Multi-Pronged Cyber Threats in 2023 Set Stage for Escalating Nation-State Zero-Day Attacks in 2024

Google Cloud's 2024 Cybersecurity Predictions and 2023 Threat Review

Key Cybersecurity Threats of 2023

Multi-faceted extortion and zero-day exploitation were the most significant cybersecurity threats in 2023 according to Google Cloud analysts.

Ransomware remained prevalent despite a slight decline in attacks. The most common ransomware strains were LockBit, Clop, and ALPHV. Most incidents started with stolen credentials obtained through brute force or phishing.

Manufacturing was disproportionately impacted by ransomware attacks. Stolen credentials were increasingly sold on data leak sites, with Q3 2023 seeing the highest volume since 2020.

Zero-day exploits also surged to a new high of 89 in 2023. Most zero-days came from nation-state actors, followed by financially-motivated criminals.

Google Cloud's 2024 Cybersecurity Predictions

Google Cloud expects escalating zero-day attacks by nation-states and cybercriminals in 2024. Zero-days help attackers stay hidden once inside a network.

China may focus on zero-days and botnets to support espionage in high-tech industries like semiconductors. Meanwhile, Russia will continue campaigns related to Ukraine.

North Korea has developed software supply chain attack capabilities to steal cryptocurrency. Their attacks will likely broaden in 2024.

Extortion actors will concentrate on stealing credentials and selling them on data leak sites. Movement between cloud environments will also increase as hybrid cloud adoption grows.

Generative AI's Current and Future Impacts

In 2023, attackers and defenders both utilized generative AI for disinformation campaigns. This will persist through the 2024 election cycle.

AI could potentially scale up attacks by supporting ransomware negotiations. However, generative AI is unlikely to create its own malware in 2024.

While hypothetical threats exist, professionals should not overreact to generative AI capabilities. The technology does not yet enable an overwhelming revolution in cyber attacks.

Hot Take

With predictions of escalating zero-day exploits, supply chain attacks, and disinformation, organizations must strengthen core defenses like patching, credentials, and cloud security. Multi-layered protection remains the best way to reduce risk despite advancing AI capabilities on both sides.