Looking Back to Move Forward: Key Cybersecurity Takeaways from 2024

As we move further into 2025, it’s essential to look back at the cybersecurity landscape of 2024. This past year was marked by high-profile breaches, rapid technological advancements, and evolving threats—each serving as a crucial reminder of the ever-changing nature of cyber risks. By analyzing these events, we can draw valuable lessons to fortify defenses and avoid repeating mistakes in the year ahead. In this blog, we’ll review the most significant cybersecurity moments of 2024, the key takeaways, and how businesses can build on these insights to prepare for a more secure and resilient 2025.

2024’s Notable Cybersecurity Highlights

High-Profile Cyberattacks

• Cybersecurity Threats to Government Infrastructure: In May 2024, the hacker group “DeathNote” launched a highly destructive cyberattack that compromised sensitive data from 31 government and private entities across the Philippines. The breach exposed a range of personal, financial, and government-related information, sparking widespread concern over the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. This incident underlines the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks to prevent such large-scale breaches in the future.

• Financial Systems at Risk: In 2024, fintech giant Finastra, which supports many of the world’s largest banks, disclosed a significant cyberattack. This breach impacted financial operations and exposed critical data, underscoring the growing risks faced by financial institutions. The incident highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard sensitive financial systems and prevent future disruptions in the fintech space.

• The Healthcare Sector Under Siege: In 2024, the United Nations highlighted the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting healthcare systems globally. These attacks not only disrupted patient care and compromised sensitive medical data but also led to significant financial losses for healthcare organizations. The rising impact underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical health infrastructure.

• Cybersecurity Crisis Hits Education: In 2024, a cybersecurity breach within the Philippine Education Ministry exposed over 210,000 records, including sensitive personal and tax information of students. The incident serves as a stark reminder that educational institutions remain prime targets for cyberattacks. It underscores the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity posture to protect students and sensitive information from increasing digital threats in an ever-expanding online environment.

Patch Management and Update Challenges

• Zero-Day Vulnerabilities on the Rise: Zero-day vulnerabilities saw significant exploitation in 2024, becoming a favored tool for cybercriminals targeting enterprise systems. These vulnerabilities, often exploited before patches are available, were used in sophisticated attacks across various sectors. The rise in zero-day exploitation prompted increased efforts in vulnerability management and rapid patch deployment.

• Widespread IT Outage from CrowdStrike Update: In July 2024, a routine update from CrowdStrike caused a significant IT outage, impacting multiple organizations and leading to disruptions across Windows-based systems. The issue stemmed from a logic error in a CrowdStrike Falcon sensor configuration, which affected millions of devices. The incident highlighted the critical need for thorough testing of updates and strong contingency planning to avoid operational downtime and mitigate potential risks to cybersecurity.

Emerging Trends

• AI in Cyberattacks and Defense: 2024 witnessed AI being leveraged for both offense and defense in cybersecurity. Attackers used AI to craft sophisticated deepfakes and manipulate narratives in fake news campaigns, while financial fraud surged with AI-powered scams. On the defense side, AI played a critical role in real-time anomaly detection and phishing prevention.

• Critical Infrastructure Attacks: In 2024, critical infrastructure became an increasingly popular target for cyberattacks. High-profile incidents like the American Water cyberattack and the BianLian ransomware attack on Boston Children’s Hospital highlight vulnerabilities in essential sectors. These attacks serve as a reminder that as industries become more interconnected, the risks to public safety and national security grow. The trend shows that securing operational technology (OT) and strengthening defense measures in these sectors must be a top priority to prevent widespread disruption.

Lessons Learned from 2024

1. Proactive Measures Are Essential: Organizations with robust threat intelligence programs identified risks faster and reduced recovery times. By implementing proactive strategies such as threat monitoring and incident response planning, businesses significantly minimized disruptions and stayed ahead of emerging threats.
2. Employee Awareness Is a Strong Defense: Phishing attacks often exploit human error, making continuous security training vital. Tailored education programs that evolve with emerging threats empower employees to serve as the first line of defense against social engineering tactics and cyber threats.
3. Critical Infrastructure Requires Immediate Attention: Attacks on healthcare and essential services in 2024 exposed the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Strengthening cybersecurity in these sectors is no longer optional—it is a vital step in protecting public health, safety, and national security.
4. Swift Action on Zero-Day Threats Is Crucial: The increasing number of zero-day vulnerabilities in 2024 demonstrated the urgent need for rapid patch deployment and vigilant vulnerability management. Any delay in addressing these weaknesses leaves systems exposed to fast-moving and sophisticated cyberattacks.

Securing the Future in 2025

Invest in Proactive Cybersecurity

• Partner with top-tier cybersecurity providers like Secuna to gain access to advanced technologies and specialized expertise.
• Regularly review and upgrade security infrastructure to proactively address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Train and Educate Employees

• Implement ongoing training to ensure employees can recognize phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.
• Establish clear reporting protocols so employees can quickly escalate suspicious activity, minimizing potential damage.

Back Up Critical Data Frequently

• Automate data backups to ensure consistency and reduce the risk of human error during manual processes.
• Store backups securely offsite to protect data from both cyber incidents and physical disasters.

Regularly Update and Patch Software

• Maintain a routine patch management schedule to address vulnerabilities and reduce exposure to cyber threats.
• Prioritize critical patches to quickly mitigate risks from newly discovered exploits.

Create and Test an Incident Response Plan

• Define clear roles and responsibilities within the plan to ensure a coordinated response during a crisis.
• Regularly test the plan through drills to ensure readiness and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

2024 reinforced the ever-present truth that cybersecurity is not just an IT issue but a business imperative. The key takeaways for organizations are clear: prioritize proactive security measures, address vulnerabilities swiftly, and foster a culture of awareness. Businesses that embrace proactive cybersecurity strategies, like regular threat assessments and comprehensive employee training, position themselves to stay ahead of evolving threats.

As we navigate into 2025, the commitment to “Security First” will differentiate resilient businesses from vulnerable ones. By learning from the past and investing in robust strategies, businesses can not only protect their assets but also build trust with their stakeholders.

Want to make sure you have a safe, more secure year ahead? Collaborate with us now!