At the start of every year, it is customary for cybersecurity professionals make predictions based on what they know in the industry. Here are my top 2025 Predictions:
- AI-Driven Attacks and Defenses: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to be a double-edged sword in cybersecurity. It will be used by attackers to automate and personalize attacks, such as creating highly targeted phishing campaigns. Conversely, organizations will leverage AI for advanced threat detection, predictive analytics, and automated responses to cyber threats. We saw this one coming early on. In fact, not long after ChatGPT was released, we saw clones quickly emerging in the criminal community unburdened by the controls that typically block the public ones from going bad.
- Quantum Computing Threats: As quantum computing advances, the potential for decrypting current cryptographic standards becomes a significant concern. Organizations will start transitioning to post-quantum cryptography to safeguard sensitive data against future quantum attacks. This sounds mundane, but it is terrifying. Those of us in the security space were watching closely (and nervously) when Google unleashed its new quantum chip at the end of 2024. Its staggering calculating power meant that if tweaked correctly, it could break encryption protocols. If that happens, there will be major problems across all sectors.
- Ransomware Evolution: Ransomware will evolve with more sophisticated methods like triple extortion, where not only the victim but also their partners and suppliers are threatened. The focus will shift towards high-value targets for potentially larger ransoms, and there will be an increase in attacks exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities. We have already started seeing these types of attacks starting early 2023. They will only increase in 2025.
- Increased Focus on Identity Security: With the rise of AI and the proliferation of machine identities, securing identity will become paramount. Identity-based attacks will be the leading cause of breaches, pushing for more robust identity and access management solutions. How do you know the CEO you are speaking to via Zoom isn’t an AI?
- Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture: The adoption of cybersecurity mesh architecture will grow, providing a more flexible and adaptable security ecosystem that can cover diverse environments, from on-premises to cloud and mobile. This will be key in addressing the increasingly distributed nature of digital infrastructures.
- Regulatory Changes and Compliance: New regulations will emerge around AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity, compelling organizations to adapt their security strategies to meet compliance requirements. This will particularly affect sectors like healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure. Cybersecurity will be pushed through compliance. Mark my words.
- Supply Chain and Third-Party Risks: There will be an intensified focus on securing supply chains as cybercriminals target third-party suppliers to access larger networks. Zero-trust models for vendor management will become more common to mitigate these risks. This has already proved to be highly effective. Watch for more supply chain attacks in 2025.
- Consumer Privacy and Data Protection: With generative AI being used for both benign and malicious purposes, there will be heightened privacy concerns. This will lead to increased use of VPNs and other privacy tools by consumers, alongside a push for better encryption standards.
- Cybersecurity Skills Shortage: The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals will continue to outstrip supply, prompting organizations to invest in automation, outsourcing to managed security service providers (MSSPs), and enhancing training programs for existing staff.
- Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity: Blockchain security, AI-driven security orchestration, and machine learning for insider threat detection will become more integrated into cybersecurity frameworks. The advent of deepfake detection tools will also be crucial in countering social engineering attacks.
- (Bonus): State Sponsored Cyber Warfare: Nation-state actors are expected to continue using cyberattacks as a tool for geopolitical influence. Do you think China’s recent attacks on the Treasury department or the telecom network will go unanswered? Expect escalation.
In Conclusion: Buckle up, 2025 is going to be a wild ride in terms of cybersecurity. Make sure your network, systems and cloud are protected. Backup your important data. Change your passwords frequently. Practice good cyber hygiene. Consider a cybersecurity audit. Stay vigilant and keep your head about you.