Top Cyber Security Threats of 2024 and New Year Resolutions for a Safer 2025

Year in Review: Top Cyber Security Threats and New Year Resolutions

Discover the top cyber security threats of 2024, including ransomware, phishing, and insider risks. Learn essential New Year resolutions to protect your business and personal data in 2025. Stay ahead of cybercriminals with expert tips on pen testing, MFA, and more.

As we close out another year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the evolving landscape of cyber security and how businesses and individuals can strengthen their defences for the year ahead. 2024 brought significant changes to the digital world, and the threats we face continue to grow in both complexity and frequency. In this post, we’ll review the top cyber security threats of 2024 and highlight resolutions you can make to ensure a safer 2025.

Top Cyber Security Threats of 2024:

Ransomware Attacks:

The HSE ransomware attack of 2021 may now feel like a distant memory but ransomware remains one of the most prevalent threats. Attackers continue to target organisations of all sizes, demanding hefty ransoms for decryption keys. In 2024, we saw a rise in "double extortion" tactics, where data is not only encrypted but also stolen, leaving companies vulnerable to both financial and reputational damage. Ticketmaster was the target of a cyber-attack, in May 2024 with hackers allegedly offering to sell customer data on the dark web.

Phishing and Social Engineering:

Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their phishing attempts, using AI-driven emails and messages that appear incredibly legitimate. Business executives, employees, and even personal email users were targeted through deceptive means, leading to breaches in sensitive data and financial losses. 

Insider Threats:

Whether intentional or accidental, insider threats are on the rise. Employees with access to sensitive information can either intentionally or unknowingly cause harm. With remote and hybrid working becoming the norm, the attack surface for insider threats has significantly expanded. Even the largest companies can become at risk, remember the 2023 article about Tesla?

Supply Chain Attacks:

Supply chain vulnerabilities were heavily exploited in 2024, with cybercriminals targeting trusted third-party vendors to gain access to larger organisations. These attacks often go undetected for long periods, making them especially dangerous.

IoT Vulnerabilities:

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has expanded attack vectors. Many IoT devices have inadequate security, making them easy targets for hackers. As more devices become connected, ensuring their security is more important than ever.

New Year Resolutions for a Safer 2025:

Invest in Pen Testing:

Penetration testing is a crucial step in identifying vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. Make it a resolution to schedule regular pen testing to ensure your organisation’s defences are up to date. Book your free pen test consultation today.

Enhance Employee Training:

Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility. Invest in regular security awareness training for employees to recognise phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics. Empowering your team with knowledge is a key defence against attacks.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance security is by enabling MFA across all systems. If you haven’t already, make 2025 the year to implement this additional layer of protection.

Review and Update Security Protocols:

Regularly review your organisation's security policies, protocols, and software updates to ensure you're prepared for new threats. Cybercriminals are always evolving, so staying ahead is crucial.

Backup Your Data:

Ensure that your data is backed up regularly and securely. In case of a ransomware attack or any other data loss event, having a reliable backup system can minimise disruption.

As cyber threats continue to escalate in both scale and complexity, it’s clear that the landscape of cybersecurity will evolve in 2024. In addition to the trends discussed, we can expect more stringent cybersecurity legislation from both the Irish and UK governments, aimed at protecting national security and the economic stability of both nations. Businesses will need to not only assess their internal security measures but also evaluate the practices of their partners and suppliers to ensure comprehensive protection against cyber risks.

As the digital threat landscape becomes increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial for organisations to stay ahead of emerging threats by continually evolving their security strategies. Traditional security measures will no longer suffice, and adapting to new challenges will require innovative and proactive approaches.

To learn how Systembypass.ie can help safeguard your business from ever-growing cyber threats, get in touch with our experts today.