As the digital landscape continues to evolve, DigiCert, a leading provider of digital trust solutions, has shared its strategic predictions for 2024, focusing on the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. These insights, discussed at the Trust Summit 2023, highlight the growing importance of digital trust in various sectors and the need for a shift towards quantum-safe cryptography.

Amit Sinha, CEO of DigiCert, emphasised the critical role of digital trust, particularly in the face of advancing artificial intelligence and its impact on cybersecurity. Sinha pointed out that 2024 will witness significant changes in cybersecurity due to AI's influence on cyberattacks, identity, and provenance. "This is also occurring at a time when companies will start transitioning their cryptography to quantum-safe algorithms," Sinha added, underlining the necessity of deeper investments in trust.

The conversation with Vishal Amin, General Manager of Security Solutions, Defense at Microsoft, at the Trust Summit 2023, highlighted a shared responsibility for trust. Amin noted, "When it comes to who's responsible for trust, we should all be asking: If not me, then who?"

Armando Dacal, Group Vice President APJ at DigiCert, highlighted the unique challenges faced by companies in the APAC region. With a surge in cyber attacks and a landscape marked by fragmented regulations and a pronounced cybersecurity workforce gap, Dacal underscored the importance of building robust digital trust as a key element of cybersecurity strategies.

DigiCert’s predictions for 2024 include:

1. Increasing Awareness and Investment in Post-Quantum Computing: Senior executives will deepen their understanding of post-quantum computing. A survey by the Ponemon Institute revealed that while IT leaders are aware of the risks associated with quantum computing, business executives lack this understanding. In APAC, only 19% of respondents currently have a strategy for addressing the security implications of quantum computing.
2. Content Authenticity: Identity and provenance will become crucial for verifying content authenticity. Last year, 72% of APAC organisations fell victim to identity-based attacks. In 2024, verified identity will be essential for trusting the source and authenticity of content.
3. Software Supply Chain Security: The software supply chain will incorporate trust at various stages, including inspections and providing Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) transparency. This is in response to the increasing number of cybersecurity breaches impacting over 50% of companies in the region.
4. IoT Trust in Real-World Applications: The Internet of Things (IoT) will see enhanced trust enabling real-world applications, such as EV chargers and medical devices, through secured identities and operational checks.
5. Rise of Chief Digital Trust Officers: These officers will play a key role in aligning digital trust investments with business objectives, becoming a critical part of executive teams.
6. Proliferation of Zero Trust Architecture: Driven by the principle of "never trust, always verify", zero trust architecture will replace traditional network-based trust models. This shift is backed by Forrester data indicating that 71% of APAC business and technology professionals plan to adopt zero trust edge in the next 12 months.

These predictions from DigiCert highlight the evolving digital landscape and the increasing importance of building and maintaining trust in the digital domain, especially in the APAC region. The focus on quantum-safe cryptography, identity verification, and the integration of trust into business strategies marks a significant step towards a more secure and reliable digital future.