Top Technology Predictions For 2024 By Global Leaders

Covering a spectrum of advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and the evolving landscape of quantum computing, global leaders share their top tech predictions in 2024.

The technological landscape of 2024 is poised for transformation, driven by a convergence of disruptive forces. From the creative capabilities of Generative AI to the strategic imperative of sustainability in AI model building, and the once-fictional realm of quantum computing opening new possibilities, the technology sector is set for profound changes.

AI journeys from theory to practice

Nick Otto, Head Of Global Strategic Partnerships At IBM, expressed that GenAI dialogue will witness is shifting from training infrastructure and cost to inference and cost of operation in a recent interview with Dinis Guarda.

“As we move into 2024, we will see the first wave of GenAI enterprise projects reach levels of maturity that will expose important dimensions of GenAI not yet understood in the early phases,” says John Roese, Global Chief Technology Officer of Dell Technologies.

Cybersecurity ensures organisational resilience

Zeki Turedi, CTO Europe at CrowdStrike, predicts a convergence of IT and security teams within enterprises as new threats blur the lines between their responsibilities.

“This convergence is particularly timely and necessary as singular threats now simultaneously target both infrastructure and security, demanding a unified response. By fostering closer collaboration, sharing technologies and platforms, these once-disparate teams can combine their expertise to bolster defences against sophisticated cyber threats.”

Crafted for seamless integration with IT operations, these platforms offer real-time insights and automated responses to security incidents. This functionality aims to minimize response times and elevate the overall security posture of the system.

In response to the hybrid work environment, Chris Peake, CISO and SVP of Security at Smartsheet, foresees organizations adding extra layers to their zero-trust models. This includes role-based security and time-based access, with Generative AI playing a crucial role in strengthening data security.

According to Chase Cunningham from Dr. Zero Trust, micro-segmentation of networks, AI and machine learning integration, Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), comprehensive endpoint security, and alignment with regulatory compliance are the key components of the evolving Zero Trust framework in 2024.

Quantum Technologies in 2024

According to Liz Centoni, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer & GM of Applications at Cisco, the year 2024 is poised to witness the adoption of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) even before it attains standardisation. PQC is anticipated to emerge as a software-based approach, seamlessly integrating with conventional systems to safeguard data against potential quantum attacks in the future.

The adoption of PQC is expected to extend to browsers, operating systems, and libraries, with innovators exploring its integration into widely used protocols such as SSL/TLS 1.3, governing conventional cryptography. Furthermore, PQC is predicted to permeate enterprises, ensuring data security in the evolving post-quantum landscape.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), serving as an alternative or complement to PQC based on security and performance requirements, will also harness the capabilities of quantum networking. 

“Quantum networking will leverage quantum phenomena such as entanglement and superposition to transmit information. QKD as an alternative or a complement to PQC depending on the level of security and performance required, will also leverage quantum networking", says Liz.