Quantum computing
Quantum computers open up a new dimension in computing with unprecedented computing power. They can process data and solve highly complex problems in fractions of a second. In comparison, conventional computers would sometimes take years. The hope is justified that further ground-breaking progress will be made in this field.
Metaverse, Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)
The metaverse is a concept for creating an online universe in which AR, VR and reality meet. AR expands the real world, e.g. with overlays of digital information and visualisations. VR immerses us in a virtual world, e.g. for video games or simulations. These technologies are intended to create a new evolutionary stage of the internet that can be experienced independently of the two-dimensional screens of mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
5G
5G is slowly getting rolling here too. Faster internet, always and everywhere - that sounds great! But the advantages of 5G go far beyond that. Low latency and the ability to network even more devices are also included. This will be indispensable for IoT networks, connected machines, AR & VR, autonomous driving and various innovations.
Green IT
Everyone is talking about sustainable IT. Here, too, the carbon footprint must be significantly reduced and resources conserved. From more efficient systems to recycling - the pressure on companies to become noticeably more environmentally friendly in this area is increasing. We have already taken a closer look at this topic: IT blog - Green IT
Internet of Things (IoT)
The globally networked infrastructure is growing. Devices and machines are being connected to the internet. According to forecasts, IoT devices will double by 2030. The advantages? Efficiency, cost minimisation and productivity. But what is connected is also vulnerable. The IoT is also increasingly reaching previously isolated systems, such as the power supply or cars.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
A blog on technological trends without AI? Impossible! AI is already established in numerous industries, more than many people think. But AI needs to be ‘rounded off’ even further by combining it with pre-trained models, cloud computing and open source. According to Gartner, over 80% of companies will be using AI APIs and models by 2026. For example, AI in software development improves the productivity of developers and allows more time for strategic activities. This includes aspects such as conceptualisation, design, coding and testing.
However, commercially motivated cyberattacks are also being massively transformed by AI, as we have already highlighted in a separate blog: IT Blog - AI/ChatGPT. Social engineering in general, especially phishing, is being ‘developed’ to a new level. In the past, suspicious messages could easily be identified by spelling mistakes, poor grammar, lack of personalisation or obvious inconsistencies. AI can now, for example, mimic email correspondence completely authentically. But deepfakes or fraudulent calls are also increasingly becoming a problem. In general, AI can be used to automate entire attack campaigns. The good news: AI will also be helpful in defence, or already is. Anomaly detection, pattern analysis, intelligent authentication, automated incident response - the possibilities for proactive cyber security with AI are growing.
Cyber attacks
Speaking of cyber attacks, politically motivated attacks are also undergoing a transformation. Sabotage, infiltration, deletion, data theft, encryption, espionage, misinformation - anything that harms the opponent is welcome. Companies must take into account the possibility of becoming a target of ideological attacks that only want to cause damage.
One of the major ‘trends’ in cyber attacks is ransomware. It was already the biggest threat in 2023. In addition to encryption, there is also an increasing threat of data being published. This increases the pressure to respond to demands. In general, the trend towards more targeted, more sophisticated and faster attacks is unstoppable. Significantly larger attack scenarios are also becoming more likely. It now takes an average of 15 minutes for an attack to be launched after a new vulnerability becomes known.
IT security trends
The list of IT security trends is long. After all, there is a huge range of areas that need to be protected and secured. Regulations such as NIS2 will also bring various IT security aspects into additional focus. The entire market will continue to be dynamic. For this reason, we will only list the fundamental trends in cyber security and not analyse them in detail: holistic identification and proactive response in real time, vulnerability and vulnerability management, identity and security management, and security management. Vulnerability Management, Identity & Access Management (IAM), Security Awareness for the ‘human factor’, Offensive Security & Purple Teaming in combination with the continuous detection and improvement of vulnerabilities, Backup & Recovery, Patch Management, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) for the location-independent relocation of security functions to the cloud as secure access and endpoint protection.
Zero Trust
Zero Trust is an IT security trend to which we dedicate a separate section. However, zero trust is nothing new. The IT security concept has long been established in the USA, but is still in its infancy in Europe. After many years of educational work, it is finally being implemented here more often. Companies are spoilt for choice. Security solutions are a dime a dozen. 2024 will be characterised by targeted, holistic and expert support and integration of IT solutions. With a seemingly unlimited choice, depth is crucial - both professional and technical depth. A collection of individual solutions will not provide this depth, only all-encompassing security constructs from real experts.
Cloud
Also not new, but a ‘trend’ in this country, is the cloud. It is increasingly common to say ‘goodbye’ to hardware infrastructures. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service) are just some of the typical keywords for the change in mentality. Now at the latest, with the noticeable increase in operating costs, it is becoming more difficult to maintain in-house infrastructures, especially in an age of skills shortages. The alternatives are on a silver platter with the cloud and managed services.
Our tip:
Business managers now have a firm focus on new technologies or specific areas such as IT security. It's about time, because Europe and Germany are unfortunately often lagging behind in this area. But due to the diversity, dynamism and complexity of many trends, it is not enough to simply make money available. Investments and the implementation of modern technologies must be made in depth. At the latest when the trends are rooted in everyday life, this step is unavoidable for the sake of innovation and competitiveness, but also safety, efficiency and productivity. Don't put off your individual transformation too long, regardless of the aspect. If you need a technically profound partner to support you, save costs with managed services and relieve you with the highest level of expertise, there is only one right choice in 2024: DTS!
After all, our motto is ‘One Step Ahead’ for a reason.