2024 Cybersecurity Highlights

3 min read

This year, companies faced an unprecedented level of threat from cybercriminals. synaforce, an IT service provider and high-end data center solutions provider that has been successfully operating in the market since 2023, reviews the past year 2024 in terms of challenges, its own achievements, and anticipated trends in cybersecurity.

Key Takeaways

78% more data leaks: The number of published datasets on leak sites increased by 78 percent in 2024.
Ransomware dominates: It remains the biggest threat to companies of all sizes.
AI as a weapon: Cybercriminals are using generative AI to create highly sophisticated phishing emails and social engineering attacks.
NIS2 and DORA: New EU regulations are increasing pressure on companies to strengthen their cybersecurity measures.
Zero Trust is becoming established: The principle of “trust no one” is becoming standard in security architectures.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a concrete priority for companies in 2024 because it directly shapes scalable data center capacity, energy efficiency and compliance. This article uses synaforce as an example to show which requirements, figures and operational steps matter in practice.

According to the IT Security Situation Report by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), approximately 309,000 new malware variants were identified daily in 2024-a 26 percent increase compared to the previous year. Attacks targeting cloud systems, critical infrastructure (KRITIS), and mobile devices were particularly prominent. At the same time, cybercriminals further professionalized their methods, exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities and increasingly relying on modular attack tools such as Malware-as-a-Service. Another decisive factor influencing the threat landscape was advancements in artificial intelligence. Generative AI has made cyberattacks easier by creating convincingly realistic phishing messages, writing malicious code, or cracking passwords.

Regulatory developments also played a significant role. The NIS2 Directive, which establishes higher cybersecurity standards for critical sectors, was scheduled to be transposed into German law by October 2024. However, as of December 2024, the corresponding legislation had not yet been adopted, leaving uncertainty for businesses.

synaforce positions itself in 2024 as a trusted partner for advanced security solutions

In 2024, synaforce took decisive steps to strengthen its position as a provider of advanced IT security solutions. The goal was to offer customers comprehensive and secure services while aligning its own systems with growing challenges. A key milestone was the C5 certification by the BSI in March 2024. This confirms that synaforce’s cloud services meet the highest security standards and are specifically suitable for KRITIS customers.

In addition, synaforce prepared specifically for implementing the NIS2 Directive. Its existing certification base-including ISO/IEC 27001, ISAE 3402, and EN 50600-was further reinforced by the C5 certification. As a result, synaforce is well-equipped to support companies in complying with the tightened EU-wide minimum standards.

A further highlight was the strategic partnership with TEHTRIS. Together, the two companies unveiled the TEHTRIS XDR AI PLATFORM, a state-of-the-art, AI-powered security solution. It monitors all endpoints, networks, and cloud services in real time and centrally controls all security measures via an intuitive dashboard. Companies benefit from holistic protection, compliance assurance, as well as the solution’s modularity and flexibility. Managed service providers can use it to increase the efficiency of their security offerings and processes and expand their service portfolio with proactive Managed Detection and Response (MDR), without having to invest in expensive infrastructure themselves.

Modern data center with illuminated server aisles – article about cybersecurity and synaforce, section 1

Tobias Lehner, CTO of synaforce GmbH. Image source: synaforce GmbH.

“We are proud of what we achieved in 2024. However, the threat landscape shows just how important it is to consistently expand our position. 2025 will be another year of progress for us, during which we will further intensify our commitment to cybersecurity,” concludes Tobias Lehner, CTO of synaforce, with a clear summary of the year.

What Awaits Companies in 2025

Indeed, 2025 will present even greater challenges for the IT security landscape. Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging deepfake technologies to bypass voice recognition systems used in verification processes, for example. Industries such as the financial sector must develop new defense strategies to protect themselves against these advanced deception techniques.

Moreover, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are once again gaining attention. These threats are characterized by their long-term persistence and precision, making them a serious risk to organizations by granting attackers sustained access to valuable data. Critical Infrastructure Sector (KRITIS) companies are increasingly becoming targets.

In addition to these technological challenges, uncertainty remains regarding the final form of the NIS2 Directive. Although the deadline for implementing this EU-wide regulation has already passed, the legislative process in Germany is still delayed. Companies should not wait until the legal framework becomes clear-proactive measures will remain key to secure IT systems in 2025.

Modern data center with illuminated server aisles – article about cybersecurity and synaforce, section 2

Andreas Braidt, CEO of synaforce GmbH. Image source: synaforce GmbH.

“The threat landscape was already immense in 2024, and it is unlikely to improve in 2025. Our collective resilience will be crucial in addressing ever-more complex risks. The implementation of the NIS2 Directive plays a decisive role here. synaforce actively supports companies with comprehensive consulting services, as well as through the planning and execution of targeted measures aimed at minimizing cyber risks and establishing sustainable security strategies,” says Andreas Braidt, CEO of synaforce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the biggest cyber threat in 2024?

Ransomware remained the dominant threat. Attackers encrypt company data and demand ransom payments. Hospitals, local governments, and small to medium-sized enterprises were particularly affected. The attacks have become increasingly sophisticated thanks to AI-powered techniques.

How has AI impacted the threat landscape?

Cybercriminals are leveraging generative AI to craft flawless phishing emails in any language, create convincing deepfakes for CEO fraud, and launch automated attack campaigns. At the same time, cybersecurity firms are using AI to detect and defend against threats-a true technological arms race.

What does NIS2 mean for companies?

The EU’s NIS2 Directive requires a significantly larger number of organizations to implement cybersecurity measures, comply with reporting obligations, and establish robust risk management frameworks. Company executives can face personal liability. In Germany, an estimated 30,000 businesses will be affected starting in 2025.

Which trends are emerging for 2025?

Zero-trust architectures are becoming standard practice, AI-driven detection is complementing traditional security solutions, supply chain security is gaining importance, and EU regulations such as NIS2 and DORA are driving increased investment in cybersecurity.

What should companies prioritize now?

Update incident response plans, train employees, implement zero-trust principles, regularly test backups, and ensure compliance with NIS2. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, should consider engaging external cybersecurity service providers.

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Source of cover image: Pixabay / AhmedAlMaslamani