Guest post by Sean Tickle, Cyber Services Director, Littlefish
It’s an interesting time in the cyber world. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is accelerating rapidly. Cyber criminals are becoming more imaginative and imperceptible. Quantum computing is gaining ground on encryption. The skills gap remains ever-present.
The landscape offers up huge potential but also great risk. Therefore, organisations need to get ahead of the curve in 2025, or face falling behind the competition and putting their future at risk. Here are the 7 cyber trends companies should keep sight of in 2025…
Adversarial Attacks
AI isn’t new, but it is becoming more widespread and sophisticated with more advancements and applications discovered each day. As well as being used by businesses to automate and innovate, it is also being used in cyber attacks across various sectors. From helping threat actors write code to manipulating or poisoning company data, the role of AI in the area of cybersecurity will take centre stage in 2025.
Dangerous Deepfakes
In a similar vein, AI-driven deepfakes will become more prominent. It is no longer just fake images, but also fake videos and audios which can lead to the spread of disinformation. That’s not to mention how these can be used to launch more targeted, sophisticated and convincing phishing attacks. Organisations need to ensure they are equipped with the technologies and skills to combat weaponised AI.
Agentic AI
On a more constructive note, AI innovations will enable more efficient content creation, deliver more inclusivity, and support more decision-making processes over the next 12 months. Agentic AI models with deep learning systems will come to the fore, however companies will have to address any signs of bias and inaccuracy, whilst ensuring transparency and quality of processes.
Quantum Computing
It seems that we are fast approaching the moment when quantum computing is so advanced and powerful that it will have the ability to compromise the encryption systems that secure digital information. Known as “Q-Day”, this could have a catastrophic impact on the security of critical infrastructure, including banks and financial institutions. The lesson? Safeguard data and systems now.
Legacy Leftovers
Even in 2025, legacy system vulnerabilities and inefficiencies will remain as blockers to productivity and success. It is important that all businesses review their IT infrastructure, identifying areas of improvement and implementing technologies that not only remove challenges but support their 2025 objectives – be that enhancing security, empowering staff, or reducing costs.
Cybercrime-as-a-Service
With greater competency and technology, the world of cyber criminality has irreversibly changed. Cyber crime is no longer a side hustle but a full-time career. It has become more accessible and Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) systems mean that almost anyone can access a range of malicious services, from botnet rentals to distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Compliance Chaos
Almost every industry is being impacted by increasing regulation and compliance standards. Coupled with the fact that there are more networks and systems to monitor, companies are likely to struggle to meet requirements. In turn, they could leave themselves vulnerable to both financial and reputational consequences. Whilst that is a somewhat unknown possibility, organisations certainly need to prioritise compliance.
Each year, technology evolves. This brings opportunities for businesses but can also create obstacles. On one hand, AI can be exploited, unreliable, and dangerous. On the other, it can be supportive, productive, and innovative. Similarly, regulations may be difficult yet could be a differentiator. To be successful, companies need to carefully develop and implement their IT and cyber strategy, otherwise they may only see the obstacles.
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