Google Cloud security predictions for 2024: how AI will reshape the cybersecurity landscape

Google Cloud's "Cybersecurity Forecast 2024" report provides an in-depth analysis of the cybersecurity landscape for the year ahead. This study, based on current signals and emerging trends, uses the term "forecast" rather than "prediction" to underline the strength of its conclusions. Expert teams from Google Cloud, including Mandiant Intelligence, Mandiant Consulting, Chronicle Security Operations, the Office of the CISO, and VirusTotal, contributed to the report. These groups are regularly engaged in dealing with the latest and most significant attacks, and the report aims to provide strategic guidance to security practitioners to meet the challenges of 2024.

AI and enhanced attacks: Scale phishing and disinformation operations

One of the report's key predictions concerns the use of generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) and large language models (LLMs) to improve and scale phishing campaigns and disinformation operations. With the help of gen AI, phishing content will become increasingly difficult to distinguish from legitimate content, thanks to correct grammar and cultural context. Additionally, disinformation attacks could leverage deepfakes and other advanced techniques to make fake news more credible, undermining public trust in online information. This phenomenon could further complicate relationships between companies, governments and the general public.

Adoption of gen AI by defenders: enhancing detection and response

As attackers leverage new technologies to strengthen their attacks, cyber defenders are also adopting gen AI to improve threat detection and response. The report highlights how AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data and derive actionable insights, reducing workload and closing the skills gap. AI technologies will also make it possible to synthesize customer-specific information and take meaningful actions more quickly. This shift represents a major transformation for organizations leveraging AI for security purposes, assisting them in managing the threat overload and talent shortage in the industry.

The “Big Four” and other global threats: Geopolitical activities and forecasts

The Google Cloud report analyzes in detail the activities of the major geopolitical players known as the "Big Four" (China, Russia, North Korea and Iran) and predicts that they will continue to pose a major threat in 2024. Their operations will include espionage , cybercrimes and disinformation campaigns with specific objectives. Furthermore, attacks targeting elections in the United States and Europe, as well as the Paris Olympics, are considered particularly relevant. The report also highlights the increase in hacktivism operations and the high threat of disruptive attacks globally. Emerging trends include the growing use of zero-day vulnerabilities and attacks targeting edge devices, further complicating the defense of cyber infrastructures.