Staying ahead: 2024 Trends in Information and Cyber security
Amy Eikelenboom
Co-Founder at NAALA
Published on 4 January, 2024
By: Amy Eikelenboom – Co-Founder at NAALA
Published on 4 January, 2024
Although the word “trend” typically sparks your curiosity, when paired with “information and cyber security”, we encourage you to be vigilant and mindful of the challenges foreseen. The landscape of information and cyber security is ever-changing, and 2024 brings its own set of challenges.
First things first, let’s clarify the difference between cybersecurity and information security?
Although they are generally used in conjuction, they are not exactly the same. Information security refers to a set of controls and procedure aimed at ensuring the availability, integrity and confidentiality of information(systems) and, specifically, the continuity of your business by mitigating risks to an acceptable level. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, can be seen as part of information security since it specifically addresses the risks that arise from harmfull, generally, digital, threats, such as a cyber attack.
Cyber security threats on the rise in 2024
Being aware of the trends in 2024 will allow you to shield your company in the evolving cyber battlefield. As a fast-growing technology company, you know it’s not just about your product, but also about how you protect the data that powers them.
- Ransomware. The act of using malicious software to encrypt files and demanding fa ransom for restoring access is no longer limited to the tech-savvy. Commercialization has extended to the darker corners of the web, enabling any malicious mind to find a accomplice willing to make its digital hands dirty.
- Cyber-enabled fraud. New AI-enabled technologies amplify the threat of multi-channel social engineering, making the story they present you sound even more trustworthy.
- Information security burnout and beyond. A lack of resources draws the perfect picture for malicious attacks exploiting a fatigued workforce.
- Supplier-related attacks. Collaborations, integrations and other ‘ions’ that enhance your work may not only allow you to work better, but they introduce their own set of threats as this widens the attack surface for your solution or company.
- MFA Scams. While we typically rely on multi-factor authentication for secure online access management, scams are on the rise. Cybercriminals may obtain your login credentials and will send you a – what appears to be – MFA request.
How to shield your company in the Cyber battlefield
After reading these emerging threats you are probabely (and hopefully) wondering how to guard yourself. Picture this: your company is hit by randsomware just because someone clicked on a seemingly innocent email link. It only needs to happen once.
It is therefore time to bring in maybe another buzzword: ISO 27001. It’s not just a certificate you hang on your office wall or a checkbox on a customer’s requirements checklist. It’s your sentinel.
Utilize information security to address cyber security threats and beyond as your firewall won’t protect you if other ‘doors’ are left open.
ISO 27001 Basics
ISO 27001 is actually just a structured approach to securing your information taking into account threats arising from various parts of your organization as it covers, for example, your sales activities, suppliers, human resources and development. Imagine it as a superhero blueprint for your company’s data fortress.
2024 trends in ISO 27001 Implementation
Building on the cyber trends we’ve just discussed, let’s pinpoint specific opportunities and topics you might want to have a closer look at this year for effective counteraction.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity. Although it is mentioned as a way make threats more advanced, it can also be used as your security sidekick, identifying threats before they knock on your door.
- Supply Chain Security. As mentioned, suppliers are part of your ISO 27001 framework and activities as your company is not an island but connects to various other parties and their software. Use the ISO-framework to identify risks related to certain suppliers and ask the right questions before you start the collaboration.
- Enhance employee training and awareness. Your team is the first line of defense but the training you provide them is their armor. Be sure to provide your team ongoing training and regularly test their knowledge and response to threats.
Kick-start or upgrade your ISO 27001 implementation
Are you ready to learn more about this international superhero blueprint? We have made an ISO 27001 implementation toolkit that seamlessly integrates in the tools you are already familiar with. Carry on working as usual, just a bit more secure and aware. Reach out and request a demo.
Questions? We are happy to discuss your specific case.
Related
The European Commission adopted a revamped cybersecurity directive: Network and Information System (NIS) 2 Directive. This directive succeeds an earlier NIS Directive (called NIS (1) in this blog), as cyber threats developed faster than organisations and legislation were prepared for.
ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security and describes how information can be secured in a process-oriented way. In principle, ISO 27001 is relevant to every organization, especially those that handle a lot of data.
Please note that all details and listings do not claim to be complete, are without guarantee and are for information purposes only. Changes in legal or regulatory requirements may occur at short notice, which we cannot reflect on a daily basis.