Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats: Three Security Trends to Watch in 2024

• By Pascal Menezes
• Jan 24, 2024

In 2024, global cloud spending is expected to grow more than 20% as more organizations implement a cloud-first approach. As assets increasingly shift to hybrid and multi-cloud environments, security strategies will be top of mind while threat actors look for opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities across interconnected cloud deployments.

To strengthen cybersecurity postures, it will be important for organizations to pay attention to three trends: prioritization of cloud security, unification of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and demand for visibility and threat intelligence.

Prioritizing Cloud Security in a Cloud-first World
Cybercriminals are continually developing new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructures and becoming increasingly more sophisticated in carrying out malware attacks in cloud environments. Organizations need to continue to examine attacker targets and identify vulnerabilities that attackers can potentially exploit.

Increasingly, organizations are using SASE to protect their cloud infrastructures and converging networking and security into a unified cloud-native platform. With SASE enterprises can connect and govern access across complex hybrid ecosystems with centralized visibility and control.

Cloud-delivered security will be key to securing a multi-cloud landscape. This integrated approach enables the ability to secure distributed users, devices, and networks from anywhere as clouds multiply. It will also allow organizations to reduce potential attack surfaces and empower security managers to shift their focus to directing the security strategy for the company instead of managing day-to-day operations.

Organizations should evolve security postures from fragmented security solutions to the centralized visibility and control certified SASE solutions deliver to shut these cybercriminals down.

SASE and MDR Unification
Organizations will seek comprehensive security solutions that seamlessly integrate SASE principles with MDR capabilities, a Security-as-a-Service offering that enables outsourcing of security operations. As network traffic moves through SASE, it provides a solid foundation for the security stack, as well as visibility and observability into the traffic, making SASE a key part of cybersecurity.

As organizations look to extend threat detection capabilities and continuously monitor the network, MDR is also a key part of the security stack. MDR is only a piece, but it is clear that SASE makes MDR more effective and responsive.

The convergence of SASE and MDR aims to provide a unified and efficient security service, addressing various aspects of threat detection, response, and secure network access. By combining these technologies, enterprises can achieve a more cohesive and streamlined security posture in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Enterprise Demand for Visibility and Threat Intelligence
There is a growing demand among enterprises for enhanced visibility and threat intelligence.

Organizations recognize the critical importance of observability in cybersecurity, seeking advanced tools and solutions to gain deeper insights into their digital landscapes. This trend is not limited to internal operations; enterprises are also emphasizing the sharing of threat intelligence across the industry.

Collaboration through forums, advisory boards, and industry councils becomes paramount as businesses strive to collectively strengthen their cybersecurity posture against evolving threats. This proactive approach reflects a broader shift toward a more interconnected and collaborative cybersecurity landscape, driven by the imperative of staying ahead of sophisticated cyber adversaries.

These trends highlight the clear necessity for organizations to evolve from fragmented security solutions to unified and strategic approaches. The interconnected nature of these shifts underscores the need for collaboration, innovation, and a collective commitment to staying ahead of cyber threats. As we navigate the complexities of cybersecurity in 2024, the integration of these trends will not only harden defenses but pave the way for a more resilient and collaborative digital future.