2024 Will Bring Increased Threats and Hacks to Organizations and Individuals

Antonio Rentero,
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Top cyber threats for 2024 include engineering tricks targeting large language models (LLMs) and new “Vishing” tactics.

WatchGuard Technologies has shared its “Cybersecurity Predictions for 2024,” outlining the emerging trends and threats that the WatchGuard Threat Lab research team anticipates for the coming year.

These predictions highlight several issues, including engineering tricks targeting large language models (LLMs), an increase in security service offerings by managed service providers (MSPs) with highly automated platforms, and new “Vishing” tactics incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)-based voice chatbots.

According to Corey Nachreiner, chief security officer at WatchGuard Technologies, “With the continued cybersecurity skills shortage, the need for MSPs, unified security and automated platforms to bolster cybersecurity and protect organizations has never been greater.”

Top Cybersecurity Predictions for 2024

According to the WatchGuard Threat Lab report, these cyber threats include the following:

  • Large Language Model (LLM) Engineering Tricks: The growing adoption of LLMs to increase operational efficiency will be exploited by threat actors. A malicious engineer is expected to manipulate an LLM to leak private data.
  • Duplication of security services with automation: Faced with growing demand and talent shortage, MSPs and MSSPs are expected to duplicate their efforts in unified security platforms with strong automation using AI and ML.
  • Rise of AI-enabled phishing tools on the Dark Web: An increase in the sale of AI-powered phishing tools on the Dark Web is anticipated, leveraging automation to conduct more effective attacks.
  • AI-based Vishing: The combination of deepfake audio and LLMs capable of holding conversations could drive vishing (voice phishing) calls on a larger scale without the need for human involvement.
  • Virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) headset hacks: Researchers or hackers are expected to find ways to collect sensor data in VR/MR headsets to recreate user environments.
  • QR code-related hacks: The widespread use of QR codes could lead to notable hacks in 2024, especially when employees follow QR codes to malicious destinations.

These predictions underscore the importance of preparedness and proactive cybersecurity measures, considering the ever-changing tactics and strategies of cybercriminals.