As 2024 rapidly approaches, it’s clear that in order to keep your business afloat in the modern world, you need to stay up to date with the constantly evolving technological trends. Cloud hosting and cybersecurity have emerged as indispensable assets for organizations across industries, and in all likelihood, will continue to be just as important in the new year. Here are some potential developments regarding cybersecurity and cloud hosting that you should pay attention to in the new year.
Cybersecurity in 2024
2024 may bring these three prominent factors that stand poised to define the cybersecurity landscape:
- Generative AI: The increasing popularity of generative AI (GenAI) has the potential to introduce a new wave of sophisticated and intelligent AI-powered cyber-attacks. GenAI can facilitate the automated generation of malware variants, which could evolve to defy traditional security measures. As a result, the use of GenAI by hackers propels us into an ever-changing battlefield that requires user vigilance and innovative cybersecurity strategies. As organizations take advantage of the power of AI, hackers will leverage its capabilities for criminal purposes, placing us in a virtual arms race.
- Attacks on The Internet of Things (IoT): The rise of cyberattacks on the Internet of Things (IoT) poses a unique challenge to individuals and organizations alike. Defined as the interconnected network of devices sharing data, like a smart TV or watch, the IoT’s exponential growth opens new avenues for cyber threats. Unfortunately, when manufacturers are creating these devices, online security is often not top of mind and hackers have started to take notice. Acknowledging this, the cybersecurity landscape anticipates more sophisticated AI-driven attacks targeting IoT ecosystems. To counteract these evolving threats, continuous developments in security measures have become commonplace, with some coming as government mandates.
- A New Pillar in Cybersecurity: Governance in cybersecurity has emerged as a guiding force to steer businesses through the new year. Governance is a comprehensive framework encompassing policies, processes, and structures designed to oversee and manage an organization’s cybersecurity initiatives strategically. Moving beyond tactical security measures, governance provides a strategic guide to protect information, assets, systems, and sensitive data. With governance defined as the framework of policies and practices that ensure cybersecurity alignment with organizational goals, it serves as the fifth pillar of cybersecurity, alongside network security, application security, cloud security, and endpoint security.
Businesses need to be aware of these trends to stay safe online in 2024. When hackers utilize generative AI, organizations face a heightened risk of falling victim to innovative and tailored cyber-attacks, potentially leading to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. The same goes for utilizing under-protected IoT devices in their day-to-day lives. Implementing governance in your cybersecurity strategy allows you to foster a proactive, risk-aware culture by implementing comprehensive policies and practices. With governance, you can effectively mitigate cyber risks, protect sensitive data, and build trust with clients and partners. It not only shields against potential threats but also positions the organization to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Cloud Hosting in 2024
Cloud hosting consists of remote servers, networks, and resources hosted in a data center accessible from the internet. Traditionally, organizations would host applications on physical servers located at their specific premises, but with cloud hosting, you pay a provider to host your application through a data center operating on their hardware. This method offers a more flexible approach than traditional methods and could be just what your company needs to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. So, what are some developments we might see in 2024 regarding cloud hosting?
- Hybrid and Multi-Cloud: Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, which are implemented to optimize performance, enhance flexibility, and achieve cost-efficiency. The term ‘hybrid cloud’ refers to the synergistic integration of public and on-premise cloud resources[JS1] , enabling organizations to strike a balance between scalability and control. Multi-cloud models are characterized by leveraging services from multiple different public cloud providers, which offers businesses resilience against vendor lock-in and prevents redundancy in operations. According to one study, by 2024, more than 75% of large enterprises will be running a hybrid or multi-cloud environment.
- AI and Automation: As cloud hosting technologies continue to evolve, so does the role AI will play when shifting to a cloud-based infrastructure. AI and automation are set to revolutionize operations across various fronts. From data analysis, security fortifications, and resource optimization to continuous monitoring and management, AI and automation will be instrumental in enhancing the overall efficiency of cloud infrastructure. AI-driven insights enable cloud environments to dynamically scale resources based on demand. Automation ensures that scaling processes are seamless and immediate, allowing businesses to adapt swiftly to changing workloads without manual intervention. Additionally, AI and automation streamline routine and repetitive tasks, which frees up additional resources for more complex responsibilities. Routine tasks such as backups, updates, and patch management can be automated, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that systems are always up-to-date and secure. According to IDC, AI-enabled user interfaces will replace one-third of today’s screen-based applications by 2024, highlighting the impact AI will have on user interactions and system workflows within cloud environments.
Proper knowledge and understanding of these trends are essential for businesses to utilize the full potential of cloud hosting technology. In a landscape where one-size-fits-all solutions fall short, understanding and adapting to the nuanced dynamics of hybrid and multi-cloud environments become crucial. Additionally, the integration of AI and automation is becoming commonplace for businesses that implement cloud hosting, as they not only increase efficiency but also fortify your cybersecurity position.
Contact us Today
2024 is right around the corner, and keeping up to date with the upcoming trends regarding cloud hosting and cybersecurity can be the difference maker between staying ahead of the curve and falling behind it. By aligning your cybersecurity and cloud hosting strategies with the current direction of the industries, you’re ensuring that you and your business are prepared for whatever 2024 throws your way. To review your cybersecurity and cloud strategies for 2024, make sure to contact SWK today.