As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, the cyber security landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace.
Emerging technologies, expanding regulatory pressures, and the continuing innovation of threat actors are shaping a future where security and resilience are more critical than ever.
Our experts have shared their thoughts on the key topics and trends that will define the years ahead in cyber security. These insights aim to inspire action and preparation as we confront a world of rapid disruption and boundless potential. Whether you’re steering a business, shaping policy, or enhancing personal security, the future is here—and it’s moving fast.
An increasingly hostile cyber threat landscape
Matt Hull, Global Head of Threat Intelligence:
We can be pretty certain that the next big third-party compromise is just around the corner, and when it happens, the ripple effects could be devastating for organisations caught in the crossfire. Add to this the rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), which are giving rise to a new generation of cybercriminals. With AI-driven tools, social engineering scams are becoming more convincing, and generative AI, deepfake technology, and large language models are making these attacks harder to spot.
At the same time, persistent vulnerabilities stemming from cloud misconfigurations and insecure APIs remain a significant concern. A single misstep in a cloud environment could expose sensitive data, and poorly secured APIs are practically an open invitation for attackers to exploit critical systems.
Looking ahead, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices represents a significant threat. These handy, connected gadgets and devices that make life more convenient, unfortunately, come with their own risks. From smart fridges to city-wide IoT systems, many of these devices lack robust security, making them prime targets for hackers. Cybercriminals have already shown how IoT devices can be hijacked to create massive botnets, and attackers have even taken control of devices for trivial purposes, highlighting their fragility. As these devices become part of critical infrastructure, their potential for causing disruption—and exposing sensitive information—only grows.
Ransomware, a long-standing cyber threat, is also undergoing a shift. While encrypting data and demanding payment has been a dominant tactic, many attackers are now prioritising data theft instead. Why? Because it’s quicker, easier, and more profitable. Stolen data can be used for extortion, fraud, identity theft, or even to facilitate future breaches, making it a highly valuable asset that can be monetised quickly. Cybercriminals are nothing if not opportunistic, and they’ll always gravitate towards the fastest, simplest way to make money.
And then there’s the geopolitical dimension. Nation-state cyber threats are ramping up, targeting critical infrastructure like energy, healthcare, and telecommunications. Sophisticated campaigns, such as that being undertaken by Volt Typhoon, have already exposed vulnerabilities in telecommunications, highlighting how adversaries use cyber attacks to prepare for potential conflicts.
These attacks often involve “pre-positioning,” where adversaries covertly infiltrate systems, “low and slow”, to prepare for future disruption, sabotage, or other activities. It’s not a stretch to say that many critical networks may already have backdoors planted, waiting to be activated at the most opportune moment.