach goes beyond compliance; it seeks to change attitudes where organizations view intelligence sharing as a shared responsibility for collective cyber resilience.
Persistent Rise of Social Engineering Attacks
Identity-based attacks will continue to play a key role in 2024, as 80% of breaches occur via compromised identities. In particular, the focus is on social engineering, requiring companies to prioritize strengthening identity security by 2024. Awareness among employees about recognizing deception becomes crucial to reducing the effectiveness of social engineering attacks.
The coming year will challenge companies to strengthen their identity protection as attackers continue to take advantage of weaknesses in this domain.
Collaboration between IT and Security in the Fight Against Cyber Threats
With the emergence of new threats in 2024, organizations will need to strive for closer integration between IT and security teams. The traditional separation between these two entities will blur, creating shared responsibility for both operational efficiency and security.
The understanding that stronger collaboration is essential to effectively respond to cyber threats will lead to new structures in which teams work together seamlessly. Sharing insights and expertise between IT and security personnel is becoming the norm to deal with rapidly evolving threats.
Conclusion
2024 is a challenging and innovative time for cybersecurity. While new threats lurk, technological advances and changing mentalities offer new opportunities for organizations to strengthen their digital resilience. In this dynamic environment, organizations will need to adapt and invest in solutions that allow them to proactively respond to the uncertain future of cybersecurity.
A DPO plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with data protection laws, identifying potential risks and implementing appropriate security measures. Our expertise and leadership can help organizations become more resilient against cyber threats and foster a culture of data protection.
