Cybersecurity Strategies for Today’s Risks

Google Cloud’s 2024 Cybersecurity Forecast Report predicted that advances in generative AI would make waves in cybersecurity. It was right. Generative AI brings new security challenges and opportunities for businesses of all kinds. But it is not the only cybersecurity challenge at play this year. Along with “new school” generative AI, old standards are still in the game, and mobile threats are on the rise.

Here is what you need to know about three of the biggest trends in cybersecurity and how to mitigate them.

1. Opportunities + Challenges of Generative AI

Generative AI can enhance cybersecurity within organizations. It can significantly improve threat detection and response by identifying patterns and anomalies more quickly through Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) tools. This technology helps organizations that may be understaffed enhance their existing toolset.

However, companies should be cautious not to rely too heavily on AI. While it offers substantial benefits, over-reliance can lead to risks, including biases and limitations in decision-making. Cody Tyler, Managing Director of EXOS CYBER advises,

“It’s essential to combine the use of generative AI together with human expertise to ensure effective security measures while remaining vigilant against its misuse by bad actors. As the generative AI cybersecurity market continues to grow, organizations should carefully, but optimistically incorporate this technology to enhance their defenses against evolving threats.”

2. Mobile Cybercrime

Companies continue to adopt hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, making mobile access critical to operations. As a result, mobile cybercrime becomes a bigger threat as smartphones become more necessary to operate on a day-to-day basis.

Bad actors target mobile devices due to the sensitive information they contain, employing tactics such as malware infections, phishing attacks and malicious apps. Common signs to be aware of include rapid battery drain, device slowdowns and unexpected changes in settings.

With the rise and need for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, organizations must recognize that mobile security is more than a personal issue but a critical concern that impacts overall cybersecurity. To mitigate these risks, even though it seems cumbersome, users should adopt strong authentication methods, install apps only from trusted sources, and regularly update their devices. Companies can also assist in user awareness by deploying user training on a regular schedule and by keeping them aware of current events in mobile security.

3. “Old School” Attack Methods

Phishing, sleeper botnets and other “old school” attack methods seem like they would fall out of favor with new generative AI options. However, these all remain highly effective in today’s cybersecurity landscape. Despite advancements, traditional attack channels like phishing and botnets continue to pose significant threats because they continue to produce results.

For example, phishing attacks remain one of the most common and successful ways for attackers to gain initial access to systems and networks. User education and basic security hygiene are critical defenses. While sophisticated security tools are important, educating employees about phishing and maintaining strong basic security practices – such as regular patching, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and email filtering – are critical for protecting against these ongoing threats.

How to Mitigate Risks

Organizations should focus on creating a security-aware culture and implementing fundamental security controls. Companies can start today by making these cybersecurity changes:

• Employee Training and Awareness: Users are still considered one of the single biggest threats to an organization’s cybersecurity posture. Keeping those same users involved and aware is key to keeping the environment safe. Training employees to spot phishing attempts pays off. Our EXOS CYBER team conducted a client’s cybersecurity training over a two-month period. The simulated phishing campaign to test users following the training saw just a 2% click rate – a significant decrease from before the training. Working with EXOS CYBER gives organizations the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled, credentialed professionals to train and overcome similar challenges
• Software Updates and Antivirus Protection: Ensure your network has a reliable Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution. Along with that, it is important to know that the devices on your network are up to date. That means one thing: patch.
• Network Security and Access Controls: Your network needs to be secured with adequate firewalls and hide appropriate networks as needed. Then it is time to implement multi-factor authentication. MFA adds an extra layer of security to user accounts beyond just a strong password and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

We anticipate Google Cloud’s 2025 Forecast will include many of these same cybersecurity challenges as they continue to be refined with the help of generative AI. Companies can move from reactive to proactive cybersecurity with these elements in place.