As AI rapidly advances, we witness the emergence of increasingly sophisticated AI-driven attacks. These encompass deepfake social engineering schemes and adaptive, intelligent malware designed to elude detection. Simultaneously, AI aids in threat identification, mitigation, and response through real-time anomaly detection, intelligent authentication, and automated incident handling.

In the cyber arena of 2024, likened to a chess game, AI assumes the role of the queen, bestowing those who master it with potent strategic advantages. Who is the master today?

The core tenet of zero trust, 'always verify,' undergoes transformation as systems grow in complexity and security integrates with business strategy. Zero trust, which dispels the notion of a secure perimeter for network activities, now extends its reach beyond corporate networks to encompass remote workers, partner organizations, and IoT devices within the evolving threat landscape. So how can organizations take zerotrust from theory to successful reality? What does this journey with no final destination look like?

In 2024, zero trust evolves from a purely technical network security model into an adaptive and comprehensive approach, empowered by continuous AI-driven real-time authentication and continuous activity monitoring.

We humans—and notably in this case—your fellow employees, play a key role in building trust and security within your organization. They interact with your systems and data multiple times every day, giving them multiple opportunities to either protect or create vulnerabilities for your security efforts. Even those organizations that recognize the role of employees in protecting their systems and data often fall back on tech jargon in their communications.

What does it take to shift the focus of your data security efforts from technology to people?