As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it brings an array of new cybersecurity risks that make it increasingly challenging for organizations to maintain security. In 2023, a staggering 78% of companies suffered data breaches that incurred significant financial losses, with this trend projected to escalate. The utilization of AI in cyber attacks is transforming the landscape, shifting our focus from small-scale hackers to state-sponsored entities, making AI-driven attacks a common occurrence.

This article discusses eight significant cybersecurity threats expected to emerge in 2024.

# 1. Narrative Attacks One of the most pressing threats for 2024 is the proliferation of narrative attacks that exploit disinformation. These malicious efforts aim to manipulate the truth or distort messages to undermine credibility and foster doubt. As technology advances, the speed and sophistication of these misinformation campaigns are increasing. Narrative attacks pose a unique risk as they seek to influence public opinion and behavior.

In 2024, with elections scheduled in 64 countries, these tactics are likely to be rampant. Nation-states may utilize narrative attacks to disrupt democratic processes and sow discord among the populace. A notable instance is the Russian state's use of narrative manipulation to incite political unrest related to the U.S.-Mexico border discussions.

By disseminating false information, these attackers aim to sway public perception and incite conflict, necessitating heightened vigilance from governments, organizations, and individuals as elections approach.

# 2. Deepfake Manipulation Deepfake technology is increasingly alarming due to its accessibility and low cost. Leveraging advanced AI algorithms, individuals can generate highly realistic audio and video that mimic real people.

The rise of user-friendly mobile applications has made it easier to alter appearances with minimal effort. Deepfakes can produce fraudulent identities that cybercriminals use for scams or ransomware attacks, leading to significant data loss and intellectual property theft.

Moreover, deepfakes have been weaponized to manipulate stock prices and tarnish the reputations of brands and individuals, impacting companies financially and straining their relationships with stakeholders. The proliferation of deepfakes makes it essential to develop advanced detection algorithms to identify and mitigate these threats.

# 3. Nation-State Espionage Espionage conducted by nation-states is increasingly reliant on advanced technology, including spy satellites. Data from the Council on Foreign Relations indicates that in 2022, 78% of cyberattacks by state actors were espionage-related, escalating to 82% in 2023. This trend underscores the importance of safeguarding satellite technology.

Following Russia's attack on Viasat during its invasion of Ukraine in April 2023, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission urged the White House to recognize space as critical infrastructure. Vulnerabilities in satellite systems have been highlighted by German researchers, emphasizing the need for robust security measures.

With the rapid advancements in satellite technology and an anticipated increase in the number of satellites from approximately 6,718 to potentially 58,000 by 2030, ensuring their security from cyber threats is imperative.

# 4. Software Supply Chains Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting software supply chains, particularly commonly used open-source packages. By embedding malicious code in AI software, attackers can wreak havoc and demand ransoms. Various actors, including nation-states and cybercrime syndicates, exploit software supply chains, often the weakest link in an organization’s defenses. Alarmingly, around 91% of businesses experienced software supply chain attacks in just one year.

To counteract these threats, organizations must enhance their protective measures across all components of the software supply chain, ensuring security throughout the development process.

# 5. Artificial Intelligence The rise of AI technology presents new threats that organizations must navigate. As AI tools grow more sophisticated, they provide attackers with enhanced capabilities for system manipulation.

Current AI technologies can identify and exploit vulnerabilities within computer systems, facilitating large-scale phishing and disinformation campaigns. This raises significant concerns regarding specific AI techniques, such as prompt engineering and injection, which can be employed to retrieve sensitive data.

With the increasing integration of AI applications in various sectors, the likelihood of such attacks rises. Organizations must remain vigilant, identifying vulnerabilities and adapting to more convincing fraud schemes.

# 6. Social Engineering Social engineering remains one of the most perilous methods employed by cybercriminals, leveraging human error rather than technical flaws. Hackers often find it easier to deceive individuals than to breach advanced security systems.

Attackers use social engineering tactics to gather employee information and login credentials, frequently employing phishing and email impersonation. These deceptive emails can appear authentic, making it challenging for individuals to recognize the threat.

With the assistance of AI, these scams can become even more sophisticated, as attackers craft convincing messages and identify optimal targets. Given that social engineering exploits human trust and judgment lapses, it continues to be a significant threat to both businesses and individuals.

# 7. IoT Attacks The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in homes and businesses has created numerous security vulnerabilities. The interconnected nature of these devices facilitates data exchange but also exposes them to potential cyber threats.

Many users lack the necessary cybersecurity practices to secure their IoT devices, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. This vulnerability, coupled with the growing number of IoT devices, has led to a surge in attacks, with hackers exploiting weaknesses to steal data or gain unauthorized control.

To mitigate these risks, users must adopt best practices for securing their devices, such as regular software updates and strong password usage.

# 8. Configuration Mistakes Even the most advanced security systems can suffer from configuration errors, which can be detrimental. A study conducted by Rapid found that 78% of external penetration tests identified exploitable misconfigurations, highlighting the vulnerabilities within security frameworks.

Experts predict that in 2024, cybercriminals will increasingly target hybrid and multi-cloud environments, seeking to exploit configuration errors. Organizations must prioritize securing their cloud resources, managing identities carefully, and continuously monitoring for suspicious activities.

This article is published on Generative AI. Connect with us on LinkedIn and follow Zeniteq to stay informed about the latest developments in AI.

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