One of the most significant changes in the cybersecurity landscape this year is the introduction of new regulations designed to enhance the resilience of organisations, particularly in critical sectors. Two major frameworks that businesses need to be aware of are the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2).

DORA, primarily targeting the financial sector, aims to ensure that financial institutions and their service providers are prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of ICT-related disruptions and threats. This includes not just safeguarding their own operations, but also assessing the resilience of third-party providers, such as cloud services and external IT contractors. In practice, DORA requires companies to adopt a more structured approach to monitoring and mitigating risks, including mandatory cyber resilience testing and robust incident reporting procedures.

NIS2, an update to the original NIS Directive, expands its scope to include more industries, from healthcare and transportation to energy and public administration. It mandates that organisations implement more stringent cybersecurity measures and report incidents in a timely manner. This directive also places greater emphasis on supply chain security, recognising that a weak link in any partner or vendor can lead to significant vulnerabilities. Companies covered by NIS2 will need to invest heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure and ensure continuous monitoring of their systems to remain compliant.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the cyber threat landscape, both as a tool for defence and as a powerful weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. On the defensive side, AI is being used to enhance threat detection, automate responses, and reduce false positives. However, the rise of AI-powered attacks poses an increasingly dangerous challenge.

One of the key concerns is AI-driven phishing attacks. These sophisticated campaigns can now leverage machine learning to craft highly personalised messages that are almost indistinguishable from genuine communications, making it harder for individuals to recognise phishing attempts. Additionally, AI-enhanced malware can autonomously learn from its environment, adapting to evade traditional security measures like antivirus software and firewalls.

Another major concern is the role of AI in automating attacks. Attackers are now using AI algorithms to scan networks for vulnerabilities, enabling them to launch more frequent and targeted attacks at an unprecedented speed. AI can also be used to manipulate data, undermining the integrity of systems and causing widespread disruption.

To combat these emerging threats, organisations must not only deploy AI-based defences but also maintain a proactive cybersecurity strategy. This includes regular risk assessments, continuous monitoring, and investing in technologies that can detect and mitigate AI-driven attacks before they cause significant damage.

With the rise of cloud computing, remote work, and the increasing number of connected devices, securing endpoints and managing access controls have become critical components of a robust cybersecurity strategy. A failure to properly secure these areas can leave organisations exposed to data breaches, ransomware, and other cyberattacks.

Endpoint security refers to the protection of devices such as laptops, desktops, smartphones, and servers that connect to a network. As more employees work remotely or access corporate systems from multiple locations, securing these endpoints becomes increasingly challenging. Organisations should adopt Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, which provide real-time monitoring and can quickly identify and isolate threats before they spread across the network.

Meanwhile, Identity and Access Management (IAM) plays a crucial role in controlling who can access certain resources and data within an organisation. With the rise of Zero Trust Architecture, the traditional approach of trusting users once they are inside the network is no longer sufficient. In a Zero Trust model, no user or device is trusted by default, and every access request is thoroughly vetted. This approach includes using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), privileged access management, and ensuring that only the minimum necessary privileges are granted to each user.

Another key aspect of access control is the management of third-party access. Many cyberattacks have exploited vulnerabilities in third-party vendors or contractors with access to a company’s systems. Ensuring that external partners adhere to strict cybersecurity protocols is essential for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of a company’s defences.

The cybersecurity skills gap remains one of the biggest challenges for businesses in 2024. The demand for skilled professionals far exceeds the supply, leaving organisations vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated attacks. This shortage is driving up salaries for cybersecurity professionals and making it difficult for businesses to find the right talent.

As the cyber threat landscape evolves, so too do the skills required to defend against it. Companies are looking for professionals with expertise in AI and machine learning, cloud security, threat intelligence, and incident response. There is also a growing demand for talent who can navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance, especially in light of new legislation such as DORA and NIS2.

In response to these demands, many organisations are investing in upskilling their existing teams, providing training and certifications to ensure that their staff remain ahead of the curve. Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, and CEH are still highly sought after, but more specialised training in areas like cloud infrastructure security, AI-driven threat detection, and Zero Trust are becoming essential for modern cybersecurity teams.