Top 5 Cybersecurity Trends in 2025: What Should You Be Ready For?

One of the key challenges in modern cybersecurity is the astonishing speed at which technology evolves. To keep up, it's not enough to simply follow innovations - it's essential to anticipate them whenever possible. That’s why forecasting trends for the coming years is not just interesting, but also highly practical. Let’s take a glimpse into the future and explore which trends are likely to shape the cybersecurity landscape in 2025.

1. The growing role of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an exceptional pace and is now used both as a weapon and a shield in the cybersecurity space. Hackers increasingly rely on AI to craft phishing messages, generate deepfake videos, and automate system breaches. It’s projected that by 2027, more than 17% of cyberattacks will involve generative AI.

2. The rise of “Shadow AI”

This refers to AI models used by employees without IT department approval. For example, a study by Melbourne Business School revealed that 48% of employees had already uploaded confidential data into public AI tools. Another 44% admitted to using AI at work despite explicit employer bans. This creates a constant risk of data leakage via unvetted third-party APIs. In the near future, we can expect the emergence of dedicated Shadow AI detectors.

3. The threat of quantum computing

Quantum computers have the potential to break most traditional encryption algorithms, including RSA and ECC. Even now, attackers are trying to intercept encrypted data with the hope of decrypting it later - a tactic known as “harvest now, decrypt later.” Countermeasures are still lagging, although in 2024, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) approved the first quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms.

4. The evolution of ransomware

Ransomware remains far too effective for cybercriminals to abandon. On the contrary, its usage is growing, and the attack methods are becoming more diverse. Increasingly, attackers are turning to double or even triple extortion - first encrypting data, then threatening to publish it or launch DDoS attacks if the ransom isn’t paid.

5. Advancements in cloud security

In 2024, over 85% of companies were using cloud services. This highlights the convenience and efficiency of cloud technologies, but it also makes them attractive targets for attacks. Key risks include misconfiguration, credential theft, and API-based attacks. Security systems for cloud environments are expected to evolve, incorporating zero-trust architecture, data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and the widespread adoption of cloud-native SIEM platforms for real-time monitoring.

Other notable trends include the rising threat to IoT devices, the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities, an increase in sophisticated phishing campaigns, and a growing shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals.Yet the dominant trend is clear: AI is becoming increasingly embedded in every aspect of the digital ecosystem.