2024 Security and Compliance Year in Review
For years, ransomware has dominated the headlines as the most prominent and costly cyber threat to organizations worldwide. However, 2024 marked a shift—artificial intelligence (AI) has officially taken center stage. From AI-powered cyberattacks to emerging AI risk frameworks, organizations are navigating a rapidly evolving security landscape shaped by technological advancements, regulatory pressures, and emerging risks.
In this year-end review, we’ll explore the trends that defined cybersecurity and compliance in 2024, including the rise of AI risks, new compliance frameworks, and key regulatory moves that are shaping the future.
AI Risk Becomes a Reality
AI isn’t just transforming business operations—it’s also reshaping cybersecurity threats. Malicious actors are leveraging AI to launch more sophisticated and scalable attacks. From AI-generated phishing emails that are indistinguishable from legitimate communication to deepfake attacks targeting organizations’ employees and systems, the risks have never been greater.
At the same time, AI is being used to strengthen defenses through automated threat detection and response. However, the dual-edged nature of AI has raised new concerns about governance, ethics, and compliance, forcing organizations to rethink how they manage AI risks.
Key takeaway: In 2024, AI threats became more tangible, and businesses must balance innovation with proactive risk management strategies to stay protected.
Emerging AI Frameworks Take Center Stage
The growing adoption of AI has accelerated the need for clear guidelines and frameworks to govern its use. In 2024, emerging frameworks such as ISO 42001 and the HITRUST AI Security Assessment gained momentum, providing businesses with much-needed structure for managing AI risks.
These frameworks emphasize transparency, ethical AI development, and accountability—critical for building trust with stakeholders and mitigating regulatory risk. Organizations that invest in aligning their AI practices with these frameworks are positioning themselves to stay ahead of both security threats and regulatory scrutiny.
What to watch for: AI frameworks will continue to evolve as regulators and standards bodies respond to rapid advancements in AI technologies. Businesses should prepare for increasing demand for AI-specific audits and certifications in 2025.
CMMC Is Finally More Than Just a Concept
In 2024, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) took a significant leap forward with the release of its final rule, streamlining cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors. Designed to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), the updated program reduces complexity by consolidating five assessment levels into three.
Under the new framework, businesses can self-assess at Level 1 for basic FCI protection and at Level 2 for general CUI protection when appropriate, while Level 3 requires a more rigorous Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC)-led evaluation to defend against advanced persistent threats. By aligning with NIST SP 800-171 and SP 800-172, CMMC provides clear, actionable guidelines for safeguarding sensitive information and enforces accountability through annual affirmations and reporting obligations.
Key takeaway: With CMMC moving into implementation, defense contractors—especially small and medium-sized businesses—must act now to align their cybersecurity practices with these updated, risk-based standards.
The SEC Raises the Stakes for Cybersecurity
In 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stepped up its role in cybersecurity. Publicly traded companies are now required to disclose significant cybersecurity incidents and outline their cybersecurity governance practices.
The new rules reflect a broader trend of regulatory bodies recognizing cybersecurity as a critical business risk that demands board-level attention. For organizations, this means enhanced reporting requirements and an increased focus on demonstrating robust cybersecurity programs.
Key impact: Businesses that treated cybersecurity as a top-line issue were better prepared to meet these new demands, while others faced challenges navigating the heightened scrutiny.
As we close out 2024, one thing is clear: the cybersecurity and compliance landscape is evolving faster than ever. From AI-driven risks to emerging frameworks, and increased regulatory pressures, organizations face a new set of challenges—and opportunities.
The key to success in 2025 will be proactive preparation, adaptability, and a commitment to strengthening security and compliance programs. For organizations looking to stay ahead, partnering with trusted advisors can simplify the complexities and ensure you’re ready for whatever comes next.
Is your organization prepared for the next wave of security challenges? Let’s talk about how you can strengthen your cybersecurity posture in 2025.