Everything an FSO Needs to Know About Security Trends in 2024
It’s no secret that the security industry is an ever-evolving field, with new threats and challenges emerging each year. 2023, for instance, saw some key changes within defense contracting, like the sunsetting of legacy background check systems (DISS), a continuing focus on cybersecurity, and pressures for contractors to digitally modernize tech stacks. Similarly, we expect 2024 to see ongoing transformation.
As crucial leaders in industrial security, compliance, and clearance management, facility security officers (FSOs) should stay up-to-date on trends that could impact their facility. Anyone working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the intelligence community knows the sensitivity of the information involved, which doesn’t just impact your organization but our national security interests.
Continuing upon our 2023 article, here are eight security industry trends FSOs should know for 2024:
Emerging Security Technologies for 2024
Innovative software and hardware always transform the way we operate. Here’s where technology is shaking up the security world:
1. More AI, Less Manual Security
While artificial intelligence (AI) in facility security isn’t necessarily nuanced, we expect its use cases and prominence to expand as cybersecurity innovations grow in 2024. Some notable areas we see the technology deployed include:
- Auto-identifying threat patterns in a network or facility using behavioral analysis
- Auto-alerting personnel of potential security breaches
- Auto-generating content for contractors, such as proposals and technical documentation
- Auto-compiling information online for background checks
This is just scratching the surface!
What this means for FSOs
FSOs should embrace AI within their operation in 2024 to help automate repetitive tasks and interpret complex data sets — ultimately boosting security. Reach out to a digital transformation specialist to see where AI fits into your workflows.
2. Quantum Computing in Cryptography
Less understood than AI, quantum computing is slowly emerging in security. While the details are far too complex for one blog post, the gist is that more security tools will employ quantum cryptography to create nearly unbreakable cryptographic keys (such as when you send a secure email or store a password).
This contrasts traditional cryptographic tools that use basic algorithms for encryption, which have left them vulnerable to cyber threats like brute force attacks.
What this means for FSOs
FSOs should stay up-to-date with these developments to ensure their facilities employ the latest encryption tools to mitigate data security risks. As the use of quantum cryptography increases, the human security element will become more and more vital.
3. Deeper Focus on IoT Security
Internet of Things (IoT) devices are expected to rise in 2024 from 15.14 billion to 17.08 billion — adding complexity to networks worldwide. In security, this includes smart cameras to monitor entry points, smart locks to grant access to cleared personnel, and smart alarms to auto-alert personnel of security breaches.
IoT technology often lacks standardization since every device is built differently, making IoT security something you’ll need to focus on for the New Year.
What this means for FSOs
FSOs should consider the security and operational ramifications of adding IoT devices to the network. Consult with the experts and your IT staff to maximize ROI while maintaining a secure posture.
Managing Security in 2024
While the emerging security technologies for 2024 are fascinating, they’re only effective when paired with a solid strategy. Here are the 2024 trends for security management:
4. New / Updated Compliance Requirements
Compliance and system changes are business as usual for defense contractors. Some notable ones to put on your radar for 2024 include:
- New proposed security requirements for CMMC 2.0
- DCSA’s refined Security Rating Score (SRS) becomes active in 2024 (read full details here)
- NBIS is expected to be fully operational for background investigations; legacy systems will get sunsetted entirely by the end of 2024
What this means for FSOs
Don’t lose out on contracts or absorb hefty fines for non-compliance. Collaborate with regulatory security experts and develop a roadmap to meet the new requirements.
5. More Merging of Physical and Cybersecurity Functions
Traditionally, FSOs were mainly responsible for physically securing their cleared facility with surveillance, locks, visitor logs, armed personnel, and other onsite controls. Now, the industrial security and cybersecurity responsibilities have blended into one role. What does this mean for 2024?
A continued marriage between functions — making FSOs even more essential to defense contracting.
What this means for FSOs
FSOs should coordinate with all parties to ensure they have a robust security program that accounts for physical and cyber threats. Talk with your managed service provider (MSP), managed security service provider (MSSP), chief information security officer (CISO), and/or IT director to get a solid strategy in place.
6. Increased Need for Controls That Prioritize the User
In recent years, we’ve done a solid job of beefing up our technical controls, such as anti-virus, firewalls, networking monitoring systems, and, as mentioned previously, encryption tools. (see quantum computing up top). This has made users a top focus for delivering attacks.
In fact, human errors are the cause of 88% of all data breaches:
- They fall for phishing scams
- They use weak, easily breakable passwords
- They accidentally disclose sensitive information online or through email
Education is the true last line of defense!
What this means for FSOs
Invest in awareness training for your cleared personnel to ensure they don’t fall victim to a breach or mishandle sensitive data due to human negligence.
Machine learning (ML) tools are also becoming popular for adding layers to human security. For example, email security software with built-in ML can identify potential phishing attacks based on user behaviors and threat intelligence data — immediately notifying the user.
2024 Threat Intelligence Trends
As we adjust our controls, threat actors adapt their tactics. Here are 2024 threat intelligence trends you should know to protect your organization:
7. Rising Concern for Insider Threats
Insider threats have increased every year since 2020. Attackers from within have delivered costly blows to defense contractors via cyber attacks, espionage, and distribution of sensitive information.
2024 will be pivotal to see if we’ve done enough security-wise to reduce the rate of insider threats and take back our facilities.
What this means for FSOs
FSOs should include insider threat identification and reporting in their employee training. Additionally, provide resources for the Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3 requirements to ensure everyone is playing a role in keeping top-quality personnel in our nation’s most security-sensitive positions.
8. More Attacks That Focus on the Supply Chain
Sadly, one of the best cybersecurity innovations for 2024 is on the attacker side. In recent years, threat actors have realized that it is more efficient to go after third-party targets that can impact the entire supply chain rather than just one organization.
As defense contractors, you’re likely using a variety of software-as-a-service (SaaS) products for productivity, infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) systems for cloud storage, an MSP for IT and security support, and subcontractors for delivering work. All this connectivity and data sharing puts everyone at risk if just one company drops the ball on security.
What this means for FSOs
Properly vet all vendors, suppliers, and potential partners with whom you plan to do business. Make sure they follow any federal compliance set forth and have adopted a robust security program of their own.
Ready to Possess Your Facility Through Better Security Controls and Automation? MathCraft Can Help.
From emerging technologies to updated compliance requirements to the evolving threat landscape, constant change seems to be the only thing guaranteed in defense contracting — with 2024 being no exception. Luckily, the MathCraft suite of Industrial Security management tools can help you stay ahead of the curve!
Contact us today to learn how we combine visibility and automation into one industrial security software for FSOs to thrive. Whether you want to generate ad-hoc reports for your next audit, protect yourself from insider threats, manage onsite visitors in real-time, or provide cleared personnel with a self-service reporting option, we have tools for you!