Cybersecurity Priorities 2025

Jan. 23, 2025 /Mpelembe Media/ —  Info-Tech Research Group’s 2025 Security Priorities report identifies key cybersecurity challenges, including the rise of AI-powered threats and quantum computing. The report, based on extensive research, advises organisations to proactively manage risks by operationalising AI security, strengthening identity management, and building resilient vendor security practices. It also highlights the need to defend against deepfakes and prepare for a post-quantum era. The report stresses integrating security into overall business strategy for long-term success and offers practical solutions to enhance cybersecurity readiness and resilience. Experts from Info-Tech provide commentary and analysis within the report.

The cybersecurity landscape is currently dominated by several key threats that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. These threats include:

AI-powered attacks: The rise of artificial intelligence is not only creating opportunities but also presenting significant risks, as cybercriminals are using AI to develop more advanced and sophisticated attacks.

Identity-based attacks: These are on the rise, making it crucial to modernize Identity and Access Management (IAM) programs.

Deepfakes: Deepfake technology is emerging as a significant threat, requiring organizations to invest in training and detection technologies.

Quantum computing risks: Although still a long-term threat, the potential impact of quantum computing on current encryption methods is a concern, and organizations need to prepare for a post-quantum era.

Third-party vulnerabilities: Supply chain vulnerabilities are a significant concern, and organizations are encouraged to adopt a risk-based approach to vendor security assessments.

These threats are evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and increasing regulatory requirements. This evolution requires a shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies that address these emerging risks. The need for organisations to align their security strategies with regulatory frameworks, such as the EU’s NIS2 Directive and the UK’s Cyber Security Strategy, is crucial in maintaining resilience and minimising risks.

Info-Tech Research Group’s Security Priorities 2025 report identifies five key cybersecurity priorities for organisations to focus on in 2025. These priorities are designed to help organisations navigate an evolving and challenging technological landscape. The five priorities are:

Operationalise AI Security: With the increasing adoption of AI, organisations need to establish responsible AI governance to mitigate security and privacy risks. This includes developing clear policies for secure AI deployment and assessing potential vulnerabilities.

Strengthen Identity & Access Management (IAM): As identity-based attacks rise, modernising IAM programs is crucial. This can be achieved by implementing zero-trust security models, risk-based authentication, and continuous identity verification.

Build a Resilient Vendor Security Management Practice: Third-party risks remain a significant concern. Organisations should adopt a risk-based approach to vendor security assessments, establish continuous monitoring processes, and collaborate with stakeholders to address supply chain vulnerabilities.

Defend Against Deepfakes: As deepfake technology emerges as a significant threat, organisations must invest in training and technology to detect and mitigate deepfake-driven attacks. It is also necessary to establish policies to verify suspicious activities and protect critical assets.

Prepare for a Post-Quantum Era: Quantum computing poses a long-term threat to current encryption methods. Organisations need to develop quantum-resilient cryptographic strategies and conduct risk assessments to prepare for the impact of quantum advancements.

These priorities aim to ensure that cybersecurity is integrated into the core of organisational strategies, driving both innovation and risk mitigation. By addressing these priorities, cybersecurity leaders can better position their organisations to thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment.

The cybersecurity landscape in the UK and Europe is undergoing a significant transformation driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. These technologies are introducing both substantial opportunities and unique risks.

The report, “Security Priorities 2025” by Info-Tech Research Group, highlights specific threats related to AI and quantum computing. These emerging technologies are transforming the cybersecurity landscape, presenting both new opportunities and unique risks.

Here are the specific threats highlighted in the report:

AI-Powered Attacks: The report notes that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is not only creating opportunities but is also being used by cybercriminals to develop more advanced and sophisticated attacks. This requires organisations to proactively establish responsible AI governance to mitigate security and privacy risks. This also includes developing clear policies for secure AI deployment and assessing potential vulnerabilities. Organisations must not only defend against these threats but also embrace forward-thinking, proactive measures, including a diversified training program to enhance employee awareness of AI-driven threats.

Quantum Computing Risks: While still a long-term threat, quantum computing poses a significant risk to current encryption methods. The report emphasizes that organisations need to prepare for a post-quantum era by developing quantum-resilient cryptographic strategies and conducting risk assessments. This preparation is crucial to ensure organisations are ready for the eventual impact of quantum advancements on cybersecurity.

The report underscores that these threats are part of a broader shift in cybersecurity, requiring a move from reactive measures to proactive strategies. This involves integrating security into the core of organisational strategies. By addressing these specific threats, cybersecurity leaders can better position their organisations to thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment.

The press release is available here