In 2025, cyber threats will become increasingly sophisticated, leveraging advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). Ransomware remains a dominant threat, with attackers employing double-extortion tactics and targeting critical infrastructure. AI-driven attacks are on the rise, as cybercriminals use machine learning (ML) to create more adaptive malware and execute highly personalized phishing campaigns. Supply chain attacks continue to grow, exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party vendors to infiltrate organizations. The proliferation of IoT devices introduces new attack vectors, with hackers targeting interconnected systems in healthcare, manufacturing and smart cities.
The major cyber focus areas for practitioners in 2025 should be centered around the following themes, marked by several critical trends and challenges:
- Increased Targeting of National Security and Critical Infrastructure: Cyberattacks on vital sectors like communications, power grids, water supply systems and healthcare facilities are predicted to rise significantly. The damage caused by China-linked attacks (Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon) will become more evident and widespread, and the data exfiltrated will allow state-sponsored threat actors to pivot to other sectors and attempt to deepen their foothold into their phase I victims. This could have devastating consequences for public safety and national security.
- AI-Driven Cyber Threats: AI and ML are increasingly being leveraged by cybercriminals to develop more sophisticated attacks. AI-powered malware and deepfakes, such as the Hong Kong CFO deepfake video example, will become more common and pose significant risks, as they can evade detection and manipulate information more effectively.
- Rise of IoT Vulnerabilities: The rapid expansion of IoT, fueled by the widespread adoption of 5G, is creating a larger attack surface. The manufacturing sector’s exponential growth use of IoT devices, which often lack robust security features, will become prime targets for cyberattacks, leading to increased risks of botnet attacks and data breaches.
- Ransomware Evolution: Ransomware attacks are expected to become even more dangerous, shifting from merely encrypting data to targeting the functionality of critical systems. This evolution includes the rise of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), making it easier for less technically skilled attackers to launch attacks. With the attack entry bar so low, governments and companies must shift toward resilience, with organizations increasing their focus on recovery and continuity in addition to prevention.
- Cybercrime Costs: The financial impact of cybercrime is projected to reach astronomical levels, with estimates suggesting global costs could exceed $10 trillion annually by 2025. This includes the direct costs of attacks, such as ransom payments, as well as indirect costs like lost productivity, damage to reputation, and the expense of rebuilding systems.
- Downstream Cyber Victimization: A significant 2024 cyberattack, dubbed the “Mother of All Breaches” (MOAB), involved the exposure of more than 26 billion records. This breach was a collection of data from multiple prior incidents, compiled and exposed due to vulnerabilities in the system. The exposed data contained highly sensitive information, including personal and financial details, making it a gold mine for cybercriminals. This breach, uncovered by researchers, affected more than 3,800 domains. Although many of the records were from older breaches, the sheer volume and sensitivity of the data made it particularly concerning. This event highlights the increasing scale and impact of cyberattacks, as billions of records are exposed through combinations of earlier breaches and misconfigured systems and the impact downstream of threat actors having the ability to use AI and ML to analyze and synthesize 26 billion records to create new attack paths.
As these trends unfold, the importance of building resilient systems, improving threat detection and ensuring robust cybersecurity practices across industries will be more crucial than ever.