The Future of Cybersecurity: 6 Changes We Might Not Like

It’s the year 2040 — the cyberthreat landscape has changed almost entirely in the last 15 years. With quantum computers and human-esque AI, the internet has become rife with cyber booby traps…

Rewinding to 2024, the seeds of this future scenario have already been sown.

If we examine the current cybersecurity ecosystem and its rising threats, it’s possible to make predictions about where we’re heading.

So, in today’s article, we’ll do just that…

Strap in as we analyze the modern threat landscape and speculate on the unknown future of cybersecurity.

The Future of Cybersecurity: 6 Things You May Not Expect

#1. AI-Based Chatbots Fueling Polarization

Beginning with the release of OpenAI’s Chat-GPT, the world entered a chatbot frenzy. Operating on a limited database of information, chatbots make one fatal mistake — telling users exactly what they want to hear.

A John Hopkins-led team of researchers found that chatbots reinforce the user’s pre-existing biases. In the future, political divides and polarization over controversial issues will be exacerbated by chatbots.

#2. Phishing Joins Forces with AI

As one of the first cyber scams, “phishing” continues to evolve and remain relevant in the cybersecurity landscape. This evolution is almost entirely due to the incorporation of AI into phishing tactics.

Since the release of Chat-GPT in November 2022, Enea reported a 1265% increase in vishing, smishing, and phishing attacks. The newest forms of phishing include:

• Smishing: Phishing attempts perpetrated over SMS.
• Vishing: Voice-call phishing, often using imposter deepfake voices.
• Image phishing: Click on the wrong image and be linked to a phishing site.
• QR-based phishing: Taken to a phishing site through a fraudulent QR code.

#3. Quantum Computing Powering Both Sides

Quantum computers continue to defy expectations. As they become more powerful, so will cyber attacks. While quantum computers will inevitably strengthen cybersecurity, the opposing cyber threats will too.

Our current standard of encryption will be child’s play for this future era of quantum-powered hacks. On the other hand, this new technology will allow for “quantum encryption”, which will be a lifeline amid these imposing threats.

#4. WiFi Routers Identify Your Position in Your House

Three researchers at Carnegie Mellon University discovered a shocking new way to use the radio signals from a WiFi router. The researchers use a method called DensePose, which can map 3D human poses from a 2D photograph or video.

A small video showing how DensePose works:

DensePose: Dense Human Pose Estimation In The Wild (CVPR 2018 Oral)

Instead of using images, the team fed the DensePose model WiFi radio waves. Just by accessing the radio waves from a router, the model could identify the location and poses of humans in the room.

Preventing this loss of privacy in the future will require a VPN download for PC. Effective WiFi encryption will be the only way to ensure you aren’t being spied on through your router.

#5. Cyber Warfare at the Forefront of New-Age Wars

In this hypothetical future, it’s likely that wars will rarely include gunfire but rounds of destructive cyberattacks. Countries will gather and train their best hackers to be used as new-wave infantry in future wars.

Cyber wars will carry more significance than ground warfare, as more destruction can be done remotely.

• Populations are becoming hyper-dependent on internet services.
• Military and governmental infrastructure will all be online.
• Cyber wars are significantly cheaper than ground wars.
• Cyber weapons can be bought from anywhere in the world.
• As countries become digitally interconnected, a single attack could devastate multiple countries at once.

#6. Skills Shortages in Cybersecurity Become a Critical Issue

The cybersecurity industry is growing fast, and so too is the number of professionals operating in this field. Unfortunately, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing even faster.

In 2023, close to 40% of respondents identified a lack of personnel as their biggest challenge in conducting a cyber risk assessment.

Heading into the foreseeable future, cybersecurity roles will become sought-after, but the skills gap may not be bridged. Yet, if we can offer desirable wages and accessible training, the cybersecurity skills gap may become a relic of the past.

Wrapping Up

After our little trip along Doomsday Lane, it’s important to understand the variable nature of cybersecurity. The predictions made here are based on current trends and may not represent the actual future of cybersecurity.

Nevertheless, the looming issues of skill shortages, AI-based phishing, and cyber warfare are likely to play a starring role in the future cybercrime landscape.

One question remains: are you prepared for this future of cybersecurity?

About Author