BeyondTrust, a global leader in cybersecurity focused on protecting Paths to Privilege™, has released its annual forecast outlining cybersecurity trends for 2025 and beyond. Authored by a team of experts, including Morey J. Haber, Chief Security Officer, and other key figures, the report identifies emerging threats and disruptive technologies set to reshape security strategies in the coming years.
- AI2 Bursts the Bubble: The Reality of AI in Security
- The concept of AI2, or “Artificial Inflation” of Artificial Intelligence, signifies a shift away from over-promised capabilities in AI security.
- While AI will still serve basic automation needs, organizations will prioritize practical applications that enhance security without the surrounding marketing noise.
- Quantum Computing Threats: A Looming Challenge
- Quantum computing poses significant risks to existing cryptographic defenses, especially for large enterprises.
- Organizations, particularly in the financial sector, must prepare for the gradual transition to post-quantum encryption standards introduced by NIST in 2024.
- Hidden Paths to Privilege: A New Battleground
- Attackers will increasingly exploit obscure identity paths, including convoluted trust relationships and hidden entitlements, to gain privileged access.
- Organizations will need to reassess their identity and access hygiene to mitigate lateral movement and privilege escalation risks.
- The Rise of Reverse Identity Theft
- A new trend in cybersecurity will be reverse identity theft, where stolen data is merged with other personal information to create fraudulent identities.
- This trend complicates identity security as organizations struggle to identify legitimate users versus impostors.
- Planned Obsolescence: Hardware Upgrades Needed
- With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in late 2025, millions of systems will become obsolete, necessitating hardware upgrades or alternative operating systems.
- This will lead to an influx of outdated devices that are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Cyber Insurance: Adapting to New Risks
- Cyber insurance providers will need to revise policies to address new risks posed by AI and quantum computing.
- Expect terms to evolve, similar to traditional exclusions for acts of war, pushing businesses to adopt cyber-resilient practices to maintain coverage.
BeyondTrust’s Long-Term Cybersecurity Projections:
- The Decline of Malware Dominance
- The traditional threat vector of malware is expected to decline as attackers focus more on exploiting identity and access vulnerabilities.
- Organizations must prioritize identity protection and reduce the risk associated with compromised accounts.
- Disruption of Traditional Networks by Satellite Connectivity
- Advances in satellite connectivity will disrupt traditional 5G and broadband networks, creating new attack surfaces as satellite communication becomes more prevalent.
BeyondTrust’s forecast for 2025 highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for organizations to prepare for emerging threats. By understanding these trends, businesses can implement proactive measures to enhance their security posture and protect against future attack vectors. As Morey Haber stated, “Preparing for what’s ahead makes all the difference in risk management effectiveness.”
