As each year passes, you undoubtedly see new evolutions in your business that help for continued growth or expansion of its presence in the market. However, your business isn’t the only thing that changes every year. There are also numerous technological developments that effectively reshape how industries operate.

However, while many of these new developments can bring significant value to businesses, they have also introduced a new range of cyber threats that continue to challenge the effectiveness of traditional cybersecurity measures.

While not all of these threats pose a significant risk to your business, it is essential to be aware of their presence and ensure you have the necessary protocols in place to mitigate them. Below, we’ll review six going trends in cybersecurity that you should be watching in 2025.

AI-Driven Attacks and Defenses

For nearly all industries, AI technology has completely disrupted normal ways of doing business. Many times, these disruptions have been beneficial, introducing faster and more automated ways of carrying out business operations. However, there can be a darker side to this evolution.

Cybercriminals have also learned to leverage AI technologies to scale their attacks at unprecedented levels. Using dark web AI tools, attackers can generate sophisticated phishing schemes, create new malicious coding scripts, and distribute harmful malware. 

However, in response to this ongoing threat, cybersecurity teams are also finding ways to leverage AI to counteract these new attack methods. For example, many modern security solutions now leverage machine learning algorithms to quickly analyze network activity in real-time while identifying any potential patterns in user access that might signal a potential data breach. 

These tools save security professionals hours of manual effort and provide them the extra time they need to react to threats before they cause irreparable damage. 

The Changing Face of Ransomware

By now, you’re probably fully aware of the harm that ransomware can bring to your business. However, while you may have already invested in certain security protocols or internal policies to help mitigate the risks of becoming infected, it is essential to recognize that ransomware strains and the companies they target continue to evolve over time.

Today, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting high-value organizations when launching ransomware attacks. Many of these organizations provide essential public services, such as hospitals, utility companies, and government agencies.Because these organizations are so critical, attackers are betting that the high pressure to avoid downtime will push them to pay the ransom rather than risk extended disruptions.

Another issue has been the growth of dark web marketplaces, making it even easier for cybercriminals to sell their stolen data to other criminals. This means businesses not only have the challenge of repairing their systems after a successful attack, but they also need to worry about long-term data security and compliance repercussions. 

Targeted Attacks on Cloud-Based Infrastructure

Cloud adoption rates continue to increase annually. As more businesses adopt remote and hybrid workforces, reliance on cloud-based infrastructure has become a crucial element for growth. However, as your business makes the shift to the cloud, it’s essential to consider the inherent risks associated with operating in these environments. 

Cybercriminals are increasingly aware that more businesses are transitioning to the cloud, and they are capitalizing on specific configuration errors or security gaps in new deployments. Many businesses unknowingly launch their cloud environments without implementing the necessary access controls or network protections, leaving themselves vulnerable to attack. 

Attackers are also becoming more educated on specific cloud platforms and their known weaknesses. They are highly skilled in using the same tools that developers use to configure API connections, providing them with even more options to compromise cloud environments that lack the necessary security protections.

Ongoing Security Risks of IoT

We’ve all become used to staying connected online with nearly everything we do. A big part of this need in both our personal and professional lives has been driven by the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices are now utilized in a wide range of applications, including smart appliances, fitness trackers, medical equipment, and industrial production lines. 

While this network of devices and sensors can be incredibly useful for monitoring and transmitting relevant data, it also significantly expands digital attack surfaces. Unfortunately, IoT devices are often left unsecured in relation to other parts of a network. This creates weak points that cybercriminals can exploit to gain access and intercept private data.

Continuous Shortages in Cybersecurity Talent

For years, there has been a decline in the availability of cybersecurity talent for businesses. Unfortunately, this trend continues with an ongoing need for more specialists in areas such as Identity and Access Management (IAM), AI security and compliance, digital forensics, and network configurations.

To help bridge these gaps, there has been a push for businesses to upskill their current teams with structured cybersecurity education and professional certifications. This helps reduce reliance on outside specialists while creating company cultures focused on shared ownership of security planning.

Keep Your Business Updated Moving Forward

Growing your business successfully requires more than great products and excellent customer service. You also need to stay aware of how modern security threats continue to evolve and the actions you should take to lower your risks.

Author Bio Information

Author Bio:

Nazy Fouladirad is President and COO of Tevora, a global leading cybersecurity consultancy. She has dedicated her career to creating a more secure business and online environment for organizations across the country and world. She is passionate about serving her community and acts as a board member for a local nonprofit organization.