The global cost of a data breach last year was USD $4.45 million. This is an increase of 15%
over three years. As we step into 2024, it's crucial to be aware of emerging technology
threats. Ones that could potentially disrupt and harm your business.
Technology is evolving at a rapid pace. It’s bringing new opportunities and challenges for businesses and individuals alike. Not all technology is benign. Some innovations can pose serious threats to our digital security, privacy, and safety.
In this article, we’ll highlight some emerging technology threats to be aware of in 2024 and beyond.
Data poisoning involves corrupting datasets used to train AI models. By injecting malicious
data, attackers can skew algorithms' outcomes. This could lead to incorrect decisions in
critical sectors like healthcare or finance. Some actions are vital in countering this insidious
threat. These include protecting training data integrity and implementing robust validation
mechanisms.
Businesses should use AI-generated data cautiously. It should be heavily augmented by human intelligence and data from other sources.
The widespread adoption of 5G technology introduces new attack surfaces. With an
increased number of connected devices, the attack vector broadens. IoT devices, reliant on
5G networks, might become targets for cyberattacks. Securing these devices and
implementing strong network protocols is imperative. Especially to prevent large-scale
attacks.
Ensure your business has a robust mobile device management strategy. Mobile is taking over much of the workload Organizations should properly track and manage how these devices access business data.
Quantum computing, the herald of unprecedented computational power, also poses a threat. Its immense processing capabilities could crack currently secure encryption methods. Hackers might exploit this power to access sensitive data. This emphasizes the need for quantum-resistant encryption techniques to safeguard digital information.
AI, while transformative, can be manipulated. Cybercriminals might exploit AI algorithms to spread misinformation. They are already creating convincing deepfakes and automating phishing attacks. Vigilance is essential as AI-driven threats become more sophisticated. It demands robust detection mechanisms to discern genuine from malicious AI-generated content.
AR and VR technologies offer immersive experiences. But they also present new
vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals might exploit these platforms to deceive users, leading to
real-world consequences.
Ensuring the security of AR and VR applications is crucial. Especially to prevent user manipulation and privacy breaches. This is very true in sectors like gaming, education, and healthcare.