With 2023 coming to an end, marked by a dramatic increase in cyberattacks, expectations for 2024 point to an equally challenging scenario, especially when it comes to safeguarding personal information and business operations. The consultancy IDC predicts a 12% growth in digital crimes in the IT market for this year, but experts warn that this figure could be even higher, after all, due to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI).
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Main Highlights
- Growth of Cybercrimes
- Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Vulnerabilities in IoT Networks
- RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) Exploitation
Alexandre Armellini, manager of Cipher, a cybersecurity company linked to the Prosegur group, highlights AI as one of the biggest challenges for this new cycle. In addition to this emerging technology, vulnerabilities in IoT (Internet of Things) networks and the massive exploitation of RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) are among the top threats expected for 2024.
During 2023, connected devices, such as TVs, promotional totems, sensors, microphones and cameras, served as a gateway for real attacks, so the expectation for next year is a similar or even more adverse scenario.
Armellini highlights that AI makes it possible to exploit advanced algorithms to execute personalized attacks, thus being used to automate invasions of networks and devices through phishing, ransomware and social engineering.
AI not only enables the creation of deep-fakes, support for social engineering scams, but is also used to improve intelligent malware and even crack passwords, as the expert certainly explains.
Recent reports from Europol indicate an increase of over 40% in AI-driven cyber-scams over the past two years, highlighting the urgency of proactively addressing this issue. Identifying AI-driven scams is a complex challenge, requiring recognition of patterns and methods used by algorithms to exploit vulnerabilities.
To minimize risks, Armellini suggests regular pentests on corporate networks, combined with system maintenance with professionals trained to apply the necessary updates.
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Decisive change
While consultancies such as Gartner and IDC point to AI as the main problem of 2024, it can also be the solution for Information Technology next year. IDC's FutureScape report highlights that “AI Everywhere” will affect technology decisions in organizations focused on expanding digital business.
Armellini emphasizes that, although technology has improved cybercrimes, it is also a strategic tool for data protection, and can change behavioral paradigms.
In short, cybersecurity in 2024 presents itself as a field of imminent challenges and necessary innovations. Furthermore, the advancement of artificial intelligence brings with it not only threats, but also potential solutions for data protection and threat detection. Of course, the complexity of these challenges demands proactive approaches, such as constant system updates and vigilance against AI-driven scams.
However, while the risks are evident, technology also offers tools to mitigate threats. Ultimately, this reinforces the importance of strategies that adopt proactive and preventive approaches. Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge. It is also a field that is constantly evolving, requiring continuous adaptation to face the unpredictable scenarios that arise. Surveillance and innovation must go hand in hand to protect data and ensure digital security in this ever-changing scenario.
