As we look to the future, the cybersecurity landscape is evolving faster than ever. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and attacks on the rise, businesses and individuals alike must stay ahead of emerging trends to protect sensitive data and systems. According to Microsoft, ransomware attacks have increased by 2.75 times this year alone, and cyber attack predictions for 2024 suggest a 105% rise since 2020. As we move into 2025, the urgency to bolster cyber defenses has never been greater. Here are the top five trends that experts predict will shape the cybersecurity field in the coming year…
1. The Growing Importance of Third-Party Risk Management
Supply chain attacks have made headlines recently, such as the CrowdStrike breach that affected millions of devices worldwide. These incidents underscore the need for heightened vigilance when it comes to third-party risk. With more companies relying on generative AI in software development, the software supply chain, including AI-driven components, has become a key target for attackers.
Experts predict that by 2025, organisations will prioritise proactive monitoring of their supply chains, including AI models and datasets, to prevent vulnerabilities. Security teams will adopt zero-trust architectures to ensure the integrity of external partnerships and software development practices.
Max Shier, CISO at Optiv, highlights the importance of governance and compliance in managing third-party risk: “Increased oversight and regulatory requirements will drive the need for companies to mature their governance, risk, and compliance programs.”
2. Macs Will Be Targeted More Than Ever
Once thought to be more secure than their Windows counterparts, Macs are increasingly becoming a target for cybercriminals. Researchers at Moonlock have observed a 3.4-fold rise in macOS-targeted malware in 2024, with stealer malware becoming particularly prevalent.
The increasing use of Apple devices in corporate environments, coupled with rising cybercriminal interest in macOS vulnerabilities, makes Macs a prime target for attacks. Expect to see more exploits targeting macOS operating systems, as hackers continue to innovate in their attack strategies.
3. Identity Management Shifts to Security Teams
As identity-based attacks remain a leading cause of security breaches, responsibility for managing identities and access control is shifting from IT departments to security teams. Security experts predict that in 2025, organisations will focus more on eliminating weak points in identity management, especially as service accounts and privileged identities become harder to control.
Sagie Dulce, VP of Research at Zero Networks, warns: “Many organisations are blind to their exposure from service accounts and third-party access. Attackers know that these identities are often the easiest targets.”
4. Cyber Regulations Will Create National Divides
The geopolitical landscape will heavily influence cybersecurity regulations in 2025, as nation-state attacks become more frequent. Expect countries to enforce stricter cybersecurity laws to protect their national interests. Vishal Gupta, CEO of Seclore, notes: “Countries will enact regulations to protect themselves and limit cross-border collaboration, making it harder for businesses to operate globally without compliance challenges.”
This trend will place a heavier burden on organisations to navigate complex regulations, particularly in industries with sensitive data or critical infrastructure.
5. Targeted Attacks on Specific Employees Using AI
AI is making cyberattacks more personalised and effective. Cybercriminals are using AI to impersonate individuals, often targeting high-ranking employees or those with access to sensitive information. One notable incident involved hackers using AI to mimic a CFO’s voice, tricking a finance worker into authorising a $25 million transfer.
As AI enhances the sophistication of social engineering attacks, employees at all levels must be more vigilant about the risks. Darius Belejevas, head of Incogni, warns: “Hackers are actively gathering personal information to target specific individuals, often without them even realising it.”
Organisations will need to invest in training their teams to recognise AI-enhanced threats and adopt better practices for identity protection.
As the digital world continues to evolve, so too must our approach to cybersecurity. By understanding and preparing for these emerging trends, businesses can strengthen their defenses and protect themselves against the increasingly complex web of cyber threats in 2025.
Source: Tech Republic