What We Saw in Web Security in 2024 and What We Can Do About It

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2024 was a defining year for web security, marked by some of the most sophisticated cyber threats we’ve seen. As businesses continued shifting to web-based work environments – relying on SaaS platforms, cloud-based application, remote work and BYOD policies – attackers increased their focus on browsers, exploiting vulnerabilities faster than ever before.

The rise of AI-powered attacks, Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) and Zero-day vulnerabilities that focused on the web has made it clear that a new approach to browser security is needed. Traditional endpoint, SaaS or email security solution alone – are no longer enough. In response, advanced browser security solutions and browser isolation technologies became must-haves for businesses aiming to secure their digital workplaces. ​(CIO Influence)​.

AI-Powered Phishing and RaaS: The Shifts That Defined 2024

What made AI-driven attacks so alarming in 2024 was the sheer sophistication of phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals used Generative AI to craft phishing attempts that were nearly indistinguishable from legitimate communication. With 89% of browser-based threats coming from phishing (GlobeNewswire), attackers targeted individuals and businesses with frightening accuracy, easily bypassing traditional filters.

The rise of RaaS in 2024 pushed the threat of japan whatsapp number data ransomware to new heights. In the first half of 2024, the average extortion demand per ransomware attack was over $5.2M. That number includes the record victim payment of $75 million to Dark Angels gang (trmlabs, Forbes). It’s not just payments that have accelerated: attacks have grown more complex with new ransomware strains, advanced techniques, and the rapid expansion of RaaS. Healthcare and government sectors were hit hardest with two-thirds (67%) impacted by ransomware this year, averaged in $2.57M (Sophos).

The Ever-Present Danger of Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

In 2024, zero-day vulnerabilities surged in browsers like Chrome and Edge, revealing the increasingly sophisticated tactics attackers use to exploit unpatched systems. Chrome, in particular, faced multiple high-severity exploits, including CVE-2024-7971, a flaw in its V8 JavaScript engine that enabled hackers to remotely execute malicious code, accessing corporate systems and sensitive data before patches were deployed. The impact was significant, with organizations relying heavily on web platforms experiencing operational downtime, data breaches, and costly recoveries. It serves as a reminder of the importance of having strong protection measures in place before these vulnerabilities are exploited. (truefort).

Generative AI: The Double-Edged Sword

GenAI platforms like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and others have revolutionized the workplace, but 2024 has also showed just how risky they can be when it comes to handling sensitive information. A recent report revealed that nearly 40% of employees admitted to sharing confidential business data with AI tools, often without realizing the risks involved (cybsafe). The ChatGPT security breach earlier in the year, exposed over 225,000 sets of credentials through malware attacks. In another incident, Samsung employees accidently leaked source code, internal meeting notes, and hardware data across three separate occasions​ within a month (wald). These events are a wake-up call for an urgent need for proper security protocols when integrating AI into business workflows.