Cybersecurity Trends Business Owners Need to Know in 2025

Date: 14 January 2025

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Cyber security threats and the technology to combat them is evolving at an unprecedented pace. While cyber threats are growing more sophisticated everyday, tools for defending against them are also matching pace. In 2025, organisations and individuals must remain vigilant to protect sensitive data and critical systems.

Here are some of the trends to watch out for in 2025.

Third-Party Risk Management

One of the most pressing cybersecurity challenges today is managing risks associated with third-party vendors. Companies are increasingly relying on external services to streamline operations, but this introduces more security vulnerabilities.

Take, for example, the CrowdStrike incident. This widely publicized breach involved third-party software and disrupted emergency services, law enforcement, and aviation sectors, creating chaos that led to over $5 billion in damages. Such cases highlight the damages of unvetted third-party systems, which often provide opportunities for cybercriminals to access sensitive data.

Gartner predicts that in 2025, 45% of all cyber burglaries will come from third parties. This is a wake-up call for organisations to bolster their third-party risk management frameworks. For individuals, it emphasises the importance finding the best data broker removal service to protect personal information.

AI-Driven Threats

Artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically altered the dynamics of cybersecurity, with the FBI warning of AI-driven threats. AI is a double-edged sword in cybersecurity: while AI tools are effective for defending against threats, cybercriminals are leveraging the technology to launch more sophisticated attacks. 

This is evident in the automotive space. Steve McEvoy, VP of automotive at Expleo (an engineering, technology, and consulting service provider), told JustAuto that modern vehicles are evolving into “‘supercomputers on wheels’, with some containing over 100 million lines of code—four times more than an F-35 jet”, which has “created a much larger surface for attacks.” There are risks “of AI being exploited by bad actors”. McEvoy warns, “We need to be just as vigilant in leveraging AI to protect ourselves as we are in developing it for good.” 

There may be particularly concerning dangers as autonomous driving becomes more widespread. McEvoy points out that AI algorithms monitor V2X communication systems. Vehicles use these systems to communicate with each other and the surrounding infrastructure. But the technology “opens up new vulnerabilities”, including hacking attempts. 

However, AI’s “predictive capabilities” offer some reassuring benefits. The ability to protect against manipulation of camera systems and sensors offers “a significant improvement over traditional cybersecurity measures”.    

AI-powered malware can adapt its behavior to avoid detection, and attackers use machine learning algorithms to identify vulnerabilities and craft phishing schemes. By analysing social media activity and other public data, AI tools can generate convincing messages tailored to specific individuals and organizations. AI is also being used for deepfake videos and audio for impersonation, fraud, and blackmail.

Quantum Computing and Encryption

Quantum computing is still in its infancy but as the technology matures, organizations will face more challenges to safeguard their data. Chinese experts proclaimed a recent breakthrough, reaching 372 qubits that could challenge the widely used RSA-2048 scheme. In other words, quantum computing could threaten the widely used public-key encryption algorithm. 

To the average individual, this emphasises the need to use services that are in the process of migrating to quantum-safe encryption. Already, financial bodies and the government are on the trail of what is known as post-quantum cryptography to shield highly sensitive information.

Social Engineering Tactics

Cybercriminals are refining their social engineering tactics, using psychological manipulation to exploit our vulnerabilities. Deepfake technology is used for impersonation and fraud and organizations must implement technologies to detect and block these attacks. 

According to Microsoft, business email compromise (BEC) crimes “are on the rise due to increase remote work”. The company reports that there were almost 20,000 BEC complaints to the FBI in 2020. 

With the wide availability and integration of AI, social engineering is also expected to become more troublesome in 2025.

Biometric Authentication

Traditional password-based authentication is now commonly seen as inadequate. Biometric solutions – fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, behavioural analytics – offer stronger security, as well as user convenience. In the next year, more organisations will adopt biometrics to protect sensitive data. 

IoT Security Under the Spotlight

 The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has created vast opportunities for attackers. Devices range from smart home appliances to industrial control systems, and many of these lack robust security, making them attractive targets for criminals. In 2025, stricter regulations and industry standards are expected to drive improvements in security. 

Ransomware Still a Threat

Cybercriminals are employing more advanced ransomware attacks such as double extortion, where they threaten to leak stolen data if the ransom is not paid. Organisations must focus on proactive measures such as regular data backups, robust endpoint protection, and employee training to defend against ransomware.

Last word

Cybersecurity will continue to be a huge issue in 2025. Governments and international organisations will play a crucial role in addressing the threat of AI-powered crime. Companies are facing a wider range of threats and must be prepared. Organisations that stay ahead by integrating AI into their security measures and fostering a culture of vigilance will be better equipped to mitigate the threats.