Technological research and consulting firm Gartner’s 2024 cybersecurity trends highlight the rise of Generative AI (GenAI), employee behavior risks, third-party vulnerabilities, communication gaps, and identity-centric security approaches.
“GenAI is occupying significant headspace of security leaders as another challenge to manage, but also offers an opportunity to harness its capabilities to augment security at an operational level,” said Richard Addiscott, senior director Analyst at Gartner. “Despite GenAI’s inescapable force, leaders also continue to contend with other external factors outside their control they shouldn’t ignore this year.”
READ:
Zero Trust adoption is one of Gartner’s top cybersecurity predictions
Gartner: Cyber-related risks top worries for audit executives
The following six trends include:
1. Generative AI: While GenAI poses challenges, it also offers opportunities for operational security enhancements. Collaboration with stakeholders is key to harnessing its potential ethically and securely.
2. Outcome-Driven Metrics (ODMs): ODMs bridge the gap between cybersecurity investments and protection levels, enabling clear communication with non-technical executives. This supports informed decision-making and risk management.
3. Security Behavior and Culture Programs (SBCPs): Shifting from awareness to behavior change reduces human-related cybersecurity risks. By 2027, many enterprises will adopt SBCPs to minimize incidents stemming from employee behavior.
4. Resilience-Oriented Third-Party Risk Management: Focusing on resilience over front-loaded due diligence helps mitigate third-party cybersecurity incidents. Building strong relationships with external partners ensures ongoing protection of critical assets.
5. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM): CTEM evaluates asset accessibility and vulnerability on an ongoing basis, reducing breaches through targeted investments. Prioritizing vulnerabilities based on threat exposure improves overall security posture.
6. Identity and Access Management (IAM) Enhancement: IAM plays a crucial role in modern security, requiring a shift toward fundamental system hygiene and resilience. Strengthening IAM capabilities and integrating threat detection ensures robust security support.
These cybersecurity trends by Gartner emphasize proactive measures, strategic investments, and collaborative approaches to address evolving cybersecurity challenges in 2024.