The year 2024 saw a surge in cyberattacks, with incidents ranging from ransomware attacks on German hospitals to global IT disruptions caused by a ransomware attack on the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider Blue Yonder. Looking ahead to 2025, cybersecurity experts from Cybereason have outlined the key trends and challenges that the industry is likely to face in the coming year.
One major trend predicted for 2025 is the increasing use of Deepfakes by cybercriminals. While Deepfakes have been prevalent in areas like politics for some time, advancements in technology have now made them more accessible to mainstream cybercriminals. This poses a new challenge for industries like finance, which have incorporated voice recognition into their verification processes, as they may be vulnerable to sophisticated Deepfake attacks.
Another key prediction is the rise of mobile threats targeting Apple devices. Historically, users of Apple devices have been less susceptible to cyberattacks. However, with the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) allowing for sideloading of apps outside the App Store, it is expected that cyberattacks on iOS systems will reach new levels in 2025.
The resurgence of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) is also anticipated in the coming year, attributed to the global increase in conflicts. APTs, known for their persistence and ability to maintain long-term access to valuable data, are expected to remain a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape. Ransomware attacks have demonstrated the value of data, and the resilience of APTs allows for prolonged access to this valuable asset.
Furthermore, the development and deployment of Generative AI in offensive and defensive cybersecurity capabilities will be a focal point in 2025. As companies define governance models for Generative AI, these models are increasingly used in the cybersecurity sector, offering new opportunities for cybersecurity solution providers. However, the evolving applications of Generative AI also present new avenues for attackers to exploit, raising questions about who will leverage these advancements more effectively.
Additionally, the utilization of Big Data in cybersecurity practices is expected to grow in prominence in 2025. Companies are inundated with vast amounts of telemetry data, necessitating a shift towards better leveraging existing data through Generative AI. This shift in data collection, analysis, and contextualization will facilitate improved machine-readable data practices.
As regulatory requirements and laws continue to shape cybersecurity practices, incident response capabilities will be put to the test. Stringent regulations such as NIS2 and DORA demand accountability, verifiability, and swift detection and remediation of breaches. The ability of companies to meet these requirements in a timely manner will be crucial to compliance with these regulations.
Looking ahead, the cybersecurity landscape will witness evolving attack techniques and new threats associated with cyberwar and critical infrastructures. With the increasing digitization of critical systems, both cybercriminals seeking ransom and state actors engaging in offensive cyber warfare are expected to target critical infrastructure companies.
Moreover, the mental health and well-being of cybersecurity professionals will be a growing concern in 2025. The demanding nature of the job, coupled with the increasing complexity and volume of cyber threats, poses a significant risk to the psychological health of cybersecurity teams. Managing cyber stress and promoting a healthy work-life balance will be essential for cybersecurity leaders to ensure the effectiveness and well-being of their teams.
In conclusion, the cybersecurity landscape in 2025 is poised for further challenges and advancements, requiring a proactive and resilient approach to address the evolving threat landscape. Stay tuned for more developments in the cybersecurity space as organizations adapt to the changing cybersecurity landscape.