As 2024 has finally come to a close, it is clear once we look back that this year has been pivotal for the cybersecurity landscape. Throughout the year, SWK Technologies has consistently provided insights into the most impactful cybersecurity stories each month, breaking down their significance for both businesses and average consumers.
This past year saw not only major advancements in defensive technologies combating cyber-attacks but also a surge in sophisticated cyber threats. From large-scale breaches to the evolution of artificial intelligence in hacking, 2024 was a year to remember in infosec. Here is a quick look at some of the most significant cybersecurity developments last year and what they mean for the future.
High-Profile Security Incidents
This past year brought a series of high-profile security incidents that served as stark reminders of the risks businesses face. One of the most notable was a huge security breach which affected major platforms. In early 2024, researchers uncovered a massive 12-terabyte dataset, exposing 26 billion leaked accounts linked to platforms like LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Dropbox. This breach affects organizations worldwide posing ongoing risks like identity theft and corporate attacks. Businesses are urged to proactively monitor unusual activity, including phishing attempts and abnormal network traffic to mitigate potential threats.
Another major event was the CrowdStrike Windows outage, which made national news this summer. In July 2024, a faulty CrowdStrike update caused widespread disruptions, crashing Windows systems globally and grounding planes in the U.S. while halting trains in the U.K. The issue, tied to the Falcon Sensor product, was not specifically a cyberattack, but a malfunction requiring manual fixes for each affected system. Although mitigations are underway, the incident impacted CrowdStrike’s reputation and stock value, highlighting the need for downtime preparedness.
Even unexpected sectors faced challenges, as seen in the Krispy Kreme cyber incident this year, which disrupted online orders and negatively impacted the company’s financial outlook. In November 2024, a cyberattack disrupted the popular donut chains online ordering in parts of the U.S., though in-person sales and deliveries remained unaffected. The breach was anticipated to impact the company’s operations and financial performance as it works with cybersecurity experts to recover. Following the incident, Krispy Kreme’s stock (DNUT) fell by 3%, adding to a 35% loss for the year.
These incidents reinforce the need for businesses to invest in penetration testing and other measures to uncover and address weaknesses before they are exploited.
The Rise of AI in Cybersecurity
Artificial intelligence played a transformative role for cybersecurity in 2024, reshaping both offensive and defensive tactics. Cybercriminals increasingly leveraged generative AI to create realistic phishing emails, voice calls, and video messages, making scams harder to detect. Artificial intelligence was also used to automate ransomware operations, create adaptive malware, and refine social engineering tactics.
Security professionals responded in kind, using AI for real-time threat detection, predictive analytics, and automated incident response. However, businesses must remain vigilant by training employees to recognize phishing warning signs and adopt proper online etiquette with programs like SWK’s Security Awareness Training. Emphasizing these practices, along with tools like multifactor authentication, helps counter AI-driven attacks and keeps businesses secure.
Advancements in Cybersecurity Defenses
While attackers grew more sophisticated, 2024 also saw significant advancements in defensive strategies:
Zero Trust Adoption: Many organizations implemented zero trust models due to the rise in cybercrime throughout the year, emphasizing identity verification and multifactor authentication to secure hybrid and remote workforces.
Dark Web Monitoring: Businesses increasingly adopted tools to proactively identify compromised credentials and prevent account takeovers. Fortunately enough, SWK offers a Dark Web Monitoring service for companies looking to catch up with the latest tech.
Penetration Testing: Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) embraced controlled penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to uncover exploitable weaknesses, addressing gaps before attackers could exploit them.
These advancements reflect the growing importance of a proactive, multi-layered defense strategy for modern businesses.
Key Lessons Learned
2024 reinforced the need for a holistic approach to cybersecurity. Firewalls, endpoint protection, and multifactor authentication must be combined to create a robust, multi-layered defense. However, even the most advanced technologies cannot fully mitigate the risks posed by human error. Ongoing cybersecurity awareness remains essential to minimize these risks.
Collaboration between organizations, vendors, and government bodies emerged as another critical takeaway. This emphasizes the fact that cybersecurity is not an isolated effort but a collective one. Utilizing these unified strategies and shared best practices will be essential to counter the increasingly complex threat landscape that develops year after year.
Stay Informed with SWK
SWK Technologies offers comprehensive services, from dark web monitoring to secure cloud hosting, ensuring your organization is prepared for the future. The events of 2024 underscore the dynamic nature of cybersecurity, requiring vigilance, innovation, and adaptability. As businesses prepare for 2025, they should reflect on the lessons learned and strengthen defenses against emerging threats. Regular assessments, penetration testing, and leveraging the expertise of a trusted cybersecurity provider like SWK can help businesses stay ahead. Contact us today to build a resilient cybersecurity strategy and safeguard your business in the evolving threat landscape.