Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field, as new threats, technologies, and solutions emerge every year. Gartner, a leading research and advisory firm, has identified the top five cybersecurity trends that will shape the landscape in 2024, and that security leaders should be aware of and prepared for. These trends include generative AI, outcome-driven metrics, identity-first security, third-party risk management, and continuous threat exposure. Here are the details of each trend, and how they will impact the cybersecurity industry.

Trend 1: Generative AI – A Double-Edged Sword

Generative AI, or GenAI, is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, images, audio, and video, based on existing data and models. GenAI has many applications and benefits for cybersecurity, such as automating tasks, enhancing detection, and generating insights. However, GenAI also poses new challenges and risks, such as generating fake or malicious content, bypassing security controls, and increasing the attack surface.

According to Gartner, security leaders need to prepare for the swift evolution of GenAI, as large language model (LLM) applications like ChatGPT and Gemini are only the start of its disruption. Security leaders should collaborate with business stakeholders to support the ethical, safe, and secure use of GenAI, and to leverage its capabilities to augment security at an operational level. Security leaders should also monitor and mitigate the potential threats and attacks that GenAI can enable or facilitate, such as deepfakes, phishing, and impersonation.

Trend 2: Cybersecurity Outcome-Driven Metrics – A Bridge to the Boardroom

Cybersecurity outcome-driven metrics, or ODMs, are a new way of measuring and communicating the value and effectiveness of cybersecurity investments and strategies. ODMs enable stakeholders to draw a straight line between cybersecurity spending and the delivered protection levels it generates, using simple and explainable language that is understandable to non-IT executives. ODMs are central to creating a defensible cybersecurity investment strategy, reflecting agreed protection levels and priorities.

According to Gartner, ODMs are increasingly being adopted to bridge the communication gap between security leaders and the board and executives, who often have different perspectives and expectations on cybersecurity. ODMs help security leaders to align their cybersecurity goals and initiatives with the business objectives and outcomes, and to demonstrate the return on investment and the impact on risk reduction. ODMs also help security leaders to justify and optimize their cybersecurity budget and resources, and to identify and address any gaps or weaknesses in their cybersecurity posture.

Trend 3: Identity-First Security – A Shift from Perimeter to People

Identity-first security, or IFS, is a new approach to cybersecurity that puts people at the center of security design and operations, rather than devices or networks. IFS recognizes that identity is the new perimeter, as people access data and applications from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. IFS focuses on verifying and protecting the identity and access of users, customers, partners, and devices, using technologies such as multifactor authentication, biometrics, zero trust, and passwordless authentication.

According to Gartner, IFS is a shift from the traditional perimeter-based security model, which is becoming obsolete and ineffective in the digital age, where the boundaries between internal and external, trusted and untrusted, and physical and virtual are blurred. IFS enables security leaders to adapt to the changing and complex environment, where remote work, cloud computing, and mobile devices are prevalent. IFS also enables security leaders to enhance the user experience, customer loyalty, and business agility, by providing seamless and secure access to data and applications.

Trend 4: Third-Party Risk Management – A Growing and Critical Challenge

Third-party risk management, or TPRM, is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating the cybersecurity risks posed by third parties, such as vendors, suppliers, contractors, and partners, that have access to an organization’s data, systems, or network. TPRM is a growing and critical challenge for security leaders, as the number and complexity of third-party relationships increase, and as the regulatory and compliance requirements become more stringent and diverse.

According to Gartner, TPRM requires security leaders to adopt a holistic and proactive approach, that covers the entire lifecycle of third-party relationships, from selection and onboarding, to monitoring and termination. Security leaders should also leverage technologies and frameworks, such as cloud access security brokers, vendor security ratings, and shared assessments, to automate and standardize the TPRM process, and to improve the visibility and control over third-party risks. Security leaders should also collaborate with other functions, such as procurement, legal, and audit, to ensure alignment and consistency in TPRM policies and practices.

Trend 5: Continuous Threat Exposure – A New Reality and Mindset

Continuous threat exposure, or CTE, is the recognition and acceptance that an organization is always exposed to cyber threats, and that it is impossible to achieve or maintain a perfect or static state of security. CTE is a new reality and mindset for security leaders, who need to shift from a reactive and defensive posture, to a proactive and adaptive one, that anticipates and responds to the evolving and persistent threat landscape.

According to Gartner, CTE requires security leaders to adopt a risk-based and resilient approach, that prioritizes and protects the most critical assets and processes, and that enables the organization to recover quickly and effectively from any incidents or breaches. Security leaders should also leverage technologies and capabilities, such as threat intelligence, security orchestration, automation and response, and extended detection and response, to enhance their threat awareness and response capabilities. Security leaders should also foster a culture of security awareness and accountability, that empowers and educates all stakeholders on their roles and responsibilities in cybersecurity.