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Nokia 2024 Predictions: How 2024 will shape up in cybersecurity

vmblog-predictions-2024 

Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2024.  Read them in this 16th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.

How 2024 will shape up in cybersecurity

By Jitin Bhandari, VP, Cloud and Network Services Technology at Nokia

Each passing year comes with evolution, especially in the world of cybersecurity. New technologies emerge, threat landscapes shift, and regulations tighten. As we look to a new year, it becomes imperative for communications service providers (CSPs) to anticipate their own needs. While there are many challenges and opportunities within the cybersecurity landscape, organizations will need to invest in cutting-edge technologies, adapt to new cryptographic standards, and align with regulatory requirements to be better positioned to navigate this ever-evolving world.

GenAI - Driving fundamental changes to the threat landscape

In 2024, we can expect AI to play an even more significant role in both defending against and perpetrating cyber threats. Generative AI, or GenAI, has been making waves in the cybersecurity industry. This technology is reshaping how organizations detect and respond to threats.

One of the significant advantages of GenAI is to expedite security incident forensics which speeds up cyber threat resolution time and quality. It will also help identify sophisticated attack techniques that traditional security tools might miss. Additionally, it empowers cybersecurity teams to proactively defend their networks and streamline their operations. However, it's crucial to recognize that malicious actors are also harnessing the same technology for multi-stage attacks which makes it essential for CSPs to establish a zero-trust architecture resistant to GenAI.

Ransomware on the rise

Malicious actors are using more sophisticated and targeted ransomware attacks against the telecom industry, leveraging zero-day vulnerabilities and the long cyber-criminal tradition of exploiting weak passwords to gain access to networks. In a recent GlobalData survey, more than two-thirds of CSPs cited ransomware as an area that needs substantial improvement for their security capabilities in 5G. To combat this, CSPs must implement multi-factor authentication and regularly back up their data to mitigate the impacts of a successful ransomware attack.

Embracing quantum-safe technology

By 2024, we will witness increased use of quantum-resistant encryption methods, which will withstand attacks from quantum computers and protect the future of our data. With the rapid advancements in quantum computing, the traditional cryptographic methods that protect our data are at risk - in particular, data security. CSPs rely heavily on these algorithms to protect their networks and sensitive data. Not investing in quantum-resistant encryption methods can impact customers as the telecom industry will not be able to offer secure digital communications and it can give hackers an opportunity to break the public-key cryptography that secures many IT systems today.

Investing in the research and development of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is essential in developing cryptographic algorithms that are believed to be secure against an attack by a quantum computer. The telecom industry must collaborate closely with cybersecurity experts and policymakers to establish standards and practices that protect against quantum threats.

Navigating the regulatory changes in telecom worldwide

Compliance is a driving force behind cybersecurity operations, and 2024 will witness a continued wave of country-specific regulatory changes, adding complexity to the cybersecurity landscape. New regulations like Europe's Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS 2), the UK Telecommunications Security Act (TSA), and other data protection laws are remodeling and strengthening compliance and reporting requirements. Organizations must adapt to the high expectations for reporting security incidents to regulators to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage.

Organizations that align their cybersecurity practices with emerging regulations gain a competitive advantage and build trust with customers and partners by demonstrating a commitment to data protection and privacy.

Looking ahead

As we set our sights on 2024, CSPs have a range of strategies available to navigate this dynamic landscape and be better prepared for the threats of the future. Staying informed, adopting innovative security approaches, and proactively addressing these challenges are key. For CSPs who lack in-house resources, collaborating with a trusted partner can bring valuable support to your security journey.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jitin Bhandari 

Jitin Bhandari is CTO and Vice President of the Cloud and Network Services (CNS) business group at Nokia. The CNS portfolio includes software solutions across core networks, orchestration, assurance, analytics & insights, security, private wireless (CSP and enterprise) and enabling 4G, 5G and IoT services for mobile, fixed and cable networks. Jitin leads software technology strategy and disruptive innovation for the mid & long-term horizon, accelerating transformation of networks, operations, analytics to cloud native, 5G and beyond.  Jitin is known as a communications visionary with end to end expertise of networks, operations and services with a unique ability of big picture strategic focus and proven ability to deep dive and execute. Jitin has 20+ years of experience in the software/IT/telecom industry and is based out of Austin, TX.

Published Thursday, November 09, 2023 7:35 AM by David Marshall
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